Chapter 25

In the wake of the brutal assault on Elysium Haven, the city lay in ruins, its streets littered with dead bodies. Buildings lay crumbled and broken, their facades reduced to rubble by the merciless onslaught of the inhumans.

The toll of the battle was staggering. Over three hundred citizens had perished just in the outer city. In addition, over a hundred and fifty of Kate's soldiers had fallen during the initial phase of the assault on the outer city. A further hundred city guards had lost their lives in defending the outer city.

In the inner city, the scene was no less grim. The main gate had been breached by the brute force of Gorshak the Ogre. Here, nearly fifty more of Kate's soldiers had fallen. An additional twenty five city guards had met their end in the desperate struggle to repel the invaders. Furthermore, over a hundred citizens had died during this final phase of the battle in the inner city.

The total tally of lives lost was staggering; over seven hundred souls had been claimed by the inhumans' onslaught.

Yet amidst the devastation, there remained glimmers of hope. The Golden Temple and the Ironheart Keep stood as beacons of resilience, their survival a testament to the might of the Golden Goddess who had smitten the invaders in the outer city.

In the inner part of the city, the Town Hall had been saved by Jack the Giant, who had pulverized hundreds of invaders beneath his mighty fists. The city guards and soldiers fighting there recalled how their last line of defense was on the brink of collapse when the titan joined them and reversed the tide of the battle.

Moreover, numerous citizens now regarded Kate the giantess with admiration, recounting her remarkable feats in decimating the enemy army, and how she then proceeded to rescue countless people in the city, swiftly plucking them to safety during their direst hours of need. This marked a stark departure from the fierce city-conquering giantess they had initially encountered.

Amidst the city survivors, Jack, Lucy, and Kate scanned the crowd anxiously, their eyes searching desperately for familiar faces.

Jack breathed a sigh of immense relief as he spotted the city council, including Mayor Marcus, safe within the inner walls.

As for Kate, relief flooded her heart when she spotted Zyra and her mother among the survivors. Kate grabbed them and lifted them to her face, “Zyra! I’m so glad your okay.” she said while gently brushing Zyra’s hair.

"Yes, Miss Giantess Kate, we had to run away from our village. It was attacked as well. We were able to get to the city just in time and hide inside the Keep, and your soldiers kept us safe." Zyra explained.

Zyra continued, "After you arrived at the Keep during the battle, I met new friends you saved in the city. They want to thank you for saving them. Her parents said they'll get many gifts to show how grateful they are."

"Aw, that's so sweet!" Kate replied, increasingly enjoying her role as protector of Elysium Haven.

But the joy of finding Zyra was swiftly overshadowed by the grim realization of who hadn't made it out alive.

Upon learning of Lucas' death, Kate's heart sank. The image of her loyal captain flashed in her mind, his unwavering loyalty, charm, and leadership. A surge of grief and anger coursed through her. "Lucas..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. The loss of her first tiny soldier and captain struck her hard.

As for Lucy, upon learning of Thalos' demise, her heart broke. Thalos, her devoted worshiper, was gone, leaving Lucy to mourn the loss of his adoration. Tears clouded her vision as she grappled with the realization of her diminished following. "Tiny Thalos..." she mused, his name a bittersweet reminder of their initial encounter in the village. The absence of his worship would leave a profound void.

Together, Kate and Lucy stood amidst the ruins of Elysium Haven, their hearts heavy with sorrow for those they had lost, unaware that Gats was responsible for the death of Lucas and Thalos.

Kate couldn't shake the loss of Lucas and wanted to know the circumstances of his death. She knew Lucas was quite close to Roderick. Turning to her minuscule soldiers, she questioned them urgently at her feet, her voice tinged with desperation. "Has anyone seen Roderick?" she asked them.

One of the soldiers stepped forward, "Yes Mistress Kate! Knight Captain Roderick was last seen with the Golden Goddess after the battle at Ironheart Keep." he replied.

Puzzled, Kate made her way to Lucy to get clarifications, "Hey Lucy!" she called out. "Have you seen Roderick? he’s one of my boys, a knight I think."

“Oh, right… I wanted to chat with you about Roderick.” Lucy responded as she leaned in and parted her ample breasts. Kate's eyes widened in shock as she caught sight of Roderick nestled between Lucy's bosom, his tiny form barely visible amidst the vast curves of her titty flesh.

Anger surged within Kate as she saw her tiny soldier smothered by Lucy’s gigantic bosom, "What the fuck? He’s suffocating between your big tits, Lucy!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in outrage.

But Lucy's response was calm and composed as she released her breasts, which swallowed Roderick, his tiny form disappearing, "He’s fine… and Roderick has accepted to worship me." she explained, her tone matter-of-fact.

“For fuck’s sake Lucy, can you spread your big tits again, I want to hear it from him.” Kate replied, visibly angry.

