[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant":3,"chapter-titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-chapter-151":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Titan King: Ascension of the Giant",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},244571,518,"Chapter 151 Invasion over, withdraw and return","titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-chapter-151",151,"\u003Cp>Orion didn't answer Delilah's question. Truthfully, he didn't know what to do next either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did Lord Gareth anticipate this situation? Does she have a backup plan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's thoughts grew heavier as he tried to take a broader view of the current predicament, considering the challenges from a strategic perspective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe even Lord Gareth didn't expect Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock to be this strong,\" he muttered to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Gareth had indeed underestimated the Thunderstorm Bear brothers. Stormrage City's defenders were like an unbreakable wall of steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, Orion finally snapped out of his thoughts. He glanced at Delilah and shared his conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For now, there's nothing we can do. We'll stay here and wait for news.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delilah blinked, confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait for news?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, wait for news. Either Lord Gareth will send reinforcements, or we'll receive orders to retreat. If that happens, the Invasion ends here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dear chieftain, what if Lord Gareth blames us for this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Blame us? Heh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion chuckled softly. Would Lord Gareth blame him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, she would.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Orion had his reasons. If not for his exceptional physical resilience, he would have ended up like Thunderwing last night—reduced to nothing but a bloodstain, a casualty of Greenstorm's final attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking of Thunderwing, she was perhaps the most unfortunate of them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the earlier battle and the exchanges between Thunderwing and Greenstorm, Orion had deduced that Thunderwing had likely been sent to assist Stormrage City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she could never have anticipated being obliterated by Greenstorm's energy blast when he lost his sanity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, if Lord Gareth truly wanted to conquer Stormrage City without personally leading the charge, she would need to sacrifice at least four Alpha-level powerhouses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cost was simply too high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prophet, Rendall, are you both alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Onyx and Rendall shook their heads, their expressions filled with gratitude. If not for Orion's warning, they would have either died or been gravely injured in the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's gaze shifted to Slagor, who quickly shook his head and put on a sincere look of appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Orion, from now on, I'll follow your lead!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor wasn't foolish enough to suggest another assault on Stormrage City. Only a madman would charge back into that death trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor was more than happy to wait things out until the Myriad Races Invasion officially ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Taking Stormrage City isn't as simple as we thought,\" Orion said, his tone heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After this battle, their defenses will only grow tighter. And there's a chance Lord Ariel might send reinforcements.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's words made Slagor jump to his feet in alarm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Orion, we should retreat immediately! If Lord Ariel's reinforcements arrive, we won't even have a chance to escape!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion glanced at Slagor and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we delay too long, Lord Gareth will notice as well. Who knows? We might even receive reinforcements from her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a sharp cry echoed through the forest canopy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the screech of a thunderhawk—a sound everyone in the camp was used to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Orion's forces included members of the Skytalon Tribe, no one paid it much attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Orion, who could understand the thunderhawk's language, narrowed his eyes as his thoughts deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thunderhawk he had recently tamed had not been used in battle. Orion had kept it as a hidden card, a trump for emergencies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, that trump card was delivering a message: a Storm Vulture was approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This could only mean one thing—Lord Gareth's messenger was on the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The messenger could be bringing one of three things: a demand for progress, reinforcements, or an order to retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These possibilities flashed through Orion's mind in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, Orion turned to Slagor and said, \"Retreating now isn't an option. If Lord Gareth blames us later, will you take responsibility?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, send out all your scouts. I want to know the movements of our enemies in Stormrage City and ensure our retreat route is clear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's plan was simple: stay vigilant while preparing for a potential retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor and Delilah both nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's orders made it clear that he was already considering a withdrawal, which Slagor wholeheartedly supported.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By nightfall, Arden arrived at the camp, riding his Storm Vulture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Lord Gareth's command, Orion, Slagor—you are to retreat immediately!