Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

Chapter 1406: Three Archetypes

It is worth noting that despite its name, the Platinum Tri-Drake Effigy did not manifest a three-headed monstrosity.

Instead, the technique adapted to the user’s lineage, offering three distinct archetypal forms: Man, Spirit, or Divinity.

For instance, if Orion or his kin utilized the technique, they would manifest the "Man" archetype—a construct of heroic proportions. If Arthas and his death knights used it, they would conjure the "Spirit" archetype, wreathed in spectral energy. As for the "Divinity" archetype, that was reserved for beings composed of pure elemental force or holy essence.

Though the forms differed, the draconic power coiling within them remained constant.

"This is brilliant," Alexander remarked, his assassin’s eyes gleaming as he unrolled the scroll. "The Platinum Tri-Drake Effigy isn’t just for Lords; it is perfectly suited for Archlords as well. An Archlord could pair this construct with their own avatar to create a perfect decoy. They could trick an enemy into believing their Body of Faith had been destroyed, baiting them into a fatal overextension. It adds a whole new layer of deception."

As the Hall Master of the Blade Hall, Alexander immediately saw the tactical value. His subordinates relied on precision and misdirection; this secret technique would exponentially increase their assassination success rates and survivability.

"It’s an extra trump card, plain and simple," Leonidas grunted, nodding in approval. "This raises the combat floor for the Champions Alliance across the board."

The others agreed. With this technique, the Legend-rank warriors of the Stoneheart Horde would possess a failsafe powerful enough to rival an Archlord’s strike. It was a massive leap forward in military capability.

"Additionally, preparations for the Platinum Authority have officially begun," the Deputy Commander announced, shifting the topic. "Move your required resources and personnel to the Valkorath Realm immediately. The headquarters will be established in the central region, under my temporary supervision."

He paused, letting the weight of his next words settle. "Once the foundation is laid, the Commander will personally lead us in our first collective operation. We need a war to fill the Authority’s coffers."

The room’s atmosphere instantly shifted from studious to electric.

Orion, Arthas, Leonidas, and Alexander exchanged glances, a predatory excitement passing between them. When the Deputy Commander spoke of "the Commander," he referred to the supreme avatar residing on Blade’s Edge Peak. And if the Commander was sanctioning a looting run to build the Authority’s war chest, it meant the target would be substantial.

"Hah! Deputy Commander," Leonidas boomed, leaning forward. "Care to give us a hint? Which unfortunate world are we invading?"

"I honestly don’t know," the Deputy Commander replied, shaking his head. "But since the Commander is leading the charge, you can bet it is a world rich in resources. Prepare yourselves. When the time comes, you will need to project a Demigod phantom to join the expedition."

He glanced meaningfully at Arthas. The undead sovereign was busier than most, but this was a summons he couldn’t ignore.

"I will be ready," Arthas rasped.

Titanion Realm, The Golden Pearl.

Above, the sky was a piercing, cloudless azure stretching over an endless ocean of gold sand. Who would suspect that beneath these scorching dunes lay a sprawling, magnificent underground palace?

"Rise."

Soraya sat upon her throne, radiating a regal, effortless grace. Before her knelt over twenty Sand Scorpions—warriors and priests alike—all in human form.

In the past, such a sight would have been impossible. During the Scorpion Tribe’s peak, only Soraya, the High Priestess, and perhaps two others had possessed the power to take human shape. But now, with the rules of the world shifting and resources flowing freely from the Stoneheart Horde, talent was blooming across the desert.

Soraya and High Priestess Selenis looked upon their subjects with immense pride. Every new human-form scorpion represented a strengthening of their bloodline and an increase in their political weight within the Horde.

"My Queen," High Priestess Selenis stepped forward, her eyes shimmering with reverence. "Strange crystals have appeared outside the Sand Nest. Are these the legendary Divinity Shards spoken of in our ancient texts?"

"They are indeed Divinity Shards," Soraya confirmed, though her expression remained thoughtful. "But they are immature. Mere precursors."

The appearance of Divinity Shards was a monumental omen—it suggested the Scorpion Tribe was on the verge of birthing a Demigod. It should have been cause for celebration. Yet, Soraya felt a flicker of confusion. She was the Queen, and she hadn’t even reached the rank of Archlord yet. How could the Sand Nest be generating resources for a Demigod?

The only explanation was the sliver of Desert’s Authority she possessed. It was accelerating the evolution of the land itself. The shards weren’t just at the Golden Pearl; they were appearing throughout her Sea of Sand, growing purer by the day.

Just as she was pondering the implications, Orion’s voice echoed in her mind.

"High Priestess," Soraya stood abruptly. "I leave the nest in your care. Keep a close watch on the young ones. Report any anomalies immediately."

Without waiting for a response, she tore a teleportation scroll in half and vanished from the palace.

Stoneheart City, The Citadel.

When Soraya materialized in the meeting chamber, Orion and Lilith were already waiting. Orion gestured to a chair beside his throne.

"I called you both here for three reasons," Orion began, his tone serious.

Lilith and Soraya leaned in. A direct summons from the liege usually meant the world was about to move.

"First," Orion said, "we are ending the restrictions on the mass-produced transformative weapons. Open the armories to the entire Tribe. Tell Harbek to kick the Bureau of Weapons into overdrive. I want those forges running day and night."

He continued, "Furthermore, establish a new merit system specifically for culling the insectoid threat. Make it easier for the people to earn credits and exchange them for these weapons."

With the invasion from the other world looming in less than a decade, Orion was racing against the clock. He had to elevate the average combat power of his people, and the magical firearms and shifting weaponry he had brought back from the Godforsaken Land were the fastest way to do it.

Lilith nodded, noting the orders on a parchment.

"Second," Orion said, flicking his wrist. Two golden scrolls materialized, floating toward the women. "This is a Divine Art: the Rite of Fatebound Offering. It is a technique for forging a weapon that shares a spiritual link with its wielder."

His eyes locked onto theirs. "I intend to make this the signature technique of the Stoneheart Titans."

"Spread this technique throughout the Tribe immediately," Orion commanded. "The cross-realm teleportation array is nearly complete. When the gates open, I need the Stoneheart Horde to field an army of true Titans, armed and ready."

Orion stood at the peak of power; he didn’t need to micro-manage the execution. He only needed to set the direction.

"Understood," Lilith said, accepting the scroll. "I will recall the Elder to assist me. We will see it done."

She paused, looking at the golden scroll with a hint of longing. "Orion... are we permitted to learn this as well?"