Titan King: Ascension of the Giant-Chapter 437 : It’s what you all deserve

"This is the Stoneheart currency produced by the Bureau of Weapons. It comes in three varieties: large, medium, and small," Earthshaker explained. "You can simply call them large Stoneheart coins, medium Stoneheart coins, and small Stoneheart coins.

The small ones are similar to the silver coins of the human kingdom, the medium ones are equivalent to gold coins, and the large ones are considered high-value precious currency."

As Earthshaker spoke, Orion held out his palm, letting a large Stoneheart coin drop into it.

On the front of the coin was the figure of a giant's silhouette. Below the silhouette lay the totems of the various races within the Stoneheart Horde, arranged in a rather intricate pattern.

On the back of the coin was a triangular magical formation designed to prevent counterfeiting. In fact, the materials used to create large Stoneheart coins—bones, rare ores, and crystal cores—made them extremely difficult to forge illegally.

In reality, Orion's previous visit to Blackstone City, where he had summoned Rockwell back, was precisely about having the Bureau of Weapons manage the minting of these new coins. With Rockwell's return to Blackstone City, not only could he assist Lorelia in defending the bottomless abyss, but he could also oversee the production of Stoneheart currency.

The advent of Stoneheart coins marked the establishment of the Horde's own monetary system. Though it remained quite simple for the time being, it was enough for now. Law and currency together provided the foundation for the Stoneheart Horde's ongoing progress and civilized evolution.

As for writing, it was fortunate that this continent already had a common language and common written characters, which resembled English closely enough that Orion didn't have to invent an entire written language from scratch.

Orion swept his gaze over the elders as they examined the newly minted Stoneheart coins, feeling a surge of emotion welling up inside. The Horde's ranking system had already been mostly reformed. Now, with its own currency and its own legal code, the Stoneheart Horde was on the verge of moving beyond a barbaric era.

The meeting then continued with Delilah elaborating on a few trade agreements involving mutual exchange with the human kingdom. Under Orion's guidance, many of these points were quickly finalized.

For the next half month, group meetings were held every evening.

After two weeks, Prince Theodore mounted his steed and departed Stoneheart City with the human envoys. Riding beside him was Princess Ava, clad in beautiful attire and looking noticeably more spirited than she had upon arriving.

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

Seated atop her horse, Princess Ava glanced back at the towering Stoneheart City, her heart conflicted with a swirl of emotions.

"So this is the place where I was imprisoned? I was raped countless times by a giant here, and I can't forget how unforgettable it all felt. How despicable that I sometimes catch myself longing for that giant to violate me again…"

"Besides those moments of twisted pleasure with a giant, several members of the Rose Knight Regiment also died in this city. I tasted pain and despair here."

"It's a land that holds both allure and deep hatred for me."

Her expression grew more distant, her face turning cold.

"Aunt," Theodore said quietly, "let's hurry back. Father is very worried about you. The Stoneheart Horde has signed alliance contracts with our Human Kingdom, with the Blood Elves, the Dwarves, and the Dragons. Right now, the Stoneheart Horde is our ally."

Theodore's words were both a reminder and a small comfort. Princess Ava was no fool. She immediately understood the meaning behind them: the kingdom would not wage war against the Stoneheart Horde for her sake. Any resentment she felt would have to remain bottled up inside.

"Thank you, Theodore," she said softly.

He shook his head. Growing up, he had received much kindness and support from his aunt. Being able to save her was a task he gladly and willingly accomplished.

Meanwhile, the ogres had gained ample benefits from the negotiations, so Orion also bade farewell to his friend Aldous. The Blood Elf Lycanor, for reasons unknown, lingered in Stoneheart City, though Orion had little interest in her at the moment.

Back inside the castle's conference hall, Orion found himself cornered once more by Onyx, who had been pressing him with matters ever since the arrangements with the humans were settled.

"Lord, according to your instructions, we've only finalized four city-building sites so far," Onyx reported. "There is one located on the border between the former giant territory and the Blood Elf territory. Two more are planned for the Beastfolk and Orc territories, respectively."

The "Ten-City Plan" was Orion's initial proposal for future development, aiming to link Beastfolk territory, Giant territory, Orc territory, and a portion of Blood Elf territory. It would provide a comprehensive pathway for the Stoneheart Horde to expand in a stable manner. But Onyx's field research revealed that only four locations were truly suitable for new cities at present.

Orion beckoned, and two succubus maidservants entered the room, carrying a sand-table map he had prepared. As Onyx continued speaking, he pointed out each proposed construction site on the map.

"Only four?" Orion murmured, and Onyx nodded.

Seeing Orion deep in thought, Onyx hesitated for a moment before sharing his own view. "Lord, I believe the Ten-City Plan should be divided into three phases."

Orion looked up, signaling him to go on.

"If all ten cities are built at once, our slaves will be scattered too thinly. By the time winter arrives and the dark beast tides descend, we might not even have finished the city walls."

"But if we focus on just these four cities, we can probably complete the walls—and maybe some principal defensive structures—before the dark beast tides strike."

Onyx's reminder about the dark beast tides was crucial. Orion nearly forgot about them entirely.

"All right, then we'll focus on these four cities for now, giving them our full attention. If you need anything, request it from Delilah."

Onyx breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Orion was willing to heed his advice.

"Oh, yes—what should we name these four cities?"

Orion had never really thought about the names. When he first proposed the Ten-City Plan, it was just a broad goal for the Horde, ensuring no one would grow complacent. Yet, with Onyx looking at him expectantly, Orion made a quick decision.

"Let's call them Lilith City, Delilah City, Obsidian City, and Buffalofolk City."

Onyx stood there momentarily stunned, his confusion quickly shifting to delight.

"Lord, you're…"

Orion let out a hearty laugh, cutting off Onyx before he could finish. "It's what you all deserve!"

The three races—Succubi, Obsidian Golems, and Buffalofolk—had been following Orion since before he united the Black Forest. Their sacrifices and loyalty had already earned Orion's respect and the formal recognition of the Stoneheart Horde. Now that the Horde was settling into stability, it was only right that those who had pledged themselves to Orion first should enjoy extra rewards.

By giving the cities these names, Orion hoped to motivate the other races that had joined the Stoneheart Horde.

He wanted to send a message: so long as you remain sufficiently loyal and achieve enough merit in battle, there is always something better awaiting you.