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This southern invasion ends here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion narrowed his eyes but said nothing, ignoring Arden entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor, on the other hand, hurried forward, bowing and scraping as he struck up a conversation with Arden, exchanging information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion turned to his subordinates and issued his orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Spread the word. Break camp immediately. We're going home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word \"home\" carried a magical weight, bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who heard it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the retreat underway, there was much to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take stock of all supplies, slaves, and captives. We're taking everything with us,\" Orion instructed Delilah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delilah nodded but hesitated, as if she wanted to say something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak your mind,\" Orion said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dear chieftain, we have a lot of supplies, but I don't have enough people to manage it all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion nodded and turned to Rendall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder, now that our cannon fodder troops have been significantly reduced, it's time to reorganize them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rank the members of the cannon fodder troops based on their contributions, from Level 1 to Level 9. Level 1 is the lowest, Level 9 the highest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those who reach Level 9 and show exceptional talent will be absorbed into the Stoneheart Horde's regular forces.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the rest, any useless captives will be added to the cannon fodder troops. We can't afford to waste food on those who don't contribute.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion paused for a moment, then turned to Prophet Onyx.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prophet, you work with Rendall. I need the cannon fodder troops reorganized as quickly as possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Onyx nodded, his expression serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once the troops are reorganized, they'll assist Delilah in transporting all our supplies back to Moonshadow Valley.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Orion's true goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A reorganized and disciplined cannon fodder force would ensure the safe transport of their hard-earned spoils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, about the maps—Prophet, make the necessary arrangements.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lilith directed the battle while casting Illusions: Mind Confusion, disrupting the senses of the underground worms crawling up the fissure walls. The disoriented worms hesitated, unable to advance further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking advantage of the moment, Thundar and the bloodline warriors hurled spears and fired arrows, killing the worms one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This defensive counterattack had become a routine over the past few days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days ago, the underground fissure had begun spewing out waves of worms, and the situation had only grown worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To prevent Moonshadow Valley from falling, Lilith had organized a defensive force to kill every worm that emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Lilith had ordered stone walls to be built around the canyon beforehand. Without them, the situation would have been far more dire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spears flew through the air, pinning the worms trying to crawl out of the fissure. Furious hisses echoed from the depths of the underground fissure, filled with frustration and rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finally, we've pushed them back again!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the worms retreated, Lilith let out a long sigh of relief. For three days, her nerves had been stretched to their limit, and she hadn't had a moment to relax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lilith, you should rest. I'll keep watch here,\" Thundar said as he approached from the edge of the fissure, his tone filled with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lilith nodded, then paused to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll leave little Lorelia here. If anything happens, have her notify me immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll rest for half a day and come back to relieve you, Elder Thundar.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thundar nodded in agreement. He hadn't slept in three days and nights either, but his condition was slightly better than Lilith's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Lorelia, send out your hatched children to monitor the fissure closely!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mistress, don't worry. I'll make sure nothing gets past us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spider Queen Lorelia, now resembling a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old girl in her upper body, had recently advanced to hero-level. Her hatched spiderlings now possessed combat capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past two days, her spiderlings had been instrumental in defending the fissure. Without them, holding the line would have been nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still no news from the south?\" Lilith asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thundar shook his head. There was no word from Orion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If only the chieftain, the prophet, or Rendall were here,\" Thundar muttered, finally realizing just how crucial an Alpha-level presence was to the horde.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunderwood Forest, Somewhere in the Dense Woods\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Arden met with Orion face-to-face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through his exchange of information with Slagor, Arden had come to understand that the giant before him was not only powerful but also brimming with potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Storm Vulture carrying Arden disappeared into the distance, Orion glanced at Slagor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, what did Arden tell you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor frowned, his voice heavy as he watched the Storm Vulture shrink into a black dot on the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel fought fiercely at Thunderpeak Mountain. The result? Lord Gareth announced a retreat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The scorpions to the west also encountered a powerful enemy. They're pinned down and unable to advance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion lowered his head in thought. Both pieces of news pointed to one conclusion: Lord Ariel's faction and personal strength were superior to Lord Gareth's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor shook his head, his tone tinged with frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That guy's tight-lipped. I couldn't get much out of him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Orion, I suspect Gareth might be injured,\" Slagor added, lowering his voice and glancing around to ensure no one else was nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion raised an eyebrow, surprised by Slagor's boldness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not afraid of dying anymore?