Loki's attire wasn't much different from that of other Elbaf warrior giants.
Maintaining an overall Viking style, he wore a dark-colored wide-brimmed helmet adorned with two long horns.
His eyes were also wrapped in bandages.
However, Michael didn't know whether this was by his own choice or part of the punishment he endured as a criminal.
"What kind of person is Loki in the eyes of you giants?" Michael asked this question to Gerd and Linlin, who were closest to him.
"He doesn't seem particularly remarkable at first glance."
"You mean Loki?"
Gerd was momentarily taken aback before sighing and explaining slowly.
"For us Elbafians, Loki is a dangerous and malevolent presence... Many of his past actions can only be described as 'pitiable.'"
"And the most infamous deed of all was the murder of his own father, King Harald."
"From beginning to end, Loki has proclaimed himself the Sun God, a figure celebrated in Elbaf's legends, yet he fails to grasp the true meaning of what it means to be the Sun God—to bring about the end of the world..."
"But his strength is undeniably among the giants. Even Dorry and Brogy, the two captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, would likely face defeat if they confronted Loki alone."
Gerd sighed.
As Loki's contemporary, Gerd knew him quite well.
That's why she wore such a conflicted expression when Michael questioned her.
Honestly, if Loki's temperament weren't so extreme and tyrannical, he would undoubtedly make a better successor than King Harald.
But... things don't always go as planned.
"Still, Loki is truly the unrestrained type," Linlin lifted her head and downed an entire mug of ale in one gulp.
"This guy came to Whole Cake Island recently to propose to my thirty-second daughter, Charlotte Lola... but I refused."
"You refused?" Michael raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you always eager to arrange a marriage alliance with the giants to gain Elbaf's support and military strength?"
"Mamamamama! I'm no fool! If he were already the King of Elbaf, I'd have married my daughter to him without hesitation... but unfortunately, he's just a prince, and one nearly despised by the entire nation," Linlin laughed heartily. "So, the deal fell through."
Michael nodded.
Then he turned to look at Loki, who sat as meek as a lamb, not daring to utter a single rebellious word...
Sometimes, such individuals appear extreme on the surface but are actually quite perceptive.
Between dying young and being sent to prison in the underworld, Loki could still tell which option was better.
"So, uh, I wonder if Elbaf's fine ale suits your taste?"
Loki flashed an ingratiating smile at Michael.
But in Loki's fawning eyes, Michael caught a glimpse of... triumphant mirth.
"Speak plainly if you have something to say," Michael set down his cup, spread his Wings, and flew right up to Loki.
"You crawled out of the underworld, battered and bruised, just to see me, didn't you?"
"Was my act really that obvious?" Loki scratched his chin. "Surely not?"
"Can't speak for other things, but your acting skills are indeed impressive. Since you fancy yourself the Sun God, I suppose that cowardly display earlier was all an act?"
"...Ahahaha, yes, it was all an act! Oh dear, how troublesome—you saw right through me."
"...Even among the most cunning and deceitful, you'd rank near the top," Michael rolled his eyes.
"At the very least, your ability to lie through your teeth is remarkable."
As Loki and Michael conversed, they paid no heed to the fact that everyone around them was intently focused on their exchange.
After all, Loki's presence was far more taboo than Charlotte Linlin's.
"Though I may seem like a slacker, I've actually read quite a few books from the Owl Library, especially those related to the 'Sun God' and 'Joy Boy'," Loki's words were practically an open hint to Michael.
"Naturally, I've also gained some understanding about the people around Joy Boy."
"Well, there's one thing you definitely don't understand—I can knock your head clean off right now," Michael raised an eyebrow. "Alright, why have you risked appearing here? What's your purpose?"
"My purpose? To follow you and completely destroy this world, of course!" Loki finally revealed that familiar manic grin.
"You're the one prophesied by Joy Boy to bring about the world's total destruction!"
"...Seriously, do I look like that kind of person to you?" Michael arched an eyebrow. "From beginning to end, my goals have never been about destroying the world... Well, at most destroying the World Government."
"Same words," Loki instantly returned to normal, waving his hand with a chuckle.
"Anyway, I can settle for the next best thing—wiping out those Celestial Dragons, the biggest scum in this world, would be good enough."
Michael turned his head.
Though he didn't particularly like Loki's personality and knew this guy was definitely plotting something else... at this moment, he found some resonance with Loki.
At least he could tell Loki's hatred and disgust toward the Celestial Dragons were genuine.
Sometimes, even this tiny overlap in objectives is enough to forge cooperation.
However...
"A guy like you would be better off locked up on that tree."
"You're so strict, Seraph of the End, Michael-sama..."
"Where do you even come up with these terms... sounds embarrassingly cringey."
...
"Kaido's Beasts Pirates and their allies failed in their invasion of Wano Country and were nearly annihilated."
"Kaido himself is presumed dead, but his exact whereabouts remain unknown... According to intelligence, traces of 'BIG MOM' Charlotte Linlin were spotted near Wano."
"This time, Figarland Garling's actions failed to eliminate Michael in Wano... Even most of the Dyna Stones were seized by the Marines..."
The Five Elders knelt together before the Empty Throne as Jaygarcia Saturn solemnly reported the battle situation in Wano.
"This matter... was actually within Mu's expectations. There's no need to elaborate."
The figure seated upon the Empty Throne spoke softly.
"Michael is destined to die by my hand."
"This is what you call... fate."