"Hah..."
"9454, 9455, 9456..."
As the sun set on the outskirts of Elbaf's giant village, a figure much larger than a human, with wings on his back, was drenched in sweat. El, soaked and with a determined look in his eyes, continued to swing his sword relentlessly.
"Whoosh..."
The air filled with the sound of the blade slicing through it, creating gusts of wind so strong that surrounding rocks, both large and small, were caught up and scattered. Towering trees, so massive that even giants needed several of them to encircle, swayed under the pressure of the wind. Even some of the adult giants watching felt uneasy, not daring to approach for fear of being injured by accident.
"El, though you possess incredible natural strength, unmatched by anyone, your sword swings are still neither fast nor precise enough," Mountain Beard, Jarul, stroked his beard as he patiently instructed. "When you can swing without creating such fierce wind pressure, and instead focus and condense all your strength into each strike, only then will you be able to master Elbaf's proud spear techniques."
"Zap-ba-ba~! The giant race, by nature, possesses great size and strength far beyond that of other intelligent species," Waterfall Beard, Jorul, nodded with a smile, offering his own guidance. "Thus, the combat techniques of the giants are straightforward and powerful, without the flashy moves of human swordsmanship or martial arts. Each strike is about force overpowering finesse, tearing through and destroying everything in its path."
"You must focus completely, with a clear mind, free of distractions!"
"Channel all your strength, momentum, and will into each strike!"
"Yes! I will work hard, Elders!" El replied with steely resolve, pausing his movements to absorb the elders' advice. He took stock of his weaknesses and eagerly sought to correct them. Though born a prodigious talent, a natural monster, El wasn't content with becoming just another Charlotte Linlin.
That wasn't his ambition. His dreams reached far beyond.
Taking a deep breath, El closed his eyes, adjusting his breathing and concentration. Once again, he resumed swinging his sword.
"Whoosh... whoosh..."
The sharp blade gleamed, and the wind pressure, though still formidable, was already less scattered than before.
"What incredible natural talent..." Jarul and Jorul both nodded silently, deeply impressed. El was indeed favored by the heavens, a born warrior with extraordinary gifts. His ability to quickly comprehend their teachings was remarkable, far surpassing the simple-minded Hajrudin. In just half a year, El had nearly mastered Elbaf's combat techniques. If he weren't still so young and physically undeveloped, he might have already fully grasped Elbaf's spear techniques.
"29995, 29996, 29997..."
As time passed, El continued to train, his sweat soaking the ground beneath him.
"Bo-ka-ka-ka~! El, that's enough training for today!" Jarul said with satisfaction, looking up at the darkening sky. "It's getting late; we should head back."
"Indeed. Training must be done in moderation; there's no need to rush. We'll continue tomorrow!" Jorul added with a smile, stroking his waterfall-like beard. This was something they appreciated about El. Despite his extraordinary talent and half-giant blood, he possessed an iron will and remarkable perseverance. He never feared hardship, never complained, and remained dedicated to his training—truly a rare quality.
"Alright. See you tomorrow, Elders!" El exhaled deeply, stopping his training. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and watched as the two elders left.
"El, have you finished training?"
Not far away, an elderly woman dressed in black nun's attire, her face full of wrinkles, approached with a smile. She called out, "Today is Wotan's birthday. I've prepared a big birthday cake. Would you like to join us?"
She had a kind face and a cigarette in her mouth, smiling warmly. But as she looked at the young, handsome boy with black wings, like a fallen angel, there was a barely hidden greed and wariness in her eyes.
This boy was a survivor of the Lunarian race, a people for whom the World Government had posted a massive bounty. Anyone who reported traces of the Lunarians could earn a reward of 100 million Berries. If someone captured a Lunarian alive, the reward would be even greater.
However, El had always been distant and cold toward her, making it impossible for her to lure him to the "Sheep's House." Besides, he was a powerful monster—impervious to weapons, incredibly strong, and wielding the terrifying abilities of a Mythical Zoan. She feared him.
"No, thank you, Sister. I've already prepared dinner," El smiled and politely declined. As someone who had traveled from another world, he knew exactly who this "Holy Mother" really was. The so-called intervention to stop the Navy from executing the Giant Pirates' warriors had been nothing more than a performance orchestrated by the World Government and Carmel herself.
Her true identity was that of an infamous trafficker in the underworld, known by the code name "Mountain Witch." The orphans and troubled children sent to the "Sheep's House" were not adopted by kind-hearted people but sold directly to the World Government or other powers. Those with talent were sold to the government, brainwashed, and trained to become CP agents. As for those with mediocre talent or physical defects? Their fates were far darker.
Carmel had long coveted El, the survivor of the Lunarian race. But she wasn't content to simply report his existence to the World Government and claim the 100 million Berries reward. She feared his power and knew she couldn't use force against him. She had even tried to lure him out of Elbaf, hoping to ambush him with CP0 or the Navy. But El had paid no attention to her, leaving her with no options.
Yet El had his own reasons for allowing her to remain. He was waiting for her to bring more talented children from around the world and from different races. These children, whom Carmel had set aside to sell to the government before her retirement, had exceptional potential. With a little training, they could become a powerful force for him.
"Very well, I won't bother you then. Be sure not to overexert yourself with your training!" Carmel smiled warmly but fumed inside. That brat had repeatedly refused her offers. If she ever got the chance, she would sell him to the World Government without hesitation—he was worth a fortune.
"Take care, Sister!" El responded with a warm smile, watching Carmel walk away. Little did she know that his Lunarian and giant bloodline came with more than just a monstrous physique. Born with Observation Haki, El had trained for years to strengthen it to the point where he could even hear her heart. Her malicious intent and schemes, which she thought were well hidden, were as clear as day to him.
Over the years, El had also learned where Carmel, through her child trafficking business, had stashed her vast fortune. If he wanted to, he could take it effortlessly.
He wanted both the people and the treasure. Everything Carmel had done was merely setting the stage for his own success.
Did she plan to retire in peace? Hell might be the perfect place for her retirement.