Lucy sighed and used her fingers to gently part her ample cleavage, allowing Roderick's head to peek out once more. His face was red and we has frantically panting.

Kate's eyes narrowed as she turned her attention to Roderick. "Hey Rod, is this true that you want to become Lucy’s worshipper or whatever?" she demanded.

Roderick struggled to speak, his voice barely a whisper as he confirmed Lucy's words with a faint nod. "I... I'm doing it as repayment for saving my men during the battle of Ironheart Keep." he managed to say, his words barely audible amidst Lucy's ample bosom.

Kate seethed with frustration at the prospect of losing Roderick, especially following Lucas' demise. "Fine, but you better take good care of him!" she demanded sharply, as she addressed Lucy.

With a heavy sigh, Kate continued. "But before you take him to your little slave temple, I need him for something." she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“Fine…” Lucy replied as she plucked Roderick from her cleavage and handed him over to Kate.

Determined to uncover the truth behind Lucas’ death, Kate addressed Roderick, her voice tinged with urgency. "Hey Roderick," she said, her tone firm, "I need you to investigate Lucas' death. Find out how he died exactly."

Lucy interjected with her own request. "And investigate Thalos' death as well." she added. "His body was found within my Golden Temple. It's suspicious that he was the only one to die there."

"Starting... with… the Golden… Temple." Roderick panted out, his breaths ragged and labored, each word a struggle to utter, as he was finally able to catch fresh air.

Making his way to the Golden Temple, Roderick's heart weighed heavy with the gravity of his mission. Lucas’ death was indeed suspicious as he had not been seen by anyone during the battle itself, almost as if he died just before.

As Roderick arrived at the temple, he found Thalos' lifeless body, his features frozen in a mask of eternal repose. Carefully examining the body, Roderick noted the telltale signs of a short and brutal struggle—Thalos' jaw and neck had been broken, seemingly with a single strike, indicating a powerful assailant.

Questioning witnesses, Roderick pieced together the events leading up to Thalos' death. According to their accounts, a very tall, well-built man with short black hair had been seen with three women.

Turning his attention to Lucas' body, Roderick's heart sank at the sight of the charred remains. The unmistakable signs of burns and scorch marks painted a grim picture of his final moments. Drawing closer, Roderick noticed that Lucas' body lay close to the Golden Temple, raising further questions about the circumstances of their deaths.

Upon returning to Kate and Lucy with his findings, Roderick's expression turned grim as he relayed the details of his investigation. "Thalos was killed by a powerful assailant, likely someone... well, very tall, huh I mean according to our standards, with short black hair, and accompanied by three women." he reported, his voice heavy with sorrow. "And Lucas... he was burnt alive, along with several other soldiers. Their bodies were found near each other."

Lucy's brow furrowed in concern as she absorbed Roderick's findings, her mind racing with the implications. Then, a revelation struck her like lightning, and she blurted out, "It's... uh, what's his name... Gats!" Her voice steady. "It must be him."

Kate's eyes flashed with anger as she nodded in agreement. "Yes! He matches the description." she declared, her voice trembling with rage.

After further discussing Gats' likely involvement in the murders of Thalos and Lucas, Lucy grabbed Roderick and planted a gentle kiss on his face before addressing him. "Good work, Rod!" she said, lowering him back into the suffocating embrace between her breasts.

Roderick attempted to respond, but his voice was muffled by the titanic orbs of flesh pressing against him. "It is my duty, my la—" His words were cut off as he was smothered within Lucy's cleavage before he could finish his sentence.

Meanwhile, Kate made her way back to her soldiers at the Ironheart Keep, though she veered off her path to soak in the adoration bestowed upon her by the diminutive citizens of Elysium Haven. They were eager to express their gratitude for crushing the invaders and saving them, but also anxious to show Kate that they were more than just little snacks, hoping to forge a genuine connection with the mighty giantess. Kate found herself relishing the praise and embraced it, offering them kind touches and warm smiles as she reveled in her newfound role as their gentle savior.

As Kate strode through the town square, the citizens rallied, eager to please her and dispel any fear that lingered in their hearts. Their voices melded into a unified chorus of thanks and admiration, all directed towards the towering presence of Kate.

“Mighty giantess Kate, our savior!” cried out a man, his voice tinged with both reverence and pain, his shoulder still bearing the mark of an arrow's sting.

"Outer Gods bless thee, fierce protector Kate, for thy valor!" cried a woman, her voice strained with pain but her gratitude clear as day.

"Thank you kindly, giant milady!" yelled another woman, her eyes misted with tears of gratitude.

Kate couldn't help but soak in their adoration, feeling an growing sense of protectiveness towards her tiny people. She found herself enjoying the attention in a new way, fueled by their admiration rather than fear. With a friendly wave, she acknowledged the crowd of small figures gathered around her feet, offering them a reassuring smile as she spoke.

