The Rise of the Titan

A towering figure surrounded by golden lightning and a translucent whirlwind stood before them. Although they had never seen such a being before, the ancient memories in their bloodline prompted them to instinctively call out the name of this mighty race.

"Titan!"

Cries of awe and reverence echoed across the vast mining field as the frost giants, who had been reduced to laborers under Claudia's rule, bowed down toward Muria. This was a display of worship more devout than any they had shown to gods, for every giant had heard tales of the Titans.

"This is the best possible outcome and the most likely scenario I had anticipated," Claudia's gentle voice reached Muria's ears as she witnessed the awe-inspiring scene before her.

She was not surprised. She had seen similar scenes many times on the Titan Islands, though this time it was frost giants instead of the usual spectators who were bowing down to Muria.

"Exactly what I expected too," Muria sighed deeply, already knowing what Claudia wanted from him. "I think I understand what you want me to do."

"Go on, tell me," Claudia prompted with a nonchalant hum.

"As far as I know, frost giants and white dragons are natural enemies on this subcontinent," Muria observed calmly as he looked down at the thousands of kneeling frost giants. He felt no particular emotion, having grown accustomed to such scenes. "You must have had plenty of conflicts with the frost giants since coming to this land. Now, you want me to use my identity as a Titan to subjugate the frost giant tribes that oppose you, correct?"

"Precisely. Subjugating several large frost giant tribes should significantly aid your ultimate goal of becoming an epic Titan."

"In that case, let's start by releasing these frost giants."

"They're my private property. What will you offer me in return?" Claudia asked, now clear about her position.

"You're asking for compensation when I'm solving your problem?" Muria retorted.

"If I release these frost giants, who will mine for me? Without the resources they provide, my weapons supply chain will suffer."

"You've already conquered four duchies. Don't bring up manpower issues with me."

"Humans are too fragile, and their efficiency is much lower compared to frost giants. Besides, would you really want me to use humans as miners? Aren't you supposed to be a kind-hearted golden dragon?"

"Golden dragons are not humanity's protectors. We help based on the character of the individuals, not indiscriminately. We're not saints," Muria replied, rolling his eyes. "Release these frost giants, and I'll provide you with a batch of specialized mining golems."

"Mining golems?"

"They are part of my assets, used by the Ulanos Empire's colonial forces."

"Part of your assets? You have the technology to mass-produce golems?" Claudia seized upon this crucial information. "Give me the production line technology for these golems, and I'll give you all fifteen thousand frost giant slaves under my command."

"Not enough. Add more to the deal," Muria replied without hesitation.

"I'm your retainer, fighting and conquering for you on the Depreson Subcontinent, and you won't provide technical support?" Claudia countered.

"Retainer? Ha! Since when does a retainer demand compensation from their master?" Muria scoffed.

"We're dragons. We're naturally different from other creatures," Claudia responded confidently. "Muria, give me the golem production technology."

"You're impossible," Muria sighed, feeling caught off guard by Claudia's sudden bout of coquettish behavior. In his mind, she had always been the aloof little white dragon.

"Please, Muria!"

"Fine, fine. Just act normal, and I'll give it to you," Muria said with a slight smile, feeling genuinely pleased. Claudia's seemingly playful plea was a clear sign of her allegiance and stance towards him.

"Great. I'll take my leave with the white dragons now. Once you've settled these frost giants, come find me at Frost City." Without causing any further disturbance to the frost giants, Claudia resumed her aloof demeanor and left with the overseeing white dragons.

The exchange between Muria and Claudia had lasted only a few seconds, and the frost giants below had not noticed anything unusual, as their heads were still pressed against the frozen ground in reverence.

After Claudia left, Muria gazed at the frost giants filling the mining field below. He paused briefly in thought, then drew the Seven Sins Blade and slashed at the air beneath him. Instead of a massive blade of energy cutting through the air, only the sound of chains breaking filled the field.

"You are free!" Muria's voice boomed like thunder, majestic and authoritative, as he severed the chains binding 3,600 frost giants. "Rise!"

Joy, surprise, apprehension, and uncertainty flickered in the eyes of the frost giants who had been numb to their fate. This unexpected turn of events, brought about by the appearance of this Titan, had shattered their bleak outlook on life. They stared incredulously at the shattered shackles on their feet, unable to believe the scene before them.

Slowly, the rugged and wild-looking frost giants, dressed in tattered animal skins, rose to their feet. They exchanged bewildered glances and then collectively looked up at Muria, hovering in the air, their eyes filled with hope and anticipation.

Muria soon responded to their silent plea with a proposal they could scarcely dream of. "Would you be willing to follow me and fight for me?"

A hush fell over the mining field, with only the sound of the wind howling through the open space. The frost giants were too stunned to respond, struggling to comprehend the idea that a legendary Titan would seek their allegiance, overlooking their perceived weaknesses and savagery.

"Great Titan, I am willing to fight for you until my last drop of blood is shed," one particularly quick-witted frost giant bellowed, dropping to one knee and shouting with all his might.

The lead sheep effect took hold. With one frost giant making a move, the others quickly followed, dropping to their knees and shouting their vows of loyalty with all their strength.

In that moment, the sky above echoed with the frost giants' oaths of allegiance, their voices so powerful they scattered the clouds, revealing a clear, bright sky.

"Giants are so straightforward," Muria thought to himself, watching the frost giants below, each seemingly ready to give their life for him. Whether it was dragons or giants, they lacked the complexities and schemes often found in humans.

Even demons, once bound by a contract, could be relied upon, as they would only exploit the loopholes in the contract. Humans, on the other hand, would seek to break contracts if enough benefit was at stake, constantly finding ways to circumvent the consequences of breaching agreements.

_________________________

[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!] [[email protected]/INNIT]