louisehourcade Chapter 397 - 350: Rite of Power and the Giant Market
Chapter 397 - 350: Rite of Power and the Giant Market
Seeing the world from a Giant’s perspective was a completely different experience.
Hills that once had to be climbed could now be crossed in a few steps; rushing streams were now mere ankle-deep puddles beneath their feet.
A journey that would have taken two hours was quickly completed at a speed comparable to a galloping horse.
A clamor drifted from ahead, piercing through the gaps in the trees, carrying with it a primitive and rugged vitality.
From the tall vantage point of a Hill Giant, a Giant Tribe of about a hundred members appeared before them.
They pushed aside the last cluster of enormous shrubs in their path.
Ahead, dozens of crude houses built from massive stones and logs formed an irregular circle. In the center lay a vast clearing, packed down solid by giant feet.
Smoke curled up from cooking fires within the tribe, mingling the scent of roasting meat with the strong smell of sweat.
At that moment, a fierce duel was underway in the central clearing.
Two bare-chested Hill Giants were locked in a test of strength, their knotted, muscular arms tightly intertwined. The ground beneath their feet had even begun to crack under the immense pressure of their Giant Strength.
Surrounding them, nearly a hundred Hill Giants—men, women, and children alike—were shouting encouragement, the atmosphere electric with excitement.
Their shouts were like rolling thunder. Some Giants even grabbed huge stones and slammed them against the ground, creating a thunderous BOOM! BOOM! to cheer on the Warriors in the ring.
Raylo and Kado’s arrival immediately drew the tribe’s attention.
The boisterous noise died down for a moment as dozens of curious, scrutinizing gazes turned their way.
Raylo strolled into the tribe’s encampment, his calm gaze sweeping over the Giants.
They showed no obvious hostility, more a kind of appraisal for unfamiliar kin.
A middle-aged Giant with his beard braided into several small plaits walked up. He looked Raylo and Kado up and down, his voice booming.
"Which tribe are you from? I don’t recognize you."
Kado stepped forward and thumped his fist against his chest—a gesture of etiquette among Hill Giants.
"We are wandering brothers. I am Kado, and this is my older brother, Carlo. We heard there were powerful kinsmen here and came specifically to visit."
"Wandering brothers?"
The Giant grinned, revealing a set of yellow teeth.
"Welcome! Since you’re here, you’re our guests! My name is Wuba, and I’m the chief of this tribe."
The chief of this Giant Tribe seemed particularly rugged and enthusiastic toward the two newcomers, Raylo and Kado.
His gaze lingered on Kado’s powerful physique for a moment, a flash of appreciation in his eyes.
"Good timing! We’re holding our ’Festival of Power.’ You’ve come at the perfect time!"
Wuba pointed to the duel in the center, where a winner had just been decided. One Giant was lifted high into the air by the other, then slammed heavily onto the ground with a dull THUD.
The victorious Giant roared and beat his chest, basking in the cheers of his tribesmen.
The loser quickly got back up, dusted himself off, and gave the victor a thumbs-up, admitting defeat.
"Care to have a go?"
Wuba’s enthusiasm was greater than expected; he extended a direct invitation to Raylo and Kado.
Kado glanced at Raylo, his eyes eager for a challenge.
For Hill Giants, dueling and wrestling were as natural as breathing—the most direct way to build camaraderie and prove one’s strength.
Raylo quickly considered his options.
’This is the perfect opening.’
’If I want to integrate into this group and earn their respect, there’s no better way than to display Power.’
"My brother, Kado, hasn’t had a chance to stretch his muscles in a long time."
Raylo spoke in a deep voice, adopting his persona as "Carlo."
Although he had gained the physique and Power of a Hill Giant after transforming with Moonlight Magic, Raylo was currently just a Tier Three Earth Knight. The essence of his own Power hadn’t changed, and if he were to engage in a contest of strength with these true Hill Giants, a single clash would likely expose his true form.
"Excellent!"
Wuba roared with laughter and clapped Kado on the shoulder, producing a series of dull thuds.
"Then it’ll be you! Ug, you’re up again! Take on our guest!"
Upon hearing this, the Giant named Ug who had just won excitedly stepped back into the center of the clearing. He cracked his neck, producing a series of sharp pops, and fixed his eyes on Kado, brimming with fighting spirit.
Ug was the most powerful Warrior in this territory, as well as the Domain Level Giant who protected it.
He was also Wuba’s son.
Kado tossed his Beast Hide bag aside and strode into the center of the clearing.
The surrounding Giants immediately erupted into even more fervent cheers. They were extremely interested in their newfound kin and began shouting encouragement for both sides.
Raylo, meanwhile, casually walked to the side, crossed his arms, and calmly prepared to watch the fight.
A contest of strength between Giants was about to begin.
In the center of the clearing, the standoff between the two Giants seemed to make the very air stand still.
Ug was slightly taller than Kado, and his muscles were more ruggedly defined, exuding explosive Power.
He let out a low roar and, like an enraged Giant Bear, charged violently at Kado.
Each step sent a dull tremor through the ground, and the force of his rush whipped the surrounding Giants’ braided hair and beards into a frenzy.
Kado did not dodge or evade. His feet rooted him firmly in place, like an old tree.
He lowered his stance, steeled himself, and spread his arms wide to meet Ug’s charge.
BANG!
A massive crash, as if two great boulders had slammed into each other.
The clash of pure physical Power sent a visible shockwave rippling outward.
The ground beneath Kado’s feet instantly buckled, and spiderweb-like cracks spread out in all directions.