The Kong Clan, deprived of their source of radiant energy, had greatly weakened and regressed. For instance, Handsome's parents stood only fifty meters tall, a far cry from their ancient ancestors.
Despite their diminished strength, they remained fiercely protective of the Iwi Tribe, forming a symbiotic relationship where they used their power to guard the tribe.
Approximately a century ago, the Kong Clan engaged in a decisive battle against the Skull Lizards.
The battlefield was a hellscape of crimson lava and crackling lightning, where countless monsters clashed in a war that seemed to rival the apocalyptic battles of the gods.
The Kong Clan paid a near-total price for victory, sacrificing almost their entire race to drive the Skull Lizards back into the earth. Only two of the strongest Kongs survived: Handsome's parents.
Not long after, Handsome's mother became pregnant and gave birth to him. But the cunning Skull Lizards returned.
At the time of Handsome's birth, his mother was still weak from childbirth and faced a massive assault by the Skull Lizards. To protect their infant son, his parents formed an unbreakable wall with their own bodies, ultimately dying from exhaustion.
The Iwi Tribe called this place the "God's Graveyard."
The young Handsome could only watch helplessly as this scene unfolded, feeling small and vulnerable.
The anger he felt towards the Skull Lizards became his source of strength.
Yet, the sorrow buried deep within his heart gave him the desire to protect the weak.
With the Iwi Tribe also fighting desperately to safeguard young Handsome, allowing him to grow safely, their bond grew ever stronger.
In the end, Handsome became the "Heaven-Shaking Thunder God" spoken of in Iwi Tribe legends.
However, compared to the might of his ancestors, the current Handsome was still a child weighing several thousand tons, with vast room for development.
"What a huge gorilla," Artoria said.
Artoria preferred animals, though lions were her absolute favorite. Still, she found the dazed Handsome quite amusing.
Han Shaoqing and Artoria descended from the sky.
As they drew closer, they could feel the oppressive aura emanating from the colossal creature.
This was the primal fear induced by sheer size, unrelated to actual strength.
Many people suffer from megaphobia—the irrational fear of large objects. Seeing such a massive creature would involuntarily trigger terror, a primal instinct etched into their bones.
It was like city animals that had never seen a tiger in their lives; yet upon first encountering one, they would still feel fear.
There's a saying about young, fearless calves, but such calves usually don't live long.
The two landed on Handsome's head. Handsome remained motionless, not even lifting an eyelid. If not for his thunderous snores, Han Shaoqing might have thought he was dead.
"What a massive head, and such coarse fur. Truly a fascinating giant beast."
Artoria stroked Handsome's fur, casually tying a bow in it.
As Han Shaoqing had expected, the System notification arrived on time.
Ding! You are currently atop Kong on Skull Island, meeting the check-in criteria. Do you wish to check in?
"Not yet."
Han Shaoqing chose not to check in immediately, deciding to wait until Handsome grew larger.
With his rapidly increasing strength, ordinary rewards had become negligible. He would only check in when Handsome reached the level of a Titan-class king.
Squatting down, Han Shaoqing placed his hand on Handsome's head. Under the surge of the Red of All Living Beings, he absorbed Handsome's power, which was roughly twenty times stronger than the Lone Reef Bull Demon's. Not bad.
Perhaps feeling an itch, Handsome raised his hand to scratch his head. Han Shaoqing and Artoria quickly dodged the massive palm.
"Hey, Handsome, the sun's already high in the sky. Time to get up."
A mental voice startled Handsome awake. He opened his eyes to see Han Shaoqing and Artoria hovering before him.
*Why are these little people standing in the sky?* Handsome wondered.
Han Shaoqing's voice echoed in his mind: *Handsome, we're your new neighbors. We'd appreciate your cooperation.*
Handsome turned to Han Shaoqing and opened his massive mouth: *Ooh-ooh (Was that you talking)?*
*Yes, I'm Han Shaoqing, and this is Saber. We just arrived on the island today,* Han Shaoqing replied mentally.
*It's good we can communicate. You can stay on the island, but don't harm the animals. Otherwise, I won't be lenient.*
*Also, you need to grow me some bananas. Otherwise, I might not protect you if danger arises.*
Handsome grunted and made a series of guttural noises. Han Shaoqing didn't understand beast language, but he grasped the intent.
*Why bananas? Eat this instead. It's much more potent.*
Han Shaoqing waved his hand and withdrew a Tsar Bomb from his Cosmic Ring.
*For me?*
Handsome's eyes lit up at the sight of the Tsar Bomb.
Most Titan Beasts subsisted on nuclear radiation. Although the current Handsome couldn't survive a nuclear explosion, he could still consume nuclear fuel without any problems.
Nuclear bombs have many safety mechanisms and won't explode without specific activation conditions.
To Handsome, it was the perfect nutrient source.
"You're a good friend. I'll protect you on this island."
Handsome, thrilled to have obtained the Tsar Bomb, immediately clamped his jaws around it.
Han Shaoqing and Artoria retreated a safe distance. He wasn't afraid of nuclear radiation, but Artoria was. He didn't want anything to happen to her.
Handsome gnawed on the Tsar Bomb like it was a sugarcane, his fangs crushing it as he slurped up the nuclear fuel inside. His blissful expression made it look as if he were drunk on some potent brew.
Soon, the Tsar Bomb was drained. Handsome's size visibly increased, though the change was subtle given his massive frame.
Handsome was simple-minded: give him good food, and you're his best friend.
After his feast, he quickly bonded with Han Shaoqing, their conversation flowing so easily that they were soon like sworn brothers, just short of performing the ritual of sacrificing a white chicken to seal their brotherhood.
This time, however, Han Shaoqing was the elder brother, and Handsome the younger brother.
Initially, Handsome was still somewhat resentful. After all, he was the leader of Skull Island and the guardian deity of the Iwi Tribe. How could he be a subordinate to this Han Shaoqing? Where did he fall short?
It wasn't until Han Shaoqing suppressed him with gravity, forcing him to his knees, that he finally acknowledged Han Shaoqing as his superior.
Titan Beasts had temperaments similar to the heroes in *Water Margin*.
Those they could defeat were called "shorties." Those they were evenly matched with were called "brothers." Those they couldn't defeat were called "big brothers."
Artoria followed Han Shaoqing. She couldn't understand the beast's language, but she found it amusing to see how well Han Shaoqing and Handsome hit it off.
At dusk, stepping into the lingering rays of the setting sun, Handsome headed toward the Iwi Tribe's stronghold.
Sitting on Handsome's shoulder, Artoria leaned against Han Shaoqing's back and murmured, "Watching the sunset here feels so special!"
"If you like it, I'll watch it with you every time from now on."
Han Shaoqing relished these leisurely moments.
Yet he still had many unfinished tasks. The thought of the endless stream of superheroes and villains in the future always reignited his insatiable craving for power.
Though he was already formidable, Han Shaoqing felt it wasn't enough.
-----------------------
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