Chapter 21: The Conflict on the Prehistoric Island (Part 5)
"Are you alright, Chiron?" Eric asked with concern. He had just witnessed the power of Sovereign Nation with his own eyes—what came next wouldn't be easy.
"I'm fine. Though the attack was powerful, the force wasn't focused in one point—it was dispersed. I used Haki to block it well." Chiron, seemingly unharmed, also apologized. "Sorry, Captain. I disobeyed your order. I didn't dodge [Sovereign Nation]; I took it head-on."
"You had your reasons, didn't you? Mind explaining?" Eric asked.
"Yes. They're warriors with dignity. If their strongest move is taken directly and they're then defeated, they'll respect their opponent more. I feared if I dodged, they'd refuse the result. I've seen the kind who never admit defeat. That's why I chose to take it and win properly."
"You have a better read on the battlefield. Do as you see fit. I only ask one thing—come back to me safe and sound."
"…Yes, Captain."
[Ding… You have a new message]
[Chiron's favorability has greatly increased. Bond Level has risen from 2 (Close Friend) to 3 (Trusted Friend). Bond Points +2]
'It rose again before I knew it. I guess talking really is the best way… Or maybe it's just the bond between comrades. Hard to say.'
"…Captain, I feel I can now access even more of my power," Chiron said.
"Huh? That's great!" Eric quickly opened the status panel.
[Name: Chiron]
[Constitution: 5.5 Stars]
[Martial Arts: 6 Stars]
[Archery: 7 Stars]
[Swordsmanship: 6 Stars]
[Armament Haki: 4 Stars]
[Observation Haki: 5 Stars]
[Devil Fruit: 4 Stars]
[Weapon: Heartlock Bow]
[Bond Level: 3 (Trusted Friend)]
[Overall Combat Power: 6.5 Stars]
(Stat cap now raised to 6 Stars due to bond level increase)
'So every bond level increase also raises the stat cap. I guess it's to prevent overpowered characters from turning on you when the bond is low,' Eric muttered internally.
If he summoned a powerful companion but they couldn't use even a tenth of their strength because of low affinity or his own weak stats, it would be a complete waste.
RUMBLE! Just his luck—the central volcano erupted again.
"Red Ogre" Brogy was still unconscious on the ground. If they let him miss the fight, he might wake up and kill himself from shame.
"Chiron, can you still fight?" Eric asked.
"Of course."
Normally, Dorry and Brogy would be clashing already. But now, only one giant stood at the dueling ground—Dorry.
"Did he flee? No… impossible. He would never run," Dorry muttered. After tens of thousands of battles over ninety years, he knew his comrade too well to believe he would abandon their sacred duel.
"Dorry!" Chiron called from a treetop.
"Hmm?"
"Brogy has already lost to me! He's unconscious!"
"He lost? Impossible!" Dorry didn't believe it. As a captain of the legendary Giant Warrior Pirates, he couldn't imagine a giant losing to a mere human.
"Then let's duel—1v1. The loser must obey the winner's command!"
"Heh! Then let's begin."
Dorry raised his heavily nicked greatsword, scarred from countless battles, and brought it down toward Chiron.
Thanks to his stat upgrades, Chiron—despite staying in human form—was no slower than his centaur form. Although his Haki reserves were partially depleted, his power had grown due to boosts and refined skills.
It was like leveling up in a game—your opponent feeds you XP, and then you become too strong to lose.
Though Dorry could cover multiple meters with a single step, his size made him slow and sluggish. He couldn't hit anything but Chiron's afterimages.
"Damn it!" Frustrated, Dorry switched to sweeping with his shield, trying to land an area attack. Sword swings were too narrow; against someone as agile as Chiron, he needed a wider range.
"As a sign of respect to you as a warrior, I'll now use my ultimate move. I couldn't use it before for certain reasons, but now I'll show my captain what I'm capable of!"
Chiron raised his right index finger skyward. Though it was broad daylight, several glowing stars appeared above. Though faint, they were clearly visible—a constellation of Sagittarius forming a bow. The arrowhead star turned yellow, radiating a brilliant light.
"This is the shot that pierced the Scorpion Star. My arrow has already been released.
Sting of Scorpius!"
A beam of golden light descended from the heavens. It was unavoidable, undodgeable. It could only be used once per day—but it never missed.
When the light faded, Dorry's body was scorched, smoke trailing from him. His mouth hung open, his eyes blank behind his helmet. The second giant had fallen unconscious under the might of Chiron's Noble Phantasm.
Since ninety years ago, this ancient island had been battered by their endless duel. Even the dinosaurs trembled at the roar and shockwaves of their clashes. But now, it was finally over. They had both lost—to the same man.
"Ahahaha! So you lost too, Dorry?" Brogy laughed.
"Ah… I got knocked out by one move…"
"Same here! His arrow, covered in Haki, hit my jaw and knocked me out cold. Ahahaha!"
"Ohohoho! I must be stronger—he had to use a special move to beat me!"
"Say what?!"
Sensing another fight brewing, Eric quickly cut in. "You both lost to Chiron, right? Remember your duel agreement?"
"Yes," both giants answered gloomily. They were honorable men. Once they lost, they wouldn't go back on their word—especially not after invoking the gods of Elbaf.
"Then let's hear Chiron's request," Eric said, passing the floor to his crewmate. After all, Chiron had proposed, initiated, and won both duels. If Eric stepped in now, they might challenge him next—and that would be suicide.
"I suggest you end your duel and start thinking about how to rescue your deceived comrades," Chiron said.
"The duel cannot be canceled mid-fight," Brogy protested.
"Indeed. Elbaf's traditions cannot be broken. The gods would not allow it," Dorry added.
"But you lost your duel," Chiron said calmly. "If the gods of Elbaf favor the victor of a duel to make judgment, then by your own logic, my order carries divine will."
"Ugh…"
The two giants were left speechless.
Eric gave Chiron a look. Chiron understood. "Then how about a compromise? Suspend your duel for seven days. Reflect during that time and decide what to do next."
"A seven-day break… that's acceptable," Dorry replied.
"Hmm..." Brogy nodded.
[Temporary Mission Complete. Rewards: 2 Achievement Points, 3 Bond Points, [Sovereign Nation] Skill Fruit]
Looks like the system recognized the mission as complete. Time to leave the island.
(END CHAPTER)
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