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Chapter 33: The Spear of Elbaf - Hegemony
Vilin's straightforward generosity made both Brogy and Dorry very happy.
The atmosphere among the three grew increasingly warm and friendly.
As time passed and the wine took effect, the slightly tipsy trio soon began addressing each other as brothers.
Through their friendly exchange, Vilin learned about the strongest techniques of the giant race: Elbaf Spear – Weiguo (Homeland) and Elbaf Spear – Hagukoku (Tyrant).
He expressed great interest in them.
"Uncle Dorry, Uncle Brogy, I'm really curious about the strongest moves of the giant race you mentioned!"
"Would it be possible to let me witness them?"
Vilin asked earnestly, eyes shining with anticipation.
Seeing Vilin so eager to try, Dorry and Brogy looked troubled.
"Wouldn't that be too dangerous?"
"Don't worry! I'm a Devil Fruit user—I'll be fine."
Seeing Vilin's insistence, the two giants reluctantly agreed.
The trio moved far away from the camp.
Wood Giant!
As Vilin activated his ability, his body rapidly expanded.
In one breath, a giant over ten meters tall appeared before Dorry and Brogy.
When the two giants saw Vilin had also transformed into a giant, they looked surprised.
"Uncle Dorry, Uncle Brogy!"
"Let me experience the strongest spear of Elbaf!"
Seeing Vilin was fully prepared, Dorry and Brogy quickly stood side by side.
They assumed their charging stances.
In moments, both concentrated their full strength together.
Elbaf Spear!
Hegemony!
As the two swung their weapons in unison, an incomparably terrifying aura erupted instantly.
Vilin felt an overwhelming spear intent blasting toward him.
Facing this move head-on, every hair on his body stood on end.
It felt as if he were standing before a towering mountain.
The oppressive pressure left Vilin momentarily frozen.
Sensing death approaching, Vilin exploded with full power.
Let me see where my limit lies!
Wood Giant Soldier – Great Giant Spirit Fist!
The giant form of Vilin slowly raised his fist.
He frantically gathered every ounce of strength and Haki into it.
With one earth-shaking punch, Vilin's fist collided directly with the incoming attack.
The instant fist met spear light, Vilin felt an immense weight crash down on him.
Though his fist was continuously reinforced with Armament Haki, it couldn't withstand the terrifying destructive force of Hegemony.
His fist quickly began shattering layer by layer, turning into dust that scattered into the air.
"I have to take this hit!"
With a furious roar, Vilin's conviction grew unshakable.
His Haki was infected by his indomitable will and instantly became frenzied.
It surged wildly toward the shield he raised in front of him.
It desperately blocked the horrifying destructive power of Elbaf Spear.
Though Vilin's Armament Haki broke through to a new level in this desperate moment, he was ultimately sent flying by the overwhelming force of Hegemony.
Even the external Armament Haki coating his body was steadily ground away by the sheer power.
Seeing this, Vilin could only concentrate all remaining Haki into his arms.
He stubbornly resisted the fading Hegemony.
Finally, his body crashed into a small mountain.
Only then did he come to a stop.
Inside the cave Vilin had smashed into, his appearance was utterly miserable.
His whole body was drenched in blood; a fist-sized hole had been blasted through his left lower abdomen.
Seeing himself in such a wretched state, Vilin gave a wry smile.
Moments later, Annie and the two giants rushed toward him.
When Annie saw how gravely injured Vilin was, her eyes turned red with worry.
Seeing Annie so upset, Vilin gently stroked her jet-black hair.
"Don't worry. My injuries will heal quickly."
He pointed to his abdomen.
Annie saw the wound closing at visible speed.
Only then did she feel slightly relieved.
Dorry and Brogy scratched their heads awkwardly when they saw Vilin in such a pitiful state.
Vilin had no intention of blaming the giants.
He was the one who insisted they use full power.
How could he possibly blame them?
Half an hour later, Vilin used the stored life energy in his body to fully recover all his injuries.
He stood up, feeling no discomfort at all.
Then he rejoined the two giants to continue the feast.
During the banquet, Dorry and Brogy were deeply impressed that Vilin had managed to withstand their strongest combined attack.
For a power-worshipping race like the giants, they naturally respected anyone stronger than themselves.
During the drinking, Dorry and Brogy noticed Vilin seemed to have something to say but was hesitating.
The impatient Dorry spoke directly:
"Little Vilin! Just say it straight! We don't like hemming and hawing!"
"Yeah, spit it out!"
Seeing both giants encourage him, Vilin stopped hesitating.
"I want to learn the move you just used—Hegemony. Is that possible?"
Originally Vilin wanted to ask for all their techniques, but he felt that would be too greedy.
So he only mentioned Hegemony.
"Don't worry! I can compensate each of you with one Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit!"
"What do you think?"
Dorry and Brogy were initially going to refuse.
But when they thought about the immense power of Ancient Zoans, both fell into deep contemplation.
On one side: the ultimate techniques of their village.
On the other: a promising young man and two Devil Fruits that could greatly increase their strength.
They were extremely conflicted.
Vilin saw them struggling with the decision.
He didn't rush them, simply waiting quietly.
Though he coveted the giant techniques greatly, he would never force anyone.
Vilin believed that even without Elbaf techniques, he could become one of the strongest people on the sea through his own hard work.
In the end, Dorry and Brogy agreed.
They accepted not because of the Devil Fruits, but because they saw Vilin's incredible potential.
They wanted to form a good connection with him—wanted Vilin to owe the giants a favor.
In the end, Vilin accepted their condition.
Vilin promised to owe the giants three favors.
After settling the matter, Vilin raised his wine bowl together with the two giants.
They drained the bowls in one gulp.
Seeing his goal achieved, Vilin retrieved two Devil Fruits from within himself and presented them to Dorry and Brogy.
When the two giants saw the fruits, delight appeared on their faces.
"So these are Devil Fruits?"
Brogy looked curiously at the tiny objects the size of grains.
"Mm. From my guess, both should be Ancient Zoans."
"They're extremely valuable."