Chapter 231: Honor and Resolve in the Giant Kingdom

On the stage, the King of the Giant Kingdom shot to his feet in a panic the moment he saw Loki still on the ground. Worry twisted his face as he feared Loki might have suffered an irreversible injury. Eyes wide, he stared anxiously at Loki below.

Though his lips trembled, the King’s voice carried a firm steadiness as he commanded, “Hurry, save Prince Loki!”

His order echoed through the arena. From both sides of the passageway, a rush of guards poured out, shields and spears at the ready as they dashed toward Loki.

At the same time, several giant doctors in white coats darted forward, lugging emergency kits and medical equipment as they hurried to Loki’s side.

The doctors knelt and carefully examined Loki’s injuries, gently checking his body, pulse and breathing. After a nerve-racking inspection, they finally breathed a sigh of relief and nodded at the King, signaling that Loki’s life wasn’t in danger.

The King’s expression didn’t change, as if he hadn’t been worried about Loki’s fate at all.

He turned toward Karl, his voice calm and steady. “I hereby announce that Karl of the human race has passed the Blood Trial!”

The King’s declaration boomed across the arena. Instantly, the crowd below erupted in cheers, raising their arms in celebration for Karl’s victory. The cheers thundered through the arena, igniting an atmosphere hotter than ever before.

Standing on the stage, Karl wore a confident smile. This was exactly the scene he’d hoped for.

With this trial, he’d not only claimed victory but also won the giants’ respect and acceptance. Resolving Charlotte Linlin’s situation with the giants would be much easier now.

“Finally, someone passed the Blood Trial again.”

“Yeah, it’s been years since anyone made it through the Blood Trial.”

“It’s a shame, though—this time the one who passed is a human.”

“Doesn’t matter. As long as someone can pass, it proves this path isn’t a dead end. Next year, I’m going to give it a try myself!”

Karl’s success in the Blood Trial sparked hope in the hearts of countless young giants. When Loki stood guard, not a single person had ever passed.

But with Karl clearing the Blood Trial, it filled them with confidence. Now they truly believed they could have a chance next year.

On stage, the Giant Kingdom’s King studied Karl, an unreadable look in his eyes—almost as if he was trying to commit Karl’s face to memory—then turned quietly and walked away, his figure slowly fading from sight.

“Mr. Karl, this way please.” A guard appeared at Karl’s side and spoke softly.

Karl finally tore his gaze from the departing King and nodded at the guard in front of him.

Guided by the guard, Karl followed an unfamiliar path that led straight toward the royal palace.

Along the way, voices of praise rang non-stop. For that moment, it felt as if joy filled every corner of the Giant Kingdom.

But the farther they walked into the palace, the quieter the atmosphere grew.

By the time Karl reached the inner sanctum of the royal palace, only the Giant King remained inside.

“Karl, are you certain your terms for passing the Blood Trial are to absolve Charlotte Linlin’s crimes?”

The King still wanted to make another attempt. Letting a human pass the Blood Trial was already unprecedented.

Let alone granting a request—something never done in the Giant Kingdom’s history. But he’d given his word. He just hadn’t expected Karl would defeat Loki so easily.

Still, to go back on his promise would make the giants look untrustworthy. As King, he knew all too well the weight of keeping one’s word.

Karl answered politely first. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“That’s my only request. I hope Your Majesty will keep your promise.” Karl’s steady voice echoed through the empty palace.

When the King had spoken, Karl had already guessed he was reluctant to follow through.

But this was Karl. If the King truly tried to back out, Karl had a few tricks up his sleeve.

The King’s eyes froze for a moment when he heard Karl’s unwavering reply.

Realizing his intentions had been exposed, he sounded a little unhappy. “Don’t worry, I’ll do as I promised.”

“Is there anything else?”

Noticing the King’s growing impatience, Karl stayed courteous. “Nothing else, just please make it quick, Your Majesty.”

As Karl turned to leave the palace, the King’s mind churned with mixed feelings. His right hand drummed restlessly on the armrest. He sat alone in the grand hall for four hours.

“Guards, summon the ministers!”

After that order rang out, footsteps echoed in the palace corridors.

……

Meanwhile, Brogy and Dorry wandered through the towns on the outskirts of the Giant Kingdom.

They’d rallied lots of eager young giants and former crew members who wanted to set sail.

“Ka-ba-ba-ba-ba!”

“Dorry, how many did you find today?”

As Dorry arrived at the base entrance, Brogy was already waiting for him.

“Not that many, not that many—just a dozen or so.” Dorry replied, gesturing behind him.

“Looks like we’ve almost gathered everyone we need.”

Watching the crowd of giants trailing behind, Brogy murmured to himself.

Over the past month, they had gathered hundreds of giants, most of whom were sent to the giant village to help build ships, while the two of them kept recruiting more crew.

“I just wonder how Karl is doing.” Dorry wondered aloud.

Today he’d been out recruiting, so he hadn’t gone to the training arena to watch Karl’s fight.

Brogy burst out laughing. “You missed out big time—the Blood Trial is over and Karl passed!”

“And you don’t even know—the final challenge was Prince Loki himself, and his strength was nothing to take lightly!”

“Really?” Dorry perked up, clearly interested.

The two chatted as they walked inside.

The scene shifted to the shore near the giant village.

“Here’s today’s shipment—check it over quick!”

Krell stood by the shore, directing the giants on the island as they moved the cargo.

The giants hauled cargo at impressive speed. It only took a few hours for dozens of massive ships to be unloaded.

“Krell, here’s the list for the next shipment,”

Oden walked over, handing Krell a manifest.

After heading to the Giant Kingdom days ago, Oden had been sent here by Brogy and Dorry along with nearly a hundred giants.

Their main job now was shipbuilding. Once the ships were ready, they could set out to sea smoothly.

So handing off logistics to Krell was left to Oden, who used to manage supplies in the giant village. He really had a knack for this sort of thing.

Krell accepted the giant list, lowering his head to read as he asked without looking up, “Any word on when Lord Karl will be done?”

That was what he truly cared about. Every couple of weeks now, they could exchange goods with the giants.

He’d actually planned to delegate this work a long time ago, but the real reason he kept showing up himself was just to ask about Lord Karl.