[{"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-186":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},244606,518,"Chapter 186 Wind elemental Gustalon","titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-chapter-186",186,"\u003Cp>Black Forest Border – Days Later\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a rugged region of intersecting ravines and dense forests, a unique terrain created by the intertwining of underground caves and woodland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also one of the main routes connecting the Abyssal Chasm to the Black Forest, and the first ambush site Orion had prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screech!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp eagle cry pierced the sky as Prophet Onyx emerged from a nearby cave, waving to guide Orion down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, over here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Onyx and Thundar approached to greet Orion as he dismounted from the Thunderhawk. They had arrived two days earlier and had been busy setting up traps and defensive lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, any news?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prophet Onyx, ever perceptive, noticed that Orion seemed troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Several days ago, I scouted east on the Thunderhawk and discovered that Slagor has migrated his entire tribe from the Poison Dragon Swamp to our Black Forest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion didn't hold back, sharing the details of Slagor's actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, didn't you reject Slagor's request? Why would he still migrate to our territory?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thundar frowned. Slagor's actions were tantamount to an invasion—a blatant provocation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph! That shameless lizard claimed his messenger never returned and must have been killed by the beasts of our Black Forest!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion snorted, clearly unimpressed by Slagor's excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, that's obviously just a pretext,\" Onyx said, his tone sharp. \"Slagor migrated here because he fears the icefield invaders and their monsters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion nodded. Onyx had hit the nail on the head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then explained how he had dealt with Slagor and the Trolls, leaving Onyx visibly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, Slagor really tricked the Trolls into coming here and offered them to us as a gift?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That lizard is insane!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion nodded again, offering no further explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, the Trolls' decision to submit would have been a cause for celebration. But things were different now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Stoneheart Horde growing stronger, the Trolls' value had diminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slagor's actions had merely accelerated the inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slagor and Gronthar are heading north to join us. For now, let's focus on the current situation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion had already informed Delilah about Slagor and Gronthar while en route. He trusted Delilah to handle the elderly, women, and children being escorted to Blackstone City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, look here,\" Onyx said, leading Orion to a ridge overlooking the ravines. He gestured toward the sprawling network of gullies below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This area of ravines is the main route connecting the Abyssal Chasm to the Black Forest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Other routes require crossing mountains, which would exhaust the enemy and waste their time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's why we're certain this is the path the enemy will take to move south.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion nodded. This area had been discussed extensively during the council meeting and was unanimously agreed upon as the first ambush site.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How are the preparations?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it was Thundar who answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, Elder Dirtclaw is leading the cannon fodder troops to set traps throughout the ravines. They've been working for two days, and the traps in the forward areas are nearly complete.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our warriors have also dug numerous tunnels along the ridges to conceal themselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion squinted, observing the faintly visible activity of the gnolls and geckos in the ravines below. After a moment of thought, he turned to Thundar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first wave of attacks will hit when the enemy is at their strongest and most numerous. We need to crush their morale right from the start.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This terrain is ideal for blocking and flanking. Have our bloodline warriors attack from the ridges with ranged weapons. Focus on killing as many as possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remember—hit and retreat. Avoid direct confrontation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's strategy was sound, but it deviated slightly from the original plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chieftain, aren't we aiming to take out their leaders in this ambush?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The decapitation strategy had been one of the primary objectives of the first ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll decide on the decapitation strike based on the situation,\" Orion replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For now, our priority is to conserve our forces and minimize casualties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion glanced at Thundar, who was staring at him intently, and at Onyx, who was frowning in thought. He decided to share his concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slagor's forced migration to the Black Forest was unexpected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slagor is cunning. He's a coward, yes, but his actions indirectly confirm how powerful and troublesome the icefield invaders are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the invaders find the Poison Dragon Swamp empty, they'll likely redirect their forces toward the Black Forest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's prediction was highly plausible, and it was his greatest concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If things got worse, the invaders attacking the western desert might also turn toward the Black Forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that happened, the Black Forest would become the focal point of the invasion—a dire situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Thundar and Onyx were visibly shaken by the implications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Horde had brought only a limited number of bloodline warriors for this campaign. Even with the cannon fodder troops, their total force barely exceeded 50,000.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If both the northern and eastern fronts were invaded, this force would be woefully insufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know the situation in the western desert yet,\" Orion continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But we must prepare for the worst.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's why conserving our forces during the ambush is our top priority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The possibility of a western invasion left Onyx and Thundar feeling disheartened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The situation is grim, but there's some good news,\" Orion said, attempting to lift their spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least Slagor and Gronthar have brought their tribes' bloodline warriors. Our numbers are increasing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've also instructed Delilah to send more scouts to the eastern and western fronts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If anything happens, we'll know immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion gazed out over the ravines, summarizing the current situation for Onyx and Thundar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was to ensure they understood the stakes and could adjust their approach during the ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prophet, Thundar, I'm leaving this area in your hands.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion placed two fingers in his mouth and let out a sharp whistle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thunderhawk appeared in the sky, diving toward Orion's position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a powerful leap, Orion mounted the Thunderhawk's back, leaving the ambush site in the hands of Onyx and Thundar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no intention of staying. With the situation evolving, Orion needed to scout the northern frontlines personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, his destination was clear—the Abyssal Chasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion intended to infiltrate Gareth's territory and uncover the current state of affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abyssal Chasm\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a region riddled with craters and pits, at least from Orion's vantage point high in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From above, the terrain appeared harsh and uneven, with countless shrubs growing in the depressions and numerous beasts roaming the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion couldn't help but feel curious. On the surface, the Abyssal Chasm seemed far less hospitable than the Black Forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, Gareth had chosen this place as her lair, making it the first target of the icefield invaders and their monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could there be something here that Gareth values?