Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

Chapter 1610: Currency of Glory

Up until now, the Stoneheart Horde had never granted territory to any foreign faction or race. This was a first. He hadn’t even given the Saint Gran Council permanent land rights.

"Boss, what exactly is a Bronze Noble?" Scarecrow asked. Usually quiet, his eyes now gleamed at the prospect of claiming a territory in another world. Rumors had already spread that their allies had secured substantial land in the Silverwood Realm and the World of Eldoria. In this world, territory was the key to advancing to Arch Lord.

"The Stoneheart Horde is rolling out a new system across the continent," Orion explained. "It includes Glory Points and a noble hierarchy. The Glory Points system is straightforward: complete quests issued across the Titan Continent, increase your contribution, and earn points. Soon, we’ll open the Stoneheart Vault. It will hold endless resources—Primordial Treasures, magical materials, forged gear. Everything from Lord to demigod tier will be available for purchase with Glory Points."

Glory Points were more than just a currency; they were Orion’s primary tool to integrate Horde allies, foreign factions, and wandering adventurers, forging them into a unified force willing to bleed for the Titan Continent.

"As for the noble hierarchy," Orion continued, "it starts at Iron Noble, then scales up to Bronze Noble, Gold Noble, and finally Glory Noble. This system is exclusive to the Stoneheart Horde. From now on, every noble and every territory in the Titanion Realm falls under our banner."

This was Orion’s bottom line. He would distribute land, but anyone holding a noble title on the Titan Continent automatically became part of the Stoneheart Horde. Controlling the territory meant controlling the tax revenue, the faith gathered from the land, and the faction alignment of outsiders. Orion had to maintain absolute authority.

"Glory Points are vital. They buy resources, but more importantly, they buy noble titles. Titles and territories are bound together. Earn the rank, and you automatically claim the corresponding land."

Orion glanced at Aerin. She had stood up to pour his wine, flashing an overly sweet, fawning smile. She clearly hadn’t absorbed a single word he had just said.

"If you want to expand the territory I grant you, earn more Glory Points," Orion told the room. "Use your strengths. Join the war effort, farm crops, forge gear, or craft items. You can even venture out and capture slaves. Whatever works."

He had laid out the blueprint. Everyone here was at the Legendary level; none had reached Arch Lord yet. Their current utility was limited, so Orion needed to cultivate them—just as the veterans of the Champions Alliance had once mentored him. He was investing in their future. The Champions Alliance and the sprawling, multi-faction coalition of the Titan Continent needed fresh blood. To Orion, Aina, Aerin, Caesar, Scarecrow, and Tangere were the foundation of the Stoneheart Horde’s next generation.

A long silence settled over the private room.

"I’m heading to The Great Bastion of the East," Tangere broke the quiet. "Boss, assign my territory near there."

As a member of the Champions Alliance and one of Orion’s most loyal followers, Tangere knew a handout when he saw one. Orion was funneling resources directly to them. Failing to seize this chance would be unforgivable.

"Leonidas holds the line there," Orion nodded. "If you can engineer a lethal plague or virus tailored against the Swarm, you’ll rack up a massive amount of Glory Points."

"I’m joining the war too! I’ll go with Tangere." Aina raised her hand. A mix of desperation and raw ambition burned in her eyes. She lacked sheer power, but she desperately needed the battlefield experience to grow.

"Approved," Orion said. If Aerin was merely a fangirl, Aina was a zealot. He had no doubts about her resolve.

"I’m going to the front lines too, Boss. I’ll fight for you." Caesar spoke up. Slaughter had never been in his nature, but he would draw his blade without hesitation for his comrades.

Orion saw immense potential in the young swordsman. Unlike hardened veterans like Leonidas, Kraken, or Orion himself, Caesar still carried a fierce, almost naive idealism. That unshakable conviction was exactly what drove him forward.

"You’re going to The Bastion of the West," Orion decided. Caesar was a swordsman; Orion hoped Alexander, who commanded the West, would take an interest in the kid. Even a few casual pointers from Alexander would be invaluable.

"I’m still too weak," Scarecrow admitted after a long deliberation. "I’ll handle the logistics and stockpile extra rations for the group. Once I’m stronger, I’ll hit the battlefield."

Orion nodded, respecting the pragmatism. "If you’re up for it, sign a contract with the Stoneheart Horde to supply us with graded Substitution Effigies."

Aside from Tangere, Scarecrow was arguably the most vital asset in the room. He held his own in combat for his tier, and his unique background allowed him to cultivate and store massive food reserves. More importantly, he could mass-produce the Substitution Effigy—a life-saving consumable highly sought after by anyone below the Arch Lord rank.

"Boss, what about me?" Aerin asked, finally abandoning her role as the dutiful barmaid. Seeing everyone else receive their assignments had made her anxious.

"You?" Orion looked her up and down, a mocking smirk playing on his lips.

"What about me? I’m a Legendary level powerhouse too! I mean, I just ranked up, but I can still fight... mostly." Her voice lost its conviction by the end of the sentence.

Orion let out a dry chuckle at her dwindling confidence. "The Horde is establishing potion plantations across the continent. You’re the monarch of the Wood Elf Race. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten your people’s oldest trade."

Before she could argue, Orion cut her off. "Gather your people. You work for me now."

Aerin wanted to snap back—the Wood Elf Race had no equals in cultivation—but the blatant recruitment offer killed her defiance instantly.

"Oh... alright!" she agreed, bypassing her brain entirely.

A second later, realization set in, and a grim, familiar rhythm echoed in her head: Work during the day... work through the night... work while living... work when dead... just work... endless work...