"Hey everyone," Kate began, her voice filled with confidence and warmth, "don't worry, you're safe now. I've got your backs. Those who messed with our city will pay big time, trust me on that!" Kate declared triumphantly.

This prompted the diminutive citizens to intensify their praise of Kate, realizing the impact their gratitude had on shaping her demeanor. They understood that their expressions of appreciation were tapping into Kate’s materialistic instincts, further motivating her to protect them.

After soaking in the adoration of the tiny citizens a bit longer, Kate headed back to the Ironheart Keep, feeling uplifted by their gratitude. She was eager to regroup with her soldiers and offer reassurance to the survivors, driven by a growing sense of duty.

As for Jack, he took charge of the interrogation of the captured inhumans. The Lupenthralls, fierce and unyielding, offered little in the way of cooperation, their tiny snarls and growls echoing throughout Jack’s tent. But among some of the captured Duskenthras, Jack found a glimmer of hope for information.

Approaching the Duskenthras with a calculated calmness, Jack sought to negotiate with them, offering the promise of safety in exchange for valuable insights into their motives for the attack.

"Why did you attack our city?" he asked, his voice firm but not unkind.

The Duskenthras, their faces twisted in fear and uncertainty before the titan, hesitated before one of them finally spoke up. "We were just following orders from King Drak'zul." he confessed, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance. "He declared a revenge war against the humans for their past crimes against our kind."

Jack nodded, absorbing the information with a solemn understanding. Next, Jack separated the captives into multiple groups, and questioned them individually, ensuring that their answers remained consistent. "Where is your kingdom located?" Jack inquired to each group separately, his gaze unwavering as he awaited their response. With each interrogation, Jack meticulously cross-referenced their responses and created an approximate map of Thraenor .

As the puzzle pieces clicked into place, Jack understood that it was time to confront against King Drak'zul and bring an end to his war against their people.

As the sun began to set over the devastated landscape of Elysium Haven, Jack returned to Kate and Lucy, his expression grave and determined. He wasted no time in relaying the information he had extracted from the captured inhumans, his voice filled with urgency.

"Kate, Lucy!" Jack began, his voice cutting through the somber atmosphere, "I've learned the location of our enemy, his name is King Drak'zul. His kingdom lies across the sea, in a land called Thraenor. I’ve been working on a map of their region."

Kate's eyes narrowed with determination as she processed Jack's words. "Then that's where I'll go!" she declared. "I'll hunt down this fucker Drak'zul and kill him myself!"

"Kate, actually, I was thinking I should handle this alone." Jack admitted. "After talking to the Duskenthra prisoners, it seems this whole attack is because of past human war crimes. We gotta be careful not to make things worse, you know? We don't want to keep this cycle of revenge going." he concluded.

Kate's frustration boiled over, her eyes flashing with anger. "Jack, seriously, no one's asking you to play the peacemaker." she snapped. "This piece of garbage killed, like, a lot of our people. I'm going, and I'll make them pay a hundred times. This is personal. I'm not backing down!"

Lucy nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting both respect and a clear understanding of Kate's position. "I'm with Kate on this, Jack. They attacked us, we need to show them we won't be pushed around. It's important to clearly assert our strength in this new world. In the end, it'll only make things easier, and will ultimately facilitate achieving peace with the other kingdoms." Lucy said, her tone casual yet determined.

“As for the plan,” Lucy continued, “I think Kate and you should go handle Drak'zul together, and I'll stay here to help with the rebuilding efforts and maintain the relationship with the Eldorians.” Lucy concluded.

"Agreed!" Kate chimed in, supporting Lucy’s plan.

Jack sighed heavily. "Alright..." he finally conceded.

"Cool." Kate began. "But first, I want to go see the villages and Alderfort City. There may be survivors who need my help."

Jack was taken aback by Kate's display of kindness. "Kate, you know, this is a great idea." he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "I... I'm really proud of you."

Kate smiled softly at Jack in silence, a realization dawning on her that her materialistic instincts were slowly taking over. The sight of the countless citizens who had gathered around her just moments ago, eager to express their gratitude and praise, sparked a sense of duty within her, like that of a protector.

With grim determination, Kate departed Elysium Haven and ventured into the villages and cities of Alderfort Kingdom. Yet, each stop only unveiled the unfathomable depths of inhuman cruelty and brutality. Most villages lay silent, devoid of any signs of life. In one village, she stumbled upon a horrifying sight: a mound of corpses, many of them children. In another, she came across a ghastly display of violence, with dozens of people strung up on trees like grotesque trophies. Resolved to help the tiny people, Kate called out to any potential survivors, but got no response.

As Kate made her way to Alderfort City, she stopped at the last village along the route. Once again, the sight was grim, with piles of bodies serving as a stark reminder of the brutality that had swept through their small kingdom. With a heavy heart, Kate called out to any potential survivors.

"Hey, it's Kate!" her voice carried with both sadness and determination. "Please, don't be scared. I'm here to help. If you're out there, come to me. I'll keep you safe."

