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Collapsed Perceptions and Silent Panic
The scene on the light curtain shifted from Harald's solitary figure in the mist to the grand, pristine, yet invisibly stern and cold architectural complex of the Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Many viewers of the light curtain—after their initial shock and admiration for Harald's spirit of sacrifice—suddenly recalled what had flashed earlier: Imu's icy, calculating evaluation of the giants as an excellent tool.
Putting the two together sent a chill racing up their spines straight to the crown of their heads.
"Wait… if—if, I mean just if…"
A man wearing a chef's hat spoke with a trembling voice, his face pale: "If in the future the giants of Elbaf really end up completely controlled by the World Government… or rather, by that Lord Imu, turned into weapons in their hands…"
He didn't finish, but everyone around him understood the unspoken implication.
If an entire race with such terrifying physical prowess—born as living war machines—became mindless "weapons" or "tools" under the highest authority of the World Government…
Then what nation, what force in this world could possibly stand against them?
The future Marines? The Revolutionary Army? Or the Four Emperors?
For ordinary kingdoms, islands, and even most non-top-tier powers…
It would be true, inescapable, apocalyptic catastrophe.
"We… we just want to live peaceful lives…"
A mother holding her child murmured blankly, her eyes vacant: "Why is it like this? Why does even surviving… feel like a luxury now?"
Panic spread like a silent plague through the countless crowds watching the light curtain.
Their worldview was collapsing at unprecedented speed under the light curtain's relentless, merciless revelations.
The "justice" and "order" they had once firmly believed in turned out to have such a cold and dark core.
And the "evil" that seemed to bring chaos displayed a humanity and tragic heroism that moved hearts.
The solid foundation they thought they stood on was built over surging undercurrents and an abyss that could swallow everything at any moment.
The light curtain continued to advance.
Harald's figure—like a moving small mountain—walked along the wide, spotless white streets of Mary Geoise!
His massive form formed an extremely stark contrast with the ornate, luxurious buildings around him and the Celestial Dragons in their lavish robes, most of whom were corpulent.
He took each step with extraordinary care, as if afraid his colossal body might accidentally damage something "fragile."
This sight evoked completely different feelings depending on the viewer.
For people like Kuma, Ginny, and Ivankov—who had once been slaves and crawled out of hell—every brick in Mary Geoise was soaked in blood, tears, and despair.
Seeing Harald step into this place made their bodies tense involuntarily, muscles tightening as if they had returned to those unbearable years.
The glamour of this place only made them feel doubly nauseated and furious.
But for the pampered Celestial Dragons—who had long taken privilege as a matter of course—Harald's appearance was merely a novel, collectible "big toy."
"Wow! He's so huge!" a young Celestial Dragon child pointed and exclaimed.
"Is that… the legendary ancient giant race? There's actually one still alive?"
A middle-aged Celestial Dragon wearing a bubble helmet squinted, oily-faced, sizing him up and down.
"I want him! I want him as my new slave! Standing on his shoulders to inspect things would be way more impressive than riding those lowly commoners!"
A young Celestial Dragon woman squealed excitedly, her eyes flashing with sickly possessiveness.
"Right! Have him pull my carriage! Or use him as a mobile viewing platform!" someone immediately chimed in.
These brazen, unfiltered discussions treating others as objects clearly reached Harald's ears.
His massive hands clenched slightly, brows furrowing into deep knots, but in the end he did nothing—only exhaling a suppressed rough breath through his nostrils, his gaze growing even more somber…
He silently followed the World Government official guiding him, quickening his pace to leave those noisy, grating voices behind.
That profound powerlessness and sorrow could be felt clearly even through the light curtain.
For the future of his race, he had to endure these humiliations.
Harald was led to the power hall where the Five Elders resided. Even the Giant King felt invisible pressure facing these five holders of the world's supreme authority.
After a long, metaphor-laden conversation, the critical moment arrived.
"This is the 'Shallow Sea Contract.'"
"Signing it means you will be granted the status of 'Blade of the Gods,' directly subordinate to the God's Knights, becoming a trusted confidant and extension of their power."
One of the Five Elders, Saint Topman V. Warcury, began to explain…
And when the words "Shallow Sea Contract" appeared, outside the light curtain the Five Elders at God Valley—and the God's Knights standing beside them—showed clear expressions mixed with surprise and gravity.
Clearly, granting this "contract" was no routine matter, nor a trivial one.
"The contracts are divided into three levels… Shallow Sea is the one you are about to sign, signifying initial acceptance and trial."
Above it were the Deep Sea Contract and the Abyss Sea Contract…
Only an extremely small number of 'chosen ones' could obtain those.
They represented the most direct, closest connection with 'God,' symbolizing supreme honor and… responsibility.
Currently, only thirteen beings had received such honor.
Harald listened in a daze. These obscure hierarchical divisions and talk of "connection with God" were far removed from his simple idea of "atonement in exchange for peace."
His huge face was full of confusion.
At that point Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro waved his hand impatiently: "No need to delve deeply. Once you truly advance to become one of the God's Knights, you will naturally have the opportunity to glimpse the truer appearance of this world and… its secrets.
For now, you only need to understand that accepting the 'Shallow Sea Contract' is the crucial first step for you—and for Elbaf—to gain recognition from the world."
Hearing "Elbaf recognized by the world," Harald's clouded eyes instantly lit up. His earlier confusion was replaced by intense longing.
He had already paid the price of breaking his horns and endured a lonely journey of atonement in the mist. At this moment, it felt as though he saw the dawn of hope.
"Then… forgive my bluntness,"
Harald's voice trembled slightly, carrying the desperate hope of one staking everything: "When I… truly become a knight one day,
Will Elbaf… be able to officially join the World Government and receive equal recognition and peace as all other member nations?"
The Five Elders exchanged a meaningful glance.
In those looks were composure from total control, satisfaction that the "pawn" was moving along the predetermined track, and perhaps a trace of something extremely subtle and indescribable.
Finally, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn slowly nodded, his voice solemn: "If you abide by the contract, fulfill your duties as 'Blade of the Gods,' and render meritorious service in upholding the order established by 'God,'
When the time is ripe, the World Government will naturally announce the formal acceptance of the Elbaf Kingdom as a member nation. The wish of your race will be fulfilled."
"That's wonderful…!"
Harald was so excited he could hardly contain himself. His massive body trembled slightly, tears even welling in his eyes.
He seemed to already see the children of Elbaf running carefree under the sunlight.
However, outside the light curtain, countless viewers' hearts sank to rock bottom.
They could see clearly that the "Shallow Sea Contract" was no benevolent thing. The Five Elders' promise was more like an indefinitely deferred blank check that could be torn up at any time.
Harald—this giant king who cared only for his race—was stepping step by step into a meticulously woven trap baited with "peace."
The future he longed for, in the eyes of onlookers, looked more like a one-way road leading to deeper enslavement and exploitation.
"Those in the thick of it are blind…" someone sighed softly, filled with helplessness and compassion.
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