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aren't you worried Gareth will punish you for saying that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor looked up, feigning confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you talking about, Orion? I don't understand a word you're saying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion couldn't help but laugh. Slagor was too clever for his own good, immediately denying his own words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, whatever happens, it's none of our business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn't hear anything today,\" Orion said, tossing out the words as he turned and headed back to his tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor watched Orion's retreating figure and thought to himself, * This giant is smart. We'll work well together in the future. *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Orion and Slagor's forces quickened their pace, moving northward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord, Greenstorm of Stormrage City is dead. Elder Thunderwing was… also killed by Greenstorm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The giant you wanted to hunt has escaped. They're moving toward Half-Moon Lake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should we pursue and eliminate them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Ariel sat on her throne, her eyes closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long moment, she calmed her turbulent emotions and spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let them go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They'll invade the south again. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have our people focus on reconnaissance. Once the enemy leaves Thunderwood Forest, send our forces to guard key areas.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And one more thing—prepare to drive the beast tide northward before winter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The harpy elder bowed and left to carry out her orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lord Ariel's complexion was pale. Her battle with Lord Gareth had left both of them injured, making it unwise for her to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph… Gareth, this winter will be hell for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beast tides, dark beast tides, and invasions from the north—those icefield monsters are even more savage and hungry than you…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you're injured, too… hahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought of Gareth struggling through the winter made Lord Ariel laugh uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that damned giant… I hope you survive the onslaught of those monsters!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Myriad Races Invasion, a tradition passed down for countless years, was far more than just a name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every year, northern lords organized invasions into the south to seize resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't unique to Gareth's territory—other regions did the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For lords, invading the south was a necessity to secure resources, faith, and power. It was an unspoken rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Gareth could invade Thunderwood Forest to the south, enemies from the far north could invade Gareth's lands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For years, the northern enemies had been quiet, likely gathering strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next year, they would begin their invasion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion, of course, had no idea about any of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment, he was meeting with Dirtclaw, who had recently been promoted to an eighth-level slave leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dirtclaw, prepare yourself. When we pass through the gnoll territory, we'll take your women and children with us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Their safety and management will be your responsibility.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're still the chieftain of the gnoll tribe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirtclaw was stunned. Over the past few days, as he followed Orion's forces in retreat, his greatest fear had been abandonment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirtclaw feared that Orion would discard him and his tribe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the war ending, the cannon fodder troops' purpose was nearing its conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the former leader of the gnoll tribe, Dirtclaw knew all too well that in peacetime, cannon fodder troops were nothing more than a drain on resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most likely outcome for such troops was abandonment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abandoned gnolls wouldn't survive in Thunderwood Forest. They would be slaughtered by other races.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Great chieftain, your generosity and vision are unmatched!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honorable master, thank you for your mercy. Dirtclaw will serve you until death!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion raised a hand, cutting off Dirtclaw's flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dirtclaw, eighth-level slave leader of the cannon fodder troops, hear my command. For your contributions, I hereby promote you to the seventy-third elder of the Stoneheart Horde. You will lead the gnoll tribe and enjoy the privileges of a regular elder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your branch of the gnoll tribe will be integrated into the Stoneheart Horde and exempt from cannon fodder duties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirtclaw trembled, tears streaming down his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since being enslaved, he had worked tirelessly to prove his worth, pushing his tribe to the brink to earn recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, his efforts had paid off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honorable master, Dirtclaw will fight for the Stoneheart Horde until his last breath!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Dirtclaw knelt, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion nodded and said calmly, \"You should thank your master. It was Delilah who spoke on your behalf.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remember, do everything she asks of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Dirtclaw left, Orion fell into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirtclaw was a test—a model for integrating other races into the Stoneheart Horde.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the horde grew stronger, more members from different races would join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How should they be managed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dirtclaw was the first step in finding an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By elevating Dirtclaw, Orion hoped to inspire the other gnolls, showing them a path to advancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would motivate the cannon fodder troops to fight harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it wasn't just for the gnolls—this example was also meant for the surviving geckos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The future Stoneheart Horde would only accept the elite from the cannon fodder troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Orion's forces continued their journey north, the Black Forest drew closer with each passing day.\u003C\u002Fp>",2460,"2026-05-29T15:49:11.112Z","2026-06-01T04:29:39.741Z",1,"novelbin.me","599bb3a82dc71d2f0395632d209d30a5f6e5df713aaf46d76ca6e89c3a94c88d","titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-chapter-152","titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-chapter-150",1606,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ftitan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-cover.jpg"]