After a tense moment, eight small figures cautiously emerged from a nearby house, the only signs of life in the desolate village. "Don't worry." Kate reassured them gently as she gathered to safety into a large container. "You're with me now."

Commander Xyloth, a seasoned Duskenthra war commander with a face etched with scars of countless battles, stood on the deck of his flagship, eyes ablaze with the anticipation of victory. His orders from King Drak'zul were clear: crush Alderfort City, kill everyone, leave nothing but destruction. And so, with a force of three thousand soldiers at his back, he set sail for the human city, his heart pounding with the thrill of impending conquest.

As the boat cut through the dark waters towards Alderfort Kingdom, Xyloth couldn't help but reminisce about his past exploits. He had faced elves in the dense forests of Thraenor, battled lizardmen in the swamps, and even hunted krakens in the treacherous seas. His experience was vast, his tactics innovative, and his reputation as a war commander preceded him in all of Thraenor.

Commander Xyloth and his forces were expecting Alderfort City to be heavily defended. Previous intelligence reports had warned of a significant army led by Arcane Knight Cedric Lightsworn. They anticipated a fierce battle against the city's formidable defenses.

However, upon arrival, they found the city strangely deserted, devoid of any opposition, defying their expectations and making its conquest trivial. There was nothing but eerie silence. No soldiers lined the ramparts, no arrows flew from the battlements. It was as if the city had been abandoned, a ghost town awaiting its fate.

With a lingering sense of suspicion, Xyloth issued the command to attack. His soldiers breached the gates, and the streets of Alderfort City echoed as they stormed the city. The defenders were nowhere to be found.

Dumbstruck by the absence of humans, Commander Xyloth issued a command to Captain Vaelthir. "Something reeks of deceit. Search every shadow, every crevice of this city."

Captain Vaelthir relayed the command and, with swords drawn, the Duskenthra soldiers combed through Alderfort's deserted streets.

As they searched the city, they unearthed an even stranger reality. Hundreds of young humans, alongside a dwindling number of adults and soldiers, cowered in every hidden corners.

"It took hours," remarked Commander Xyloth, surveying the mass of sobbing humans before him, "but in the end, we managed to find hundreds, most of them so young. It's baffling... Why are there so many young people in a city like this?" he pondered.

In accordance with King Drak'zul's ruthless decree, Xyloth directed his soldiers to encircle the gathered human captives. With a heavy heart, he issued the order for their mass execution.

“Kill them all! These are not the offspring of innocence, they are the future threats to our supremacy.” he bellowed, injecting a potent dose of hatred into the hearts of his soldiers, fueling their resolve to carry out the bloody task at hand.

Following their commander’s orders, the Duskenthra soldiers moved with grim efficiency, encircling the huddled mass of humanity. Their blades gleamed in the dim light, hungry for blood as they advanced towards their prey.

The scene was one of utter brutality and gore. With merciless precision, the soldiers began their onslaught, plunging their weapons into the defenseless humans. Blood sprayed into the air, mingling with anguished cries and desperate pleas for mercy. The air was thick with the scent of fear and death as the victims crumpled to the ground.

As the scene of carnage continued, the young humans futilely attempted to huddle together for protection, their hands reaching out in desperate pleas for mercy. But their efforts were in vain, as the relentless assault continued unabated. Each stab bringing with it a chorus of screams.

Xyloth's heart twisted with unease. This was not an honorable combat of seasoned warriors; it was the butchery of the defenseless. Yet, his orders were clear.

Still troubled by the lack of human defenses, as well as by the massacre unfolding before him, Xyloth made a fateful decision. He chose to spare a fraction of the captives. For him, the ease of their conquest was a harbinger of treachery, and so he kept the hostages close, a grim insurance against the unknown.

"That's enough! Cease!" ordered Xyloth, his voice cutting through the chaos. "We'll keep the rest of the humans as prisoners. They may serve as leverage if needed."

After the gruesome task was halted, leaving nearly one hundred human prisoners alive for now, Xyloth turned to his soldiers, the weight of their actions heavy upon them.

"Set up camp for the night." he ordered to Captain Vaelthir firmly, his voice betraying none of the turmoil within. "We’ll rest here for the night and tomorrow we will regroup with King Drak'zul's forces."

After setting up camp, as the jubilant soldiers began to revel in the spoils of their effortless conquest, their celebrations were abruptly interrupted by the sight of her—an immense figure, towering over the landscape. A giantess, nearly a hundred meters tall, a beautiful human woman with cascading dark hair framing her furious countenance. She stood outside the city, seemingly waiting for someone to meet her.

Commander Xyloth's gaze hardened as he beheld the colossal woman. What intentions lay behind her? Would she crush them beneath her colossal feet, or perhaps, in an unexpected turn of fate, could she be an adversary of the humans as well? Could they perhaps forge an alliance with this titanic being?

