The chapter opens in the ruined Aurust Castle, still blanketed in snow from the previous battle. The giants stand in silence as Jarul reflects on how close Elbaf came to total destruction. He reveals that Harald had already begun losing control and that if Loki hadn’t intervened, the king would have marched out and annihilated the kingdom.
Harald Was Turned Into a Weapon
Through a flashback, we finally learn what really happened to King Harald. He had been secretly manipulated by the Holy Knights under the orders of the World Government. They performed a forbidden ritual called a “covenant,” which granted him rapid regeneration, immense physical strength, and an immortal-like body.
However, the ritual came at a terrible cost. It drained the life force of the Knights who performed it and slowly warped Harald into a mindless monster meant to be used as a living weapon.
Harald realized too late that he had been transformed into something that would destroy Elbaf itself. To save his homeland, he begged Loki to kill him before the transformation was complete. This confirms that Loki didn’t murder Harald out of hatred — Harald chose death to protect Elbaf.
The Elders’ Hatred and Government Manipulation
The flashback also reveals why Harald had lost support among Elbaf’s elders. Harald wanted to connect Elbaf with the outside world and bring peace between races. The elders viewed this as a betrayal of giant warrior culture. The World Government exploited this ideological divide and used Harald’s dream against him.
Imu Appears Behind the Scenes
One of the biggest reveals of the chapter occurs in the Holy Land. A shadowed figure with ringed eyes is shown overseeing the Holy Knights. The dialogue makes it clear that this figure is Imu, who refers to Harald as a “gift” and confirms direct involvement in the experiment.
This marks the first time Imu is tied directly to Elbaf and the giants, proving the ruler of the world personally ordered Harald’s transformation.
The Cover-Up: Loki Framed as the Villain
To prevent chaos and protect Elbaf from further Government retaliation, Jarul and the elders hid the truth. Instead, they spread the story that Loki killed his father in cold blood. Loki accepted exile and the hatred of his people in order to protect the kingdom from learning the real cause — the World Government’s involvement.
Back in the present, Loki admits he regrets staying silent but refuses to dwell on the past. He declares he will protect Elbaf with his own strength and avenge Harald and the fallen warriors.
Ragnir Awakens
The chapter’s climax comes when massive tremors shake Elbaf. From the skies emerges a colossal skeletal giant clad in flaming armor — Ragnir, the legendary guardian tied to Elbaf’s treasure. The giants panic as the monster looms over the forests.
Rather than retreat, Loki challenges Ragnir head-on, declaring his intention to inherit Harald’s will. Ragnir responds by launching a devastating attack toward Loki, ending the chapter on a cliffhanger.
