Titan King: Ascension of the Giant-Chapter 533: Another survivor

Harbek felt a bit helpless. If there'd been a way to mass-produce storage rings, the dwarves would've made a fortune ages ago.

"Can't this thing be produced in large quantities?"

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"It can, but do you have any void crystals?"

"No, I don't."

"Exactly."

So, it boiled down to lacking rare production materials—in this case, the void crystals.

"What's inside looks good. I'll take it all. What is it your dwarves want in Stoneheart City?"

Orion put away the ring Harbek had given him. Inside that storage ring were three thousand sets of fine armor, plus matching weapons. Orion was very pleased with that gift, so as a show of reciprocity, he asked the question just now.

It seemed they both knew better than to haggle over the merchandise. After a brief silence, Harbek answered calmly.

"In the busiest quarter of Stoneheart City, dwarves want our own building—inside it, we'll construct a smithy and a shop.

"Without your orders or an official decree from the Stoneheart Horde, no one is allowed to enter that building at will.

"A dwarven smithy demands respect, and it must be absolutely safe."

He spoke with intense sincerity and seriousness at the end.

"As you wish."

The dwarves' request was not much different from what the Blood Elves had asked for. Effectively, they wanted a specialized embassy.

Harbek breathed a sigh of relief; he had expected this Giant King might act like a human, trying to bargain incessantly. He never imagined Orion would be so direct—so direct that he couldn't figure out a reply.

"Then let's drink to that—to the dwarves and the giants finding mutual accord!"

"May peace and prosperity ever watch over our two races!"

Orion raised his cup. His straightforwardness also cut off any notions Harbek might have had about asking for more.

"May peace and prosperity ever watch over our two races!"

Seeing the matter settled, Harbek had no choice but to lift his cup and follow suit.

"Still, let me make something clear."

"Taxes must be paid on any business enterprise."

"I do not wish to see any issues arise from the dwarves over such a fundamental principle."

Before Harbek could say a word, Orion continued:

"If the Dwarves and the Stoneheart Horde establish formal relations, I'll waive the first year of taxes for your people."

Having first delivered a veiled warning and then offered a benefit, Harbek's opinion of the Giant King changed yet again.

"The dwarves will abide by the Stoneheart Horde's laws and principles, as well as honor our treaty. If enemies from outside threaten the Horde, we'll assist to the best of our ability.

"In return, we hope the Stoneheart Horde will cloak our people in protection within the bounds of principle, ensuring their safety in our shop."

Give and take—that's how it went. Harbek's request was entirely reasonable.

"Of course."

Orion agreed wholeheartedly. After all, the Stoneheart Horde also sent its own envoys to other races' lands; they likewise needed respect and protection there.

"Three days from now, I'll open our colosseum in the inner city to welcome both the dwarves and the dragons. I hope you'll be there on time."

With that, Orion's entire figure vanished before Harbek's eyes, leaving nothing behind but the faint crackle of electricity on the third floor of the Mysterious Tavern.

Harbek gazed at the spot where Orion had just been sitting, dazed for a long while.

"From here on, there truly might be five major races in the South, not just four.

"The existence of the Five-Race Alliance is no coincidence. It looks like the Blood Elves must've seen something coming."

This thought floated through Harbek's mind. He planned to spend a few months in Stoneheart City, then journey on to visit his old friend Lycanor among the Blood Elves. Perhaps he'd glean more information on these developments.

––––––––––

Early the next morning, in the castle's reception hall.

Summoning Torin here was actually a fairly grand gesture, considering he was merely the nominal Lord of Soaring Bird City. In other words, the Stoneheart Horde was granting him a bit of face.

"So you're the one who wanted to see me?"

A terrifying pressure accompanied those indifferent words from atop the throne. Torin, kneeling, didn't dare lift his head to meet Orion's gaze.

Inside, Torin was more than a little resentful—it was humiliating to be forced to kneel. But his greater feelings were fear and anxiety.

"For the sake of my future, my survival, I have to keep calm. Keep calm when facing these powerful natives!"

Torin kept repeating this to himself, trying his best to remain composed and steady.

"Honored Giant King, Torin from Soaring Bird City wishes to offer you some rare treasures in exchange for your trust and favor."

Torin was no fool. Once he learned that Orion had agreed to see him, he realized his gifts must've worked.

Moreover, he knew the colosseum miniature and magic gem were likely what had piqued Orion's curiosity. The perfume, as far as Torin was concerned, was a gift suited for the ladies.

"Show me your tribute."

Orion did not lift the oppressive weight on Torin; he merely loosened it a touch.

At Orion's prompt, Torin set out five ornate boxes in front of him. Delilah stepped forward, picked up the wooden boxes, and delivered them one by one to Orion.

With each box taken from him, Torin's heart pounded more anxiously. He wasn't sure whether the Giant King would value the treasures he regarded so highly.

Seated on the throne, Orion opened each box in turn, narrowing his eyes slightly.

In the first box were eight miniature structures, all arrow towers, lined up neatly like a set.

In the second box lay a piece of ore. Orion recognized it as magic crystals—just what the Bureau of Weapons needed for its transformative weapons research.

The third box contained a larger miniature building. Judging by its shape, it seemed to be some sort of altar.

The fourth box housed an egg, although its signs of life were very faint.

Inside the fifth box was a contract—a contract that promised Orion 30% of the future profits from Soaring Bird City.

Orion's interest landed on that document. After reading it, he sank into thought, and a hush fell over the hall.

Obviously, from Torin's offerings alone, Orion had deduced that Torin was also a survivor. For now, it was unclear whether he might be friend or foe.

Still, Torin's ambitions meant he would inevitably become Orion's adversary one day. Both possessed aspirations, and only one survivor could ultimately rule this continent.

So yes, Torin would eventually be an enemy.

As for how Orion dealt with enemies, killing them outright was often the simplest solution.

But at the moment, Torin was linked to Soaring Bird City, which lay on the border between ogres and humans. Since Orion had his own designs on this continent, Torin could serve as an important piece on the board.

Torin's rise would surely spark turmoil within the human kingdom.

Interests, turmoil, a forward base, the continent...those words roiled in Orion's mind, making him hesitate.

Should he kill Torin or not?