With a mixture of apprehension and curiosity gnawing at his insides, Xyloth resolved to approach her, his steps measured and deliberate.

As Kate approached Alderfort City, her heart sank at the sight that greeted her. The once vibrant city now lay overrun with inhumans, their tiny figures scurrying about amidst the ruins like ants on a hill. Thousands of them occupied the city.

Standing just outside the city gates, Kate knew she had to act quickly if there was any hope of rescuing the prisoners held captive within, if any.

After a few tense minutes of waiting, Kate's patience was rewarded as a minuscule figure emerged from the higher part of the wall—a Duskenthra, no larger than a mere speck from Kate's towering vantage point.

"Greetings, giant, are you a friend or a foe?" the Duskenthra called out, his voice barely audible.

"I am Kate." she simply replied, her voice carrying commanding authority. "I want to speak with your leader."

The Duskenthra hesitated for a moment before nodding in acknowledgment. "I am Commander Xyloth, and this is my force." he announced.

Kate wasted no time cutting to the chase. "Do you have any prisoners?" she began, her tone unyielding. "And I sincerely hope you do, unless you wish for me to crush all of you like bugs." she concluded, her voice firm and resolute.

The inhuman commander regarded her with a calculating gaze before conceding, "We have nearly a hundred human prisoners."

Kate's expression hardened at the admission, her resolve unyielding. "Give them to me. Now!" she commanded, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

The inhuman commander bristled at her threat, his defiance evident. "And what assurance do I have that you won’t attack us even if we yield the prisoners?" he countered, his voice laced with skepticism.

Without a word, Kate reached out and grabbed the inhuman commander with a firm grip, applying just enough pressure to make him squirm in discomfort. "Well, I can assure you that I will skin you alive if you don’t release them!" she stated firmly, her gaze unwavering as she held him upside down between her massive fingers.

With a resigned sigh, Commander Xyloth relented, his voice trembling as he gave the order to release the prisoners.

Kate released the tiny commander from her grip and watched as the human captives were ushered forth, their expressions a mix of relief and disbelief.

Gathering the prisoners into a container, Kate wasted no time in making her way back to Elysium Haven, her heart heavy with the weight of their salvation.

"Jack!" she called out as she approached, her voice carrying a note of urgency, "I need your help in Alderfort City."

Jack's eyes widened in surprise at the news, his brow furrowing with concern. "What do you need me to do?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Kate wasted no time in explaining her plan. "I need you to come with me to Alderfort." she started. "We can trap thousands of those little fuckers."

Jack nodded in understanding, his expression grim. "I'll get to work on digging a trench around Alderfort City." he replied, his voice resolute. "We'll make sure they don't get away." Jack remarked.

“Nice! They will be our snacks for the next few days.” added Kate.

Upon their return to Alderfort City, Kate and Jack were met with the bustling scene of thousands of Duskenthras preparing for evacuation, following the decisive orders of their commander.

In the aftermath of his encounter with the giantess, Xyloth deemed it necessary to evacuate the city. However, to their surprise, the giantess' return to Alderfort was swifter than anticipated, catching them off guard.

Kate positioned herself squarely in front of them just as they were starting to exit the city gates, obstructing their route, and addressed them with a playful smirk. "Tsk tsk tsk. And just where do you two think you're off to?" she chided, casting a glance down at the diminutive figures near her feet. "Back inside, now!" she commanded the soldiers who had just emerged from the gates.

The diminutive soldiers at the giantess's feet found themselves paralyzed by fear, torn between following their commander's directives and the daunting presence of the giantess before them.

Kate, wanting to make a point crystal clear, casually lifted her foot right over the first few soldiers. Before they could even blink, she brought it down, squashing nine of them into the dirt without breaking a sweat.

"Back inside, bugs!" she barked, her voice dripping with disdain this time.

This time, panic erupted among the soldiers, causing them to tumble over each other in a frantic scramble to obey the giantess's order and return inside the city as quickly as possible.

With that, Jack started excavating a giant trench around the city perimeter, using a compact shovel from CosmoGenesis. Once the trench was complete, leaving no ways for the Duskenthras to escape the city, Jack made his way back to Elysium Haven while Kate remained in Alderfort City.

As Kate stood just outside the city walls, gazing down at the mass of inhumans below, their fear palpable, a sense of power coursed through her.

Kate couldn't help herself, licking her lips before she spoke casually, "Mmmm, so many yummy sweat snacks..." she said, pouring out her words with a grin.

This sent a shiver down the spine of every Duskenthra, as they realized they could become nothing more than little snacks.

Commander Xyloth, aware of his duty as their leader, stepped up and addressed the colossal woman. "Miss Kate," he started." we have food and resources to offer in exchange for safe passage. We... we'll retreat to the sea and never return. You have my word."

"Hmm, not a bad idea. Yeah, I think I'll take all your stuff." Kate replied casually.

