Chapter 413: Weakness is a sin - Titan King: Ascension of the Giant

Orion nodded and, after a moment’s thought, continued speaking.

"Grulbane, I’ve found a few disciples for you. I hope you can train them."

Grulbane looked puzzled, clearly intrigued by the so-called disciples Orion mentioned. At Orion’s signal, and under Dace’s guidance, four giants entered the hall from outside.

"Greetings, honorable lord!"

…

Among the four, the tallest giant was Brom, once Orion’s friend—a giant who had awakened a shamanic gift. The other three young giants also possessed shamanic potential.

"I can sense the aura of witchcraft from them," Grulbane remarked.

Orion nodded, introducing the four to Grulbane and explaining the situation in more detail.

"They’re the most promising potential shamans from the Blackstone Tribe. I’d like them to study under you. And not only them—you’ll also be teaching any gifted younglings from the Ironbone and Starveil Giant Clans. These young giants represent the future of the Giant Tribe, and I want you to give them your all. Can you do that?"

Orion’s tone grew serious with that final question.

"Honorable lord, teaching the younger generation of the Giant Tribe is my duty. I will not shirk it."

Orion laughed heartily, clearly pleased.

"Excellent. Over the next three days, I’ll gather all the young giants in the tribe who possess shamanic potential and bring them to you. Their training will begin with this expedition across our territory!"

From that, Grulbane instantly realized just how large a task lay before him. He wouldn’t just be teaching the four standing here—he’d be teaching all gifted Giant Tribe younglings.

Three days later, a cavalry regiment of around a hundred riders—led by Orion and his four guardians—left Stoneheart City. Accompanying them were more than thirty young giants.

"Lord, are we really taking all these tribe younglings with us?" Grulbane asked with concern as he stood by the abyssal dragon’s side.

Standing behind him were the most shamanically gifted young giants in Stoneheart City, ranging from about eight to fifteen years old.

Orion patted the massive head of the abyssal dragon. Its body had grown even larger, and its strength now hovered at the peak of Alpha-level. Orion planned to let it grow a bit more before giving it a Lord’s Stone.

Currently, only two in the Stoneheart Horde had hopes of reaching legendary status: Lumi and the abyssal dragon.

Of course, Gustalon was eligible too, but he wasn’t Orion’s mate. If he wanted a Lord’s Stone, he’d have to prove himself: his battle achievements still weren’t sufficient, and his loyalty remained untested. Even if he got it, it wouldn’t feel justified. Gustalon needed to face more life-or-death trials before he could be acknowledged.

Collecting his thoughts, Orion glanced at Grulbane, who looked rather worried, then turned his gaze beyond him to the excited eyes of those young giants. They all gazed in awe at the abyssal dragon.

"Grulbane, stay focused. These younglings represent the future of the Giant Tribe. Do you want them to miss the golden time for laying a solid foundation by leaving them in ignorance?"

Before Grulbane could respond, Orion looked to Dace.

"Go. Split the cavalry into two groups—one to clear the path up ahead and another to stay on guard in the surrounding area. Their top priority is to protect these younglings."

Only after Dace left to carry out the order did Orion continue speaking to Grulbane.

"Grulbane, the lesson for these little ones begins with marching on foot."

Grulbane’s eyes went wide, as though he’d heard something unimaginable.

"Honorable lord, you don’t mean…you want them to walk the whole way?"

Orion nodded, not a hint of jest in his voice.

"Not just them—all of you. As their mentor, you must set the example and be their role model."

He spoke loudly enough that the young giants behind Grulbane could hear. Sure enough, it prompted an immediate outcry.

Orion surveyed the group, then raised his voice again:

"In this land, weakness is a sin. Because of weakness, the Giant Tribe once served as a vassal to the Blood Elves, and some of our people were even driven to the frozen tundra of the far north. You are the most promising shamanic talents of Stoneheart Horde. As long as you grow stronger, Stoneheart Horde will never again become anyone’s vassal.

"Now tell me, will you bend the knee to the Blood Elves, dragons, or humans in the future?"

He began by highlighting a widely accepted truth across the continent, then recounted the Giant Tribe’s former fate, tying it back to these young giants and their own futures—finally uniting it all with the destiny of the horde. Children are easily stirred by such motivational words; they’re full of enthusiasm.

"That’s right—we giants are strong!"

"We’re the mightiest warriors on the continent!"

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"Stoneheart Horde will never fall!"

…

All thirty younglings responded in different ways, but each of them showed strong resistance to any mention of being enslaved. Obviously, their morale was now sky-high.

Orion raised a hand to signal the shouting young ones to quiet down.

"Now, I’m giving you all a mission: Follow your mentor, step by step, across the territory that belongs to Stoneheart Horde. Inspect the lands you’ll guard one day. Show all the outsiders and beasts that live here who the real masters of this land are.

"Speak up, younglings—can you do it?"

His voice was low and resonant, filled with encouragement.

"Yes, we can!"

…

All thirty young giants were brimming with excitement, their eyes glowing and cheeks flushed.

"In that case, let’s set off!"

With a low roar, Orion sprang onto the abyssal dragon’s back, leading the way.

Grulbane watched him, then turned back to the group of eager younglings, letting out a silent sigh. Mixed with that wry smile was the weight of responsibility Orion had placed on his shoulders.

"Hear me! Everyone line up in two columns, tallest in front to shortest in back. March behind me on foot!"

Grulbane’s expression hardened as he suppressed his Alpha-level aura, taking on a commanding air. The young giants quickly fell into line, and Grulbane, saying nothing more, moved to the front.

On both sides of the young giants, two squads of Raptor cavalry spread out at a short distance, shielding them in the center. Up ahead, after dispatching a smaller team to clear the road, Dace returned to Orion’s side.