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Flying through the air, Alex and the others gradually spotted a massive town in the distance. They slowly descended to the ground near the core region of Elbaf.
At the town's entrance stood two rough, simple pillars carved from trees. Both were engraved with patterns and characters that didn't belong to the current era, emanating a strong sense of history.
Inside the city walls made entirely of enormous stones, houses and castles built in a primitive, wild style filled the streets—similar to the ancient architecture they had seen in the outlying village of Elbaf.
News of Alex's arrival had spread quickly. King Loki, who had been waiting for some time, immediately stepped forward to greet him.
Many giants in the town, both civilians and warriors, appeared one after another, gazing with curiosity at this renowned man.
The famous Flying Admiral.
Giants weren't usually curious about humans who were shorter than them. After all, there was already a human princess perched on King Loki's shoulder.
In a nation composed primarily of warriors, the strong were the most fascinating subjects of interest besides food.
"Welcome, Alex," Loki said.
Standing over twenty meters tall, he looked down at Alex but, like Mountain Beard earlier, bent down respectfully with a bow of his head.
Alex responded as if greeting an old friend, raising his hand with a smile. "Loki, how have you been lately? Is Lola taking good care of you?"
"Don't worry, she is my most important family member," Loki replied with a smile, while reaching out to gently touch his shoulder where Lola was seated.
The size difference between Loki's fingers and Lola's entire body made Nami and the other women feel as though their understanding of the world had been expanded.
Especially with the recent heir frenzy back at the Sky Kingdom, they couldn't help but wonder how Lola could possibly bear an heir for the giant king.
Alex was also curious about this point, but compared to such family matters, the upcoming plan was far more important.
"Since you're here, come with me quickly. I've prepared a generous reception for you," Loki said eagerly, pointing toward the center of the huge town where lights already blazed brightly.
It was an enormous open-air gathering place outside the castle. All manner of foods prepared by the giants had been laid out, and many giants had already assembled, performing unknown celebratory dances.
Though called "generous hospitality," it was more accurately described as a massive bonfire banquet, given the giants' way of life.
Considering the size of Alex and his companions, as well as Lola's presence, smaller food and drinks had also been provided.
After everyone was seated, the bonfire banquet began in earnest.
The town's giants gathered in the venue—some drinking, others singing and dancing with the festive atmosphere. Most, however, kept glancing at Alex, who calmly sipped wine beside Loki.
Finally, as if unable to contain his burning desire, a giant standing thirty meters tall rose to his feet, his massive form nearly blocking the light in that area.
"I've always heard about the Flying Admiral's reputation overseas, but now it's rare to meet in person. As a warrior, I cannot suppress my desire to face the strong. I, Taigra, wish to challenge you!"
As soon as these words were spoken, all the giants present almost simultaneously stopped what they were doing and looked at Taigra. None seemed surprised; some even appeared disappointed at being preempted.
This was the nature of the giant race—worshipping strength and advocating combat.
Understanding the straightforward temperament of giant warriors, and knowing this had been arranged in advance by Loki, Alex didn't refuse. He stood up directly.
"Since the giants are so hospitable, as a friend, I naturally won't disappoint everyone."
Many giants' faces lit up at these words. Immediately, all the other giants cleared the area, leaving the field to Taigra.
Outside the arena, almost all the giants remained, forming several concentric circles of spectators.
In the central meeting place where the statue of the Elbaf God of War stood, Taigra took a deep breath, calming the excitement and anticipation in his heart, and looked at Alex with serious intent.
"Here I come!"
Knowing his opponent's strength shouldn't be underestimated and seeing no need for combat formalities, Taigra immediately raised his fist. Armament Haki, radiating terror, blasted toward Alex.
With the giant's enormous volume, the Haki-infused attack naturally caused strong winds wherever the fist passed.
Although Alex could have easily evaded or used his abilities to counter, he chose to make the greatest impact on the watching giants. He clenched his fists tightly, purple-red lightning crackling around them, and met the attack head-on without dodging.
There was almost no contest.
The moment their fists collided, the ground beneath Taigra's feet cracked instantly. The powerful force transmitted up his arm caused him tremendous pain, and he was blasted backward uncontrollably.
"This... that Taigra couldn't even block a single blow!"
"Is this truly the strongest in the world? He feels much more powerful than even the former Whitebeard."
"Didn't you notice? The king didn't use any Devil Fruit ability just now—just pure Haki and physical strength..."
The giants discussed in disbelief.
But this display of overwhelming force in a one-hit victory brought even more enthusiasm from the giants.
From then on, giants even stronger than Taigra came forward one after another to challenge Alex. In the end, few could withstand even a single punch from him.
During this spectacle, any giant who remained standing after being hit by Alex received cheers and shouts from the strength-admiring audience.
It wasn't until nearly all the top warriors had taken their turn that the battles approached their conclusion.
When the entire bonfire banquet had reached a boiling point due to the challenges against Alex, and this demonstration had convinced all the giants of his power, Loki shouted directly:
"I, Loki, declare in my capacity as king of the giants that Alex shall be a friend of our giants forever!"
Loki's proclamation immediately prompted another round of cheers from the giants.
After elevating Alex's status from friendly visitor to eternal friend, Loki looked at him, clearly handing over the right to address the gathering.