"We are in possession of a considerable stock of preserved provisions, including salted meats and dried fruits, alongside a substantial reservoir of fresh water contained within barrels. Additionally, our medical supplies are adequately provisioned for an army of this size." Xyloth elucidated. "Therefore, may we inquire, what terms might we negotiate with you, mighty Kate?" he concluded.

"Well, let me think... hmm... how about throwing in a thousand of your little soldiers? That might buy you a bit more time to enjoy being alive. What do you think?" Kate replied with a smirk, her tone carrying a hint of sass.

Commander Xyloth stood stunned by Kate's demand for a thousand souls. "I... I beg your pardon, Miss Kate. I was hoping for a more merciful outcome given—" His words faltered as Kate interrupted him.

"Mercy?!" Kate's voice rang out, her outrage palpable as she gestured toward the large pile of human lifeless bodies beside the soldiers. "What about them? What mercy did you show them?" she demanded, her eyes flashing with intensity.

“Miss Kate, I… I understand but… perhaps there is a path forward where we can negotiate terms that honor the lives lost and prevent further bloodshed. Will you hear our plea for a truce?” Xyloth responded cautiously, his aim to alleviate the mounting tension.

"Your food, water, and medical supplies, plus a thousand of your soldiers, stripped down, with their little dicks out." Kate stated bluntly. "Or I'll squash you all like bugs."

"Miss Giantess Kate, I implore you to consider a more rational approach. Surely, we can—" Xyloth's plea was cut short by the sudden sight of Kate's foot swiftly rising into the air, landing with a thud just inches away from him, crushing sixteen of his men into a pool of blood and gore.

"Fine then, fifteen hundred puny naked soldiers is my new ask!" Kate declared, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.

With a heavy heart and tears threatening to form in his eyes, Commander Xyloth made the difficult decision to select three regiments for sacrifice to the giantess. He then ordered the remainder of his men to gather all of their provisions—food, water, and medical supplies—to offer to her.

The sacrificed Duskenthras were instructed to step outside the city gates and strip naked—a task that weighed heavily on Commander Xyloth's shoulders. It was perhaps one of the most challenging moments he had faced in his entire career. As the men and women he had sent outside cried and pleaded with him for salvation, promising unwavering loyalty, Xyloth found himself unable to hold back his own tears, discreetly weeping as he watched the heartbreaking scene unfold.

Kate surveyed the hundreds of tiny naked Duskenthras at her feet and callously scooped them up into a few bowls, indifferent to their desperate pleas.

With the trade concluded, Xyloth returned his attention to the brunette giantess. "Our end of the bargain is fulfilled, Miss Kate. May we now depart?" he inquired, his tone tinged with anxiety.

"Pfft, didn't catch that, did you, bug?" she retorted. "I only promised you a bit more time alive. Head back inside the city, now! I’ll be back for you later."

With that, Kate headed back towards Elysium Haven. But before she left, she couldn't help but steal one last glance at the tiny inhumans stuck inside Alderfort City, thanks to the giant trenches Jack had just dug.

As Kate and Jack readied themselves for their journey to Thraenor, Lucy took charge of delegating tasks for the reconstruction efforts in Elysium Haven. With an air of divine authority, she addressed the council members, commanding their obedience and reverence as befitting her godlike stature.

"Mayor Marcus Thorne," Lucy's tone was authoritative, "put together a list of supplies needed to keep everyone in Elysium Haven fed, including myself. I'll be meeting with the Eldorian royalty soon, and they'll have the honor of providing for the Golden Goddess and her subjects."

"Very well, um, goddess." Marcus Thorne replied, his uncertainty evident in his tone as he grappled with how to address the blonde giantess.

"Also, we've got some fresh faces in Elysium Haven – refugees from Alderfort City and villages." Lucy continued, her tone confident. "Make sure they're taken care of, but don't forget to remind them of the most important thing: worshipping the one and only Golden Goddess.”

After a brief pause, Lucy added, “And that's me, by the way." as she noted Marcus Thorne's obvious unfamiliarity with the new religion she had built around her.

"Um, yes, of course, Golden Goddess." Marcus replied, his voice tinged with confusion and apprehension.

In the grand Mage Guild Headquarters of Eldoria, Archmage Elysia Starweaver stood at the heart of a chamber adorned with ancient tapestries and shimmering crystals. Before her, an imposing artifact, infused with the essence of giants, emanated a soft, ethereal glow, its presence commanding respect and awe.

Elysia, a figure of authority and wisdom, regarded the artifact with a mixture of pride and determination. It was a culmination of tireless effort, a beacon of hope in the face of the giants.

"Gather the council." Elysia instructed her mage apprentice, Priestess Celestia Sunsong, her voice resonating with authority. "It's time to convene and discuss the deployment of the Aegis."

"Yes, Mistress Elysia, right away." Celestia responded promptly, her fingers absently brushing through her golden locks as they cascaded over her perky bosom.

