A Stained History Is Not a Shackle on the Present

Annus nodded slightly, acknowledging Harald's view before continuing:

"Harald, Rocks still hasn't changed his mind. But because of the help he gave me in the past, I still felt I should come talk to you...

What's your answer, Harald? Is it still the same as before?"

To Annus, both Harald and Rocks were friends. He did not want to offend either side.

Harald gave a low snort. "Haven't I said that countless times already? Please tell Rocks for me that I will never join forces with the infamous Rocks Pirates...

That would destroy the progress Elbaf has worked so hard to achieve in an instant. All trust would vanish in a moment.

The violent history of the War Country and the glory of its warriors have already become shackles on our pursuit of peace.

No matter how foolish the Celestial Dragons may be, they possess the authority to let Elbaf join the World's Wheel.

As king, I cannot gamble Elbaf's future on the defeat of a band of villains!"

"I see... I understand. I'll tell Rocks." Annus nodded faintly. "However, Harald, there is one thing Rocks was not wrong about."

"What?" Harald froze.

"The World Government cannot be trusted. If you place Elbaf's hopes for peace upon the World Government, all that awaits you in the end will be failure," Annus said softly.

Harald let out a deep sigh. "How could I not know that? But I have no other choice...

Because I attacked a World Government ship two years ago, the kings of the nations that were once friendly with me have all lost faith in me. This is the enormous lingering effect left behind by Elbaf's endless wars of the past...

And people throughout the world naturally place greater trust in the World Government. If I refuse to yield, all the progress made so far will be wiped away, and every effort will have been in vain...

But if we become a member nation of the World Government, people around the world will gradually come to accept the existence of Giants...

Let me bear every doubt and every insult. All I want is for Elbaf's children to have a peaceful future, to have the chance to leave Elbaf and see this world that is far too 'vast.'"

After hearing this, Annus fell silent for a moment before earnestly advising him, "I understand your difficulties, but Harald, blindly yielding and showing weakness will not work.

It is good that you want to bring peace to Elbaf, but you should not cast aside the honor of being a warrior.

Elbaf's endless wars of the past deeply wounded the land beneath our feet and the Giants of old, but that violent history was not entirely worthless.

Violence is called violence because those who wield that power do not understand how to use it.

If a nation wishes to gain the recognition of the world and other nations, yielding and showing weakness alone will not be enough. It will only lead the whole country to ruin. Humanity's greed far exceeds your imagination.

Harald, remember my words. Only when a nation truly possesses the ability to strengthen itself without ceasing, only when it possesses military might that makes the entire world wary, will other nations accept and respect it.

As the giant king of the warlike and brutal Elbaf people, it is a blessing for the entire race that you awakened from your blind worship of violence and arrogance and opened your eyes to the world.

But blessings are often accompanied by misfortune. If you place too much trust in those of other races, it may become the spark that destroys the entire people. No matter how kind-faced someone may seem, you must retain a measure of vigilance.

Elbaf's giant axes and great swords need not be used, but do not forget to 'maintain' them. Only by keeping them sharp can you make those with ulterior motives remain friendly."

Harald did not interrupt Annus. He listened quietly until the end, then nodded thoughtfully.

"...I understand. I will remember your words carefully," Harald said.

"Mm. In the near future, a major event that will shake the entire New World should occur. The tides of the era will surge forward. Whether you can seize the opportunity that belongs to the Giants and to Elbaf amid those raging waves will depend on you."

Seeing that Harald had taken his advice to heart, Annus was finally somewhat relieved. He looked out from the castle window, his gaze passing over the vast Sun World before settling on Elbaf's turbulent Black Sea.

"What kind of major event?" Harald's interest was piqued.

He did not doubt Annus's words. In the giant king's heart, Annus's words were no different from truth.

"I cannot reveal too much. I have only seen a corner of that future myself. If I say it aloud, it may cause immense changes to the future," Annus answered.

"Has your Observation Haki reached such a level? How frightening..." Harald sucked in a cold breath.

When Observation Haki was cultivated to an extremely advanced level, it could indeed grant the miraculous ability to foresee the future. Yet that only meant glimpsing a few seconds or perhaps minutes ahead. That was already incredible enough, but it seemed that Annus had foreseen a far more distant future...

"No, it isn't Observation Haki. In any case, Harald, do not fully trust anyone of the human race, much less the promises humans make... Those promises are all empty words." Annus emphasized it once more.

"I understand," the giant king answered solemnly again.

Seeing this, Annus had no intention of lingering. He brushed the dust from his robe, rose, and bade farewell. "I won't say anything more. I still need to visit Loki in the 'Underworld.'"

"You're leaving already?" Harald was somewhat regretful. He had actually hoped Annus would stay, preferably for a few more days. He still had many questions he wished to ask.

"I'll be back," Annus said with a smile. "Perhaps I may even settle down in Elbaf's 'Heaven' someday."

"Barahahaha! That would be wonderful. I approve with both hands," Harald said, laughing as well.

"I'm leaving. Farewell."

"Barahahaha! Farewell! If Loki offends you in any way, please forgive him! I apologize to you on Loki's behalf in advance!"

"There's no need for that. Loki is quite well-behaved... though he gets a little rebellious sometimes."

After formally saying farewell to Harald, Annus left Aurust Castle. The two giant guards at the gate did not know what an honored guest Annus was in the heart of their great King Harald, so they merely watched him depart as they would any other visitor.

Golden lightning descended into the snow-white "Underworld," accurately locating little Loki amid the freezing mountains.

"Annus! You're back!"

Little Loki hurried up to him in delight.

"Of course. I told you I would come back." Annus smiled. He genuinely liked this enormous little fellow. "Did you finish the homework I assigned you earlier?"

"I did!"

"Good. Then I'll check it."