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[Once this array is complete, your wish— for Elbaph and the Giant Tribe to be officially recognized by this "world" and permitted to join— shall be granted.]
Elbaph accepted by the World Government! Your wish is about to come true!
Immense joy surged like a tidal wave, washing away the faint unease in Harald's heart.
He excitedly prostrated himself, head touching the ground, voice trembling: "I shall obey Your command without fail! Harald will not disappoint!"
He was immersed in the ecstasy of his wish being fulfilled and the shock of the "Power of Immortality," completely unaware…
That the cold contract brand and the so-called "Power of Immortality" were not a gift, but the most vicious shackles and bait.
Carrying hope and a sense of mission, Harald sailed back to Elbaph.
He avoided others and, alone in the deepest hall of the royal castle, carefully traced out a massive, intricate pentagram magic array on the floor, following the exact images Imu had directly imprinted into his mind.
Every stroke consumed enormous effort, but the thought of the impending "recognition" made him feel it was all worthwhile.
The array completed, a dim glow flowed through the lines.
Harald sat upon the throne and, through the contract mark, excitedly reported to Imu.
However, Imu's next command struck like a bucket of ice water poured over his head, instantly freezing his blood!
[Very good.]
[Next step: You shall gather all adult, healthy giants of Elbaph to form a legion directly under the World Government— one capable of matching or even surpassing the combat power of Marine Headquarters.]
"Wh… What!?"
Harald cried out in shock, his massive body jolting violently, all color draining from his face: "Lord Imu! This… this cannot be! For atonement, I alone am enough!
"The people of Elbaph are innocent! What they long for is peace and recognition, not to become war machines!!"
He panicked, waving his enormous hands frantically, trying to explain, protest, refuse.
He spoke to the empty hall, his voice distorting from fear and disbelief. This abnormal behavior left the guards outside exchanging uneasy glances, puzzled and anxious.
But it was already too late.
[The contract is sealed. You have no choice.] Imu's cold, emotionless voice echoed in his mind, carrying no feeling whatsoever!
[Execute the order.]
The moment the words fell, Harald horrifiedly discovered that his body… was no longer under his control!
His legs moved on their own, striding toward the hall's entrance. No matter how desperately he struggled with his mind, roaring inwardly to halt his body, it was futile!
The "Power of Immortality" and the jet-black contract mark acted like the highest-level command lock, completely seizing control of his form.
All that remained was his consciousness trapped inside this familiar "shell," forced to watch helplessly as it carried out orders from the void.
"No!!!"
Harald roared madly in his mind, overwhelming despair and regret swallowing him whole: "I've been deceived! The World Government never intended to accept us! All they wanted was obedient weapons— a monster legion! The Five Elders… they're all liars!! Deception!!"
He understood. Everything became clear.
The so-called "recognition," the "joining"— nothing but sweet poison!
"Someone!! Come quickly!!"
Harald used the last shred of control over his vocal cords to let out a hoarse, pain-filled roar: "Tie me up! Lock me down! Hurry!!"
The guards outside, hearing their king's abnormally anguished cry, finally realized something was terribly wrong and rushed in.
What met their eyes was their king— face contorted, eyes filled with agony and struggle— yet his body moved like a marionette, stiffly and powerfully attempting to attack them!
"Your Majesty! What's wrong?!"
"Quick! Hold His Majesty down! Be careful!"
Though panicked, the guards' loyalty to their king overcame their fear. They surged forward, trying to restrain the out-of-control Harald with chains and brute force.
However, Harald— now endowed with the "Power of Immortality"— possessed strength far beyond before. Even as his consciousness resisted, his body's autonomous counterattacks were extraordinarily fierce.
Swords were drawn, spears thrust. To subdue the rampaging king, the guards were forced to use weapons.
"Pfft!"
"Clang!"
…
The sound of blades piercing flesh and scraping against armor rang out.
Harald's colossal body was impaled by several thick spears, pinning him to a pillar in the hall. Blood gushed out in streams.
Agonizing pain surged through him, yet the "Power of Immortality" worked frantically to repair the wounds— forcing his consciousness to remain painfully aware, fully experiencing this betrayal, this manipulation, and the utter agony of the disaster he was about to bring upon his people.
"Hajrudin… has set sail… Loki… is still imprisoned…"
A wounded guard reported between gasps.
"Release him… bring him to me… hurry… hurry!!"
Harald used his final strength to roar, eyes brimming with worry for his son and urgent entrustment.
He had to warn them!
The guards dared not delay. Several broke off, rushing in panic toward the detention cell where Loki was held and the residence of Elder Jorul.
The stone door was violently flung open. Inside, Loki was informed by the guards: "His Majesty has urgent orders— go to the castle at once!"
Loki looked bewildered but shouldered his warhammer and headed toward the castle.
On the other side, the elderly yet still robust Elder Jorul received the message and hurried to the royal city as well.
The two met almost simultaneously outside the castle, chatting as they approached the perimeter.
When Loki violently smashed the gates open, a thick stench of blood assaulted them.
What greeted their eyes was a sight they would never forget in their lives— a scene straight from hell.
Elbaph's most beloved monarch, Harald, had been pierced through by several massive spears. Head raised, eyes vacant as he stared at the ceiling, his face frozen in extreme pain, unwillingness, and endless regret.
Blood had soaked the ground beneath him, forming a dark red lake.
Around him lay fallen or gravely wounded guards groaning, broken weapons scattered everywhere.
The entire hall resembled the aftermath of a brutal civil war.
"What are you doing!!!" Loki's roar tore through the air.
"Harald!!" Jorul's pupils shrank to pinpricks, staring fixedly at the scene!
That day, the royal castle of Elbaph was completely shrouded in clouds of grief and despair.
The Giant King, who had devoted his life to securing peace and dignity for his tribe, did not die on a battlefield against external foes, nor fall to a powerful enemy's blade— but perished in a deception originating from the highest authority…
Harald, King of Elbaph, God's Knight (puppet), carrying unfulfilled dreams, shattered trust, and endless worry for his people's future… thus… died with bitter resentment.
The light screen slowly faded on this bloodstained, tragic frozen frame.
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