Chapter 482 - 387: The Thunderbolt Calamity and the Duke’s Personal Arrival
Chapter 482: Chapter 387: The Thunderbolt Calamity and the Duke’s Personal Arrival
Everything was as usual inside the castle.
After returning, he had handed over all defense and administrative duties to Ed and Evan, while he himself entered a state of intense training.
The world-destroying might of that Thunderbolt was like a whip lashing fiercely at his heart.
Was he afraid?
Yes.
But more than fear, it was an ignited desire—a craving for a higher level of Power.
In this world, without Power, one could only let so-called "natural disasters" decide their fate, not even qualifying to be a pawn in the game.
He focused his mind, guiding the potent Fighting Spirit within him to wash over his meridians and bones again and again.
The Fighting Spirit resonated with the Power in his body.
Lying dormant was merely preparation for a more violent eruption.
Meanwhile, in the Hill Giant Camp not far from Black Stone Castle, the atmosphere was rather tense.
The chief, Wuba, sat by a huge bonfire, his brows tightly furrowed. The wooden stick in his hand, used for stirring the meat stew, looked as if it was about to poke a hole through the iron pot.
The shadow cast by his towering frame flickered with the firelight, much like his own uneasy heart.
He had seen with perfect clarity the earth-shattering Thunderstorm from two days ago.
Even from a great distance, that terrifying Power, which seemed capable of tearing the sky apart and piercing the very earth, had made him shudder to his very soul.
That was not a Power a Mortal could fight against. Only the Great Elder possessed the ability to confront such a cataclysm.
Though the Hill Giant Race was powerful, in the face of such an enemy, they were likely no more than slightly larger ants.
"Father, what are you worried about?"
A simple, honest voice spoke up.
Ug walked over, carrying a log. He had recently become fascinated with wood carving, and aside from training, he also spent his time looking for stones to carve into all sorts of trinkets.
Wuba looked up at his bravest son and sighed.
"Ug, did you see the lightning that day?"
"I did!"
Far from being afraid, Ug’s eyes glinted with excitement.
"It was so powerful! I’d love to test myself against an opponent like that!"
Wuba nearly choked on his stew. He stared at his son, whose head seemed to be as full of muscle as the rest of him, and was at a loss for words.
’Test myself against that thing?’
’How would you even do that?’
’Just charge in and get struck by a bolt of lightning until you’re a piece of charcoal?’
"We promised the Carlo brothers we would guard his territory."
Wuba’s voice grew heavy.
"But our enemy... might be a being like that."
"So what?"
Ug slammed the log he was carrying on the ground, producing a dull thud.
"We Hill Giants always keep our word. Even if the sky falls, we’ll hold it up on our shoulders. Besides, Carlo and Kado aren’t afraid, so what are we afraid of!"
Wuba looked at the matter-of-fact expression on Ug’s face and suddenly felt his worries were unnecessary.
’That’s right,’ he thought. ’The Giant race never goes back on its word.’
’It’s a pride etched into our very bloodline.’
’So what if it’s dangerous?’
’Our ancestors fought against all kinds of dangers for generations.’
He picked up the giant ladle, scooped up some of the piping hot stew, and drank it down in a large gulp. The scorching warmth that spread through his chest dispelled his lingering unease.
"You’re right!"
Wuba’s voice became loud and clear again.
"Pass on my orders! All Giants are to intensify their training! We cannot bring shame to our name!"
Time passed in silence.
After Black Stone Territory pulled back its defensive lines, the territory remained peaceful, aside from some minor border conflicts with Magical Beasts.
Raylo’s assessment had been correct. The strength of Black Stone Territory was not yet enough to make it a primary target for the Jade Swamp.
「Two months later.」
During this period of arduous training, Raylo had polished the Fighting Spirit within him to a state of ultimate harmony and refinement. He now stood firmly at the Peak of the Earth Knight rank.
All he needed was a single opportunity to break through that Barrier, allowing his Fighting Spirit to leave his body, and become a Sky Knight.
He let out a long breath, feeling the surging Power within him. An unprecedented sense of control washed over him.
Warm sunlight streamed through the castle windows, spilling onto the corridor.
Raylo walked down the corridor, intending to go out for a stroll.
Just as he reached the castle entrance, he saw Ed hurrying in from outside.
"My lord."
Ed saw Raylo and immediately came forward.
"What happened?"
Raylo asked.
"A Pegasus Knight delivered a message,"
Ed said.
"The Duke is personally leading the Thunder Dragon Knight Order. They have already entered the borders of Black Stone Territory."