When Loki first appeared in the surface world, the giants were still somewhat terrified.
But then they noticed something unexpected—Loki, whom they had always regarded as a villain, was now learning to speak and interact with them properly.
Moreover, with Shanks, the esteemed guest of Elbaf, explaining the truth behind the so-called "Loki's patricide and usurpation of the throne," the giants gradually came to understand the real story.
Not everyone, but at least the majority began to change their views on Loki.
Many also started to reflect…
Had they been too harsh on King Harald's son?
Driven by this belated sense of guilt, the moment Loki mentioned he was hungry, the giants immediately rushed to bring him all kinds of food.
Loki didn't know much about politeness or gratitude—he simply grabbed the food and began devouring it ravenously.
Yet this behavior suited the giants' temperament perfectly.
As Loki ate, they took the opportunity to observe this young prince of the giants.
…He didn't seem like such a bad kid after all.
Among the giants, Hilding, whose reputation was second only to Charlotte Linlin and the Red-Blue Oni duo, watched his younger brother wolfing down food with a complicated expression.
As half-brothers, Loki had mocked him relentlessly in their childhood.
After all, Loki was not only the legitimate heir but had also inherited Harald's powerful ancient giant genes.
Even without these advantages, Loki far surpassed him in understanding Haki.
This was one of the reasons he resented Loki.
But as time passed, disliking Loki had simply become a habit among the giants.
If he were to say how deep his hatred ran…
It wasn't that intense.
Especially after Loki's alleged patricide was debunked.
Thinking this, Hilding shook his head and turned to leave.
"Hey, Hilding, aren't you going to greet your brother?" Gerd followed beside him and asked. "No matter how much tension there is… he's still family, right?"
"Hmph, Gerd, don't meddle in other people's family matters," Hilding snorted.
"We should be gathering the warriors of the giants… It seems we'll be charging into the final battlefield of 'Ragnarök' under the leadership of the Doomsday Archangel."
"This… is going to be an incredibly dangerous battle."
"Exactly. So, heartfelt reconciliations between brothers… can wait until we survive this war." Hilding looked up at the sky. "If we die, at least the other won't have to grieve too much."
"Uh, though it feels rude to interrupt your one-sided musings, I have to remind you—we're part of the Angel Alliance, following the Doomsday Archangel, Michael. As long as Michael is alive, do you really think you'll die? Even if you're one step from death, Michael would probably drag you back. After all, a war of this scale will leave the world in desperate need of manpower for reconstruction."
"...Tch, you've really seen through Michael's true nature now."
...
A day later, the well-fed giant warriors boarded the massive fleet of the former Giant Pirates—now the Elbaf Royal Guard—and set off toward G-1 in a grand procession.
With the exception of a small number of elderly and women and children left behind, Elbaf had essentially mobilized its entire population.
Although not all members of the Giant Tribe in Elbaf were warriors, they were well aware of the immense combat advantages their race possessed.
Even the skinniest and shortest giant—no, rather, the second skinniest and second shortest giant—could still become a devastating force on the battlefield.
At present, the skinniest and shortest giant...
Was named Charlotte Linlin.
Though she couldn't contend with true powerhouses, she could effortlessly crush ordinary soldiers.
However, Michael wouldn't send these non-combatant logistical personnel directly into battle. Instead, whether as craftsmen or builders, these towering figures were in high demand.
Michael had also removed the mask of the Golden Thief, reverting to his original attire.
Meanwhile, the massive fleet crossed the vast ocean, gradually approaching the G-1 branch of the Angel Alliance.
This was also the frontline headquarters of the Angel Alliance.
The winds and clouds gathered here.
...
"Where... exactly am I?"
Vivi whispered the question.
Her hands and feet were tightly bound, and her eyes had been covered the entire time.
Ever since being "rescued" by the God's Knights from Zoro and Kozuki Rin on Sabaody Archipelago, Vivi had remained in this restrained state, unaware of her surroundings.
Her basic needs had been attended to by a woman called "Gunko."
Though Gunko's movements were somewhat rough, it seemed to stem from unfamiliarity with such tasks and physical contact...
However, in this environment, Vivi's sensitivity to time and space had drastically diminished.
She had no idea where she was or how much time had passed.
But today, the silence around her was finally broken by an unfamiliar sound.
It was... a man singing.
And Vivi quickly recognized it—the song of that strange skeleton who doubled as a pirate and a music artist!
What was he called... Soul King!
"Are you... listening to Soul King's music?"
The moment Vivi asked this, the sound around her was abruptly cut off.
After a long pause, Gunko's cold voice spoke again.
"You like Soul King's songs too?"
"They're alright... What I'm more curious about is how he can still be alive as a skeleton, and how he can still sing as one." Vivi deliberately tried to engage Gunko in conversation. "But I have to admit, Soul King is the most popular pop singer on the seas right now."
"You're... not wrong." Gunko agreed with her. "I once tried to capture him and make him my personal music slave... but that woman Yamato interfered."
"Ahaha, well, he is a crewmate of a Yonko after all." Vivi forced a laugh and was about to continue when the door swung open. A sliver of light seeped through the gaps around her blindfold.
"Gun~ko, the guard duty is over... We've finally returned to Mary Geoise."
The voice of Saint Charlin Gom came from beyond the door.
The next moment, Vivi felt Gunko lift her entire body.
"Where... are you taking me?""Of course, we should go meet... our commander first."