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Orion surveyed the land below, his mind wandered with speculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been in the Abyssal Chasm for a full day and had yet to encounter any of Gareth's guards. The region was blanketed in snow, giving it an eerie sense of calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a gust of wind and snow swept through the sky. Orion didn't notice anything unusual at first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Thunderhawk, accustomed to battling storms and soaring through turbulent skies, paid it no mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sssht!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't until a sharp sting on his cheek—where the wind had left a small cut—that Orion realized something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, his Ghostbone Armor activated, covering his entire body and shielding the Thunderhawk's vital areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh… BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening roar filled the air, a sound that was part howling wind and part the rumble of an enraged storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion and the Thunderhawk were suddenly surrounded by a screeching noise, like blades scraping against armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force of the wind was immense, creating a vacuum that exploded outward. Orion and the Thunderhawk were sent plummeting toward the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screech!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thunderhawk let out a sharp cry, flapping its wings furiously to stabilize itself. With a graceful arc, it regained altitude and continued flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Orion, there's an enemy! That was a strange attack—it came from the wind itself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thunderhawk, Rayden, sounded shaken. The earlier explosion had left parts of its body—those not covered by Ghostbone Armor—injured. Feathers were ruffled, and faint traces of blood were visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion wasn't unscathed either. His ice armor had shattered in several places, and he gripped his trident tightly, scanning the skies around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attack had clearly been aimed at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rayden, can you sense where the enemy is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, Orion. I can't sense anything. The wind elements in this area feel… off. They're no longer attuned to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The wind elements?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion frowned. The Thunderhawk was naturally attuned to both wind and lightning elements. If the wind elements were no longer responding to Rayden, it meant they were being controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This strongly suggested that the enemy was either a wind mage or a wind elemental beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rayden, keep moving. Don't stay in one place. Gain altitude!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trusting Orion's judgment, Rayden flapped its wings vigorously, climbing higher and higher until they broke through the cloud layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they ascended, the wind and snow returned, swirling around them once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snowflakes vanished as they entered the clouds, leaving only the invisible, relentless wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the disturbance in the clouds gave Orion a clue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continue reading at empire\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He noticed a suspicious movement—a patch of cloud seemed to be chasing the Thunderhawk, trailing closely behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rayden, release lightning behind us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bolt of lightning shot out, striking the suspicious cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, the sky lit up with electric arcs, and the wind howled in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as quickly as it had appeared, the phenomenon vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehehe… How interesting. This is the first time I've encountered an enemy who uses clouds to track my position!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice echoed from the nearby clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small tornado emerged, its winds swirling with diminished intensity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within the tornado, a translucent humanoid figure appeared, its gaze fixed on Orion and the Thunderhawk with a mix of curiosity and amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Orion, it's… it's an elemental! A wind elemental!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rayden's voice trembled as it sensed the overwhelming concentration of wind elements emanating from the figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion placed a reassuring hand on the Thunderhawk's head, signaling it to stay calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his attention to the elemental and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you? Why did you attack me without provocation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's first instinct was to skewer the elemental with his trident, but he held back. He needed information, and diplomacy—at least for now—seemed the wiser course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehehe… My name is Gustalon, as you can see, I'm a great wind elemental!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind elemental's voice was both gleeful and unhinged, its exaggerated mannerisms giving it an air of unpredictability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you one of the icefield invaders?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct! But unfortunately for you, knowing that won't save your life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's brow furrowed. Gustalon's arrogance was infuriating, as if killing Orion and Rayden would be a trivial task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think you alone can invade the Abyssal Chasm and the Black Forest? Isn't that a bit overconfident?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's tone was probing, trying to bait Gustalon into revealing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the wind elemental wasn't so easily fooled. It tilted its head, studying Orion with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From what I know, giants are a race that relies on brute strength and lacks intelligence. Why are you so clever?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's expression darkened. He couldn't tell if Gustalon was insulting him or paying him a backhanded compliment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One thing was clear: this enemy was both intelligent and difficult to manipulate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for an opponent like that, there was only one solution—eliminate them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's face turned cold as he raised his hand and shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eightfold Spear Barrage!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shout wasn't just for show—it was meant to draw Gustalon's attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Energy surged from Orion's body as eight jagged, spear-like constructs materialized around him. Resembling spider legs, the spears radiated a menacing aura as they locked onto the tornado.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go to hell!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spears tore through the air, forming a coordinated formation as they closed in on the tornado, aiming to pierce the translucent figure within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as the spears struck, Gustalon's form vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tornado disintegrated into a dozen smaller whirlwinds, scattering in all directions and slipping through the gaps in the Eightfold Spear Barrage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Impressive! Your technique has some ability to lock down elements and space. But alas, your control isn't strong enough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scattered whirlwinds reassembled, and Gustalon's figure reappeared, though this time its gaze held a hint of caution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orion's expression grew grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His newly learned skill had made its debut—and it had failed to land a decisive blow.\u003C\u002Fp>",2111,"2026-05-29T15:49:11.112Z","2026-06-01T04:29:39.741Z",1,"novelbin.me","7090c79ef9937e7639e0f00c0284196210f3cc67d4caa02320267079d4d70b47","titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-chapter-187","titan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-chapter-185",1606,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ftitan-king-ascension-of-the-giant-cover.jpg"]