As the council members assembled, their faces a mosaic of anticipation and curiosity, Elysia addressed them with a solemn demeanor. "We have succeeded in crafting the Aegis." she announced, her voice ringing with conviction. "Its magical properties have been confirmed, and it is ready to fulfill its purpose."

A murmur of admiration rippled through the chamber as the council members exchanged impressed glances, their faith in Elysia's leadership unwavering. Forged from the essence of giants retrieved by Gats’ party, the artifact held the key to safeguarding Eldoria from the looming threat of the giants.

"However," Elysia continued, her gaze steady and unwavering, "before we can deploy the Aegis, we must seek permission from our king."

The council members nodded in agreement, acknowledging the necessity of royal approval for such a momentous decision.

"I shall meet with the king personally." Elysia declared, her tone resolute. "Together, we shall ensure the protection of Eldoria and its people."

Elysia turned to her mage apprentice, Celestia, and tasked her, "Celestia, could you please arrange a meeting with the king to discuss this urgent matter?"

"Of course, Mistress Elysia, I'll take care of it immediately." Celestia responded, her commitment to serving her mistress apparent as she gracefully made her way outside, her petite, slender figure moving with purpose and elegance.

Moments later, in the opulent throne room of Eldoria's castle, Elysia stood before King Aric Everglade, Prince Aldric Everglade, and the Hand of the King Reginald Ironwood. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of impending decisions heavy upon their shoulders.

Elysia wasted no time in addressing the urgency of the situation. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice steady and authoritative, "I bring important news regarding the solution to the looming threat of the giants."

King Aric regarded her with a measured gaze, his expression betraying little emotion. "Speak, Archmage." he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of his royal authority.

Elysia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the task at hand. "The Aegis, a powerful magical artefact, is complete." she announced, her tone resolute. "Once activated, it will create an arcane barrier preventing the giants from entering Eldoria."

To Elysia’s surprise, King Aric remained silent as if he was deliberating internally.

Elysia, seeking to fill the silence, offered more explanations. "The Aegis harnesses the essence of giants, repelling them with selective magical energy." she explained, her words measured and precise.

However, King Aric still remained unmoved, his expression impassive as he considered Elysia's proposal. "I should inform you, Archmage," he interjected, his voice firm, "we have negotiated a peace agreement with the giants."

Elysia, sensing where the conversation was going, swiftly offered her views. "Your Majesty," she pleaded, her voice tinged with urgency, "we cannot rely on diplomacy alone. The safety of our kingdom must be our utmost priority."

But King Aric remained steadfast in his decision, his gaze unwavering as he addressed Elysia. "I forbid you from activating this magical artefact." he declared, his tone final. "We will pursue our agreement with the giants, and use their power to strengthen Eldoria, particularly against the Greenwood Kingdom."

As King Aric delivered his decree, a stern expression settled upon his features, emphasizing the gravity of his words. "Furthermore, Archmage," he added, his voice carrying a note of warning, "you are to keep the existence of the Aegis strictly confidential. We cannot risk Greenwood learning of such magic, lest they seek to obtain it themselves and undermine our advantage."

Elysia's heart sank at the king's decree. With a heavy heart, she bowed respectfully before the king. "As you command, Your Majesty." she murmured, her voice tinged with resignation. "But know that the safety of our kingdom hangs in the balance."

With that, Elysia and Celestia made their way back to their headquarters.

In the grand halls of the Order of the Arcane Vanguard headquarters, their leader, Galen Frostblade, stood with an air of authority, his presence commanding respect and deference.

Standing beside him was Sir Deyclan Bloodbane, Arcane Knight of Blood. A man slightly taller than average, his fit frame was clad in a crimson armor covered in blood and slashes. A curved sword with a serrated edge hung at his side, while his torn cape bore witness to the trials of combat. In his grasp, he held a helmet with a houndskull visor, its menacing snout adding to his aura of dread. With a deep, commanding voice, he exuded a cold presence of strength.

"What's the word on Gats? Has Eveline returned?" Deyclan asked Galen, his deep voice tinged with concern.

"I have every faith that Spellblade Eveline will succeed in rescuing them." Galen assured Deyclan with confidence.

"Well, if they're not back by day's end, I'll take matters into my own hands and—" Deyclan's words trailed off as Gats, Shira, Eveline, and Selena entered the room, their footsteps resonating on the polished marble floors.

Gats and Deyclan, battle-scarred brothers, locked in an unyielding embrace, their bond forged in the crucible of war. Together, they endured a torturous upbringing as wretched orphan child soldiers, thrust into the blood-soaked fray at ages 12 and 10, respectively. Their innocence had been savagely ripped away by the relentless brutality of war's unforgiving grip.

"Finally, Gats," Deyclan growled, his voice low and rugged. "I was this close to storming in myself to rescue your sorry ass."

