Titan King: Ascension of the Giant-Chapter 800: Scroll of the Devouring Avatar

"Do you know where these traitors are?"

"No. They have gone to ground. The Commander and I have already destroyed their primary strongholds."

"Then where am I likely to encounter them?"

"When you eventually begin your invasions of the Godforsaken Lands. With their bases destroyed and their sources of faith severed, it is the most logical place for them to try and carve out a new territory."

"Understood. I will be watchful." Orion had no love for traitors. Though he did not know the reasons for their betrayal, he knew his brothers in the Alliance well enough to be certain the fault lay with the Two-Faced Clown and the Witch. Still, to betray an organization with the power and backing of the Champions Alliance... what could they have been thinking? The thought was baffling.

"One last thing," Edward’s message continued. "As an Archlord, you now have the right to recommend new members to the Alliance. The criteria remain the same: they must be of good character, and they must have attained the Legendary tier."

A new permission unlocked in Orion’s mind. Then, Edward sent one final sentence, one that gave Orion much to ponder.

"In most cases, talent that you cultivate yourself is more trustworthy."

It was both a suggestion and a warning. Orion understood perfectly. He and Kraken had been personally mentored by Arthas and Leonidas.

"I understand, Deputy Commander. You have my word. I will not bring anyone unreliable into our circle."

After sending the promise, Orion let out a long breath. The greater the power, the higher the station, the more one was exposed to the deep and complex secrets of the world. And the heavier the responsibilities one had to bear. The matter of hunting traitors... as a Legendary Lord, he wouldn’t have even been qualified to know of it.

He refocused his thoughts, turning his attention to his own list of friends.

Aerin, Julius Caesar, Scarecrow.

They were the three he knew best, the three most worthy of trust. If he were to choose a disciple, Aerin was the most suitable; her character was an open book to him, and she would be receptive to his guidance. If he were to choose a teammate, Scarecrow was the best option; a being like him was a stable, valuable resource.

There is no rush, he decided. I will observe them for now.

He opened a private channel to Aerin. It had been some time since they had last spoken; she had likely amassed a good number of treasures.

Hulk: Elf-maid! It is time for the tithe!

He sent the half-joking message and waited. Three minutes passed with no reply.

Is she not online? he wondered. Or has war broken out in her lands as well?

He sent a trade request, but again, there was no response. She was definitely away. He didn’t dwell on it. The Wood Elves were a peaceful race; she was surely safe, just occupied.

He opened another channel.

Hulk: Caesar, how fares the mercenary company?

The reply was almost instant.

Julius Caesar: Boss! The Holy Sword Mercenary Corps is established and running smoothly!

Hulk: Is the equipment I sent you serving you well?

Julius Caesar: Thank you, Boss! The gear is excellent! If not for what you gave me, I likely would have perished in my last battle.

Hulk: Is there anything you need of late?

Orion sent the message, a shameless attempt to see if Caesar had acquired any new treasures he might be willing to part with.

Julius Caesar: Boss, I need a massive shipment. Standardized equipment, potions, martial techniques, adult mounts, magic scrolls.

Orion’s eyes widened at the list. This was far, far more than any mere mercenary company could ever need. This meant Caesar now had an army, a faction, a domain of his own. He was raising levies.

Hulk: What are the numbers, specifically?

He didn’t ask why Caesar hadn’t come to him first, instead scouring the Survivor’s Platform for piecemeal goods. Caesar, for his part, did not waste time, immediately sending over a detailed list.

Julius Caesar: Forty-thousand sets of standardized armor and weapons, five thousand mounts...

Orion’s eyes narrowed as he read the first two lines, his mind racing.

Hulk: You have your own territory now?

He couldn’t restrain his curiosity.

Julius Caesar: I won a city in a life-or-death duel not long ago, Boss. But it cost me an eye. The city itself was stripped bare before I took it. I must arm it quickly if I am to hold it.

A world of sword and sorcery, Orion mused, his thoughts drifting. Where a man can win a city in a duel? If I were to go there, could I not conquer half a continent?

Shaking himself from his daydream, he replied.

Hulk: I have what you need. What can you offer in exchange?

What Caesar was asking for couldn’t simply be bought off the market, not in standardized sets.

Julius Caesar: Boss, these are the only two special items I have left. freёnovelkiss.com

He immediately initiated a trade.

The first item was a special building called the Ice Phoenix Palace. The other was a scroll.

Orion accepted, examining the palace first. It was a miniature construct of flawless crystal, shimmering with a cold, inner light. The entire palace was carved from a single ten-thousand-year-old glacier in the shape of a soaring phoenix, its beauty like a painting come to life.

It was serene, silent, and brilliant. Holding it, Orion thought of Lumi, of that quiet, steadfast, passionate woman. He had yet to give her a truly worthy gift. Looking at the Ice Phoenix Palace, an idea took root.

Next was the scroll. For Caesar to offer it, it could be no common thing.

[Scroll of the Devouring Avatar]

Type: Special Skill Scroll

Quality: Hero

Inherent Skill: Spirit Devouring

Description: Devour the infant form of a living creature, seizing it as an avatar and gaining a new life through its form.

Note: The success rate is 100% if the infant is non-sentient. If the infant possesses a consciousness, the success rate is no more than 30%.

Seeing the skill, Orion felt a wave of profound satisfaction wash over him. It was as if, having grown tired and wishing for a rest, someone had just handed him a pillow.

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