"Pfft, rescue me? You must be joking." Gats shot back with a smirk, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Last time I checked, I've always been the one pulling your miserable hide out of trouble, Deyclan."

Deyclan chuckled at Gats' jest, his laughter echoing through the room, and moments later, Galen interrupted their conversation.

"Gats!" Galen interjected, his tone slightly annoyed at being overlooked. "Excellent work on securing the Giants’ Essence." he remarked, pride evident in his voice. "Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Aegis is complete, thanks to your contributions."

A sense of satisfaction washed over Gats at Galen's words, masking the unease that gnawed at his conscience. The completion of the Aegis was a significant milestone, one that would bolster Eldoria's defenses against the giants.

However, behind the veil of camaraderie, Gats concealed a secret agenda—one fueled by self-preservation and the dread of facing retribution should the giants discover his role in the deaths of Lucas and Thalos.

"When will the Aegis be activated? Eldoria needs protection as soon as possible!" Gats demanded, his tone urgent.

"Well, it's not as straightforward as it seems... our king is currently engaged in peace discussions with the giants. Rumors suggest the possibility of a marriage between the prince and the brunette giantess." Galen explained.

As Galen continued to speak, outlining the ongoing peace negotiations between the king and the giants, Gats listened with a carefully neutral expression. The prospect of peace with the giants was a double-edged sword. While it promised safety and security for Eldoria, for Gats, it also posed a risk, threatening to expose his hidden transgressions—the murders of the giants' friends.

Gats contemplated to himself, "With any luck, everyone in Elysium Haven is dead by now and we won't have to worry... But if they survived, there's a chance someone witnessed what I did..."

Gats continued his internal deliberation, "If the giants discover my involvement in their friends' deaths, and if the peace deal goes through... then I'm as good as dead."

Following their meeting with Galen, Gats turned to his lady mage companions, speaking in a hushed tone. "Shira, Selena, Eveline," he began, "we must tread carefully. The peace negotiations could jeopardize our safety if the giants were to learn of... certain indiscretions."

Shira's brow furrowed in concern, her eyes flickering with understanding as she grasped the gravity of Gats' words. "You speak of Lucas and Thalos." she whispered, her voice barely audible above the murmurs of conversation around them.

Gats nodded solemnly, his gaze darting to Galen momentarily before returning to his companions. "Precisely." he replied, his tone guarded. "We cannot afford to let our guard down, not when our very lives hang in the balance."

Selena's expression remained unreadable, her eyes betraying none of her thoughts as she absorbed Gats' words. "What do you propose we do?" she asked, her voice low and measured.

Gats glanced around the chamber, ensuring that they were not overheard before responding. "For now, we must maintain the illusion of cooperation." he replied, his tone laced with caution. "But we must also be prepared to act swiftly if our safety is threatened."

With a nod of agreement, the group fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts as they contemplated the precarious situation that lay before them. They stood poised on the brink of a dangerous game—one where the stakes were nothing less than their own survival.

As the inhuman fleet sailed across the turbulent waters towards Thraenor, the mood aboard the flagship was heavy with both sorrow and determination. King Drak'zul, his regal figure silhouetted against the backdrop of the setting sun, stood at the prow of the ship, flanked by his trusted commanders, Feralyn and Gorshak.

The aftermath of the assault on Elysium Haven weighed heavily on their minds, the losses suffered at the hands of the giants a bitter reminder of the challenges ahead. King Drak'zul's brow furrowed with concern as he addressed his commanders, his voice low and commanding.

"We have suffered heavy losses." he began, his tone grave. "But we will not be deterred. We must press on with our plans for the unification of Thraenor."

Feralyn, her sharp features etched with determination, nodded in agreement. "The giants may have struck a blow, but we will not falter." she declared, her voice ringing with resolve. "We will rally Thraenor and crush the giants."

Gorshak, his massive form towering over the others, grunted in acknowledgment, though a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes as he voiced his concerns. "What of the arcane shaman tribes?" he rumbled. "Will they join our cause willingly?"

King Drak'zul's gaze hardened with resolve as he considered Gorshak's question. "We will offer them no choice." he replied, his voice steely with determination. "Those who refuse to bend the knee will be crushed beneath our heel."

As the discussion turned to the recruitment of additional allies, King Drak'zul's thoughts returned to the possibility of enlisting the aid of Drakkaroth, the Elder Drake. The mention of the ancient dragon sparked a heated debate among the commanders, with Gorshak voicing his concerns about the risks involved.

"Drakkaroth may be a powerful ally, but he is also a formidable adversary." Gorshak growled, his brow furrowed with worry. "We cannot be certain that he will not turn against us."

King Drak'zul's eyes gleamed with ambition as he considered Gorshak's words. "Drakkaroth will see the wisdom of joining our cause." he declared, his voice filled with confidence. "With his aid, we will be unstoppable."

Gorshak's concerns lingered, his gaze drifting towards the dark horizon. He knew that the road ahead would be filled with war and losses.