Chapter 765 - 766

The grand Cyclops statue exuded a formidable and intimidating presence. Anyone who saw it would feel compelled to submit to its power. It seemed like a god of destruction, possessing immense strength that could defeat even the mightiest foes. The statue's presence alone was enough to intimidate anyone who dared to challenge it.

But now, an ordinary-looking scabbard had completely shattered this imposing presence. The scabbard was embedded in the giant's eye, adorned with intricate patterns and a sparkling ruby. This scabbard had split the giant in half along the crack that ran down its body.

Evan recalled his history and memory stories, where he had seen Gryffindor's sword inserted into the scabbard. It was not a simple victory; the fight against the Cyclops had been fierce. Facing such a formidable giant that could rival the gods, Gryffindor left a scar with the power of lightning on the giant's eye and lost his scabbard. However, the Cyclops had also paid a heavy price, and its name would vanish from history.

The disrupted statue and the scabbard were reminders of that epic battle, silently bearing witness to its passing.

Gryffindor's sword, crafted by goblins, possessed many magical properties, as did the scabbard. When combined, the sword became a legendary magical artifact.

As Evan gazed up at the scabbard, he pondered how they could retrieve it. They subconsciously moved forward with Hagrid, who had raised the replica of the Crown of Destiny high to present it to Cacus, the giant leader.

Cacus eagerly awaited them, and although he appeared official, his unfamiliarity with the formality was evident. Hagrid presented the replica to Cacus, a finely crafted helmet by goblins.

Hagrid and Sirius explained their purpose in coming, referring to Dumbledore's words. Cacus listened intently, and even though he didn't express many opinions, he seemed interested in what Dumbledore had said. He let out a few roars, which Herbert translated as Cacus having heard of Dumbledore and acknowledging him as a great wizard.

More giants gathered in the grotto, showing increased interest in the discussion. This was a positive sign, and the outlook for the upcoming conversation was hopeful.

When Hagrid agreed to return the following day with another gift that would surpass the Crown of Destiny, Cacus wore the brightest smile on his face. He declared them to be friends of the giants and invited them to stay for supper, intending to introduce them to more giants.

However, the situation turned unexpectedly as a tall, muscular giant entered the scene. He stood at a staggering height of 40 feet, making him the tallest giant Evan had ever seen. His black hair, large black teeth, bone necklace adorned with human bones, and a ring on his massive finger joint caught Evan's attention. The ring bore complex runes and emitted a faint dark magic aura.

Surprisingly, this giant had possession of a dark magic item. It was perplexing how he had acquired such a gadget. His name was Golgomath, and he was the most formidable warrior among the giants, who had rejected Evan and his companions' previous offerings. Evan suspected that Golgomath had started cooperating with Death Eaters, and the dark magic ring he wore served as proof.

Golgomath approached the throne, speaking the giants' language with Cacus. Their conversation grew increasingly heated.

"Golgomath does not approve of forming an alliance with you so hastily. In compliance with Dumbledore's request, he wishes to proceed more cautiously," Herbert translated their conversation. But Golgomath's roaring voice quickly silenced him.

The old giant's expression was fear and trembling as Golgomath seemed to reprimand him. It appeared that Golgomath suspected Herbert and Evan's group to be associated with one another. He glared menacingly at Herbert and Evan, causing them to feel uneasy.

Golgomath then turned his attention back to Cacus, and their argument continued with even greater intensity. Golgomath vehemently gestured with his hands, seemingly preparing for a confrontation.

The surrounding giants were fearful and began to retreat slowly.

"Be cautious; the situation doesn't look good!" Sirius warned, placing his hand on his wand at his waist. Madam Maxime also did the same.

"Golgomath has proposed a duel. He wants to assess your strength and determine if you are worthy of forming an alliance with the giants," Herbert suddenly explained with a look of urgency. "He has agreed to this suggestion, but be prepared. Either accept the duel or leave this place."

Leaving the scene would equate to a failed negotiation for an alliance with the giants.

Evan and Sirius exchanged glances and drew their wands.

"If he wants a duel, let's get started," Sirius said, looking up at Golgomath. "Herbert, tell this giant we have no objections, but let him be prepared for defeat."

"I have no objections either, but I hope he won't regret choosing the wrong opponent," Evan added, his wand emitting a faint glow.

The sudden duel began, and everyone retreated, giving them space. Golgomath called over a giant soldier from outside, shorter but still towering compared to them. The soldier was clad in formidable armor and wielded a giant battle-axe, appearing to be a fully armed giant warrior. This made him even more dangerous.

Golgomath was also armed, holding a black iron awl covered in bloodstains and other foul substances. Herbert informed Evan that Golgomath particularly enjoyed one thing—smashing in the heads of his opponents.

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The black iron awl Golgomath wielded was covered in dirty liquids, which were, in fact, the brain fluids of various creatures. Among the fluids were those of animals from the nearby woods, giants he had killed, and even humans. Few could rival the brute strength of a giant. In battle, they wielded giant clubs or iron awls, causing widespread damage like a meat grinder, or they would seize their enemies, snapping their necks and leaving their heads shaking, blood splattering on their faces, which seemed to excite them.

From the information Evan had acquired from Hermione, he knew one crucial thing: Giants were most effective when they maintained distance. Using long-range magical attacks was where wizards had the advantage. However, the limited space within the grotto played into Golgomath's sinister tactics.

Golgomath didn't appear as foolish as one might expect. He was the one who had proposed the duel and had chosen this confined space to fight. Although Hagrid and others had suggested taking the duel outside to a platform, he hadn't agreed. Evan didn't object, seeing it as both a disadvantage and an opportunity.

Defeating a giant wasn't the issue; it was how to win. Giants had strong innate magical resistance, making it difficult to defeat them using conventional magical means. Evan needed to break their spirit and instill fear to make these brutal giants submit to overwhelming strength. Otherwise, there would be no chance to form an alliance.

When Golgomath had proposed the duel, nobody had realized the complex magic rune beneath Evan's feet. This rune resulted from his study of alchemy, star magic, and powerful ancient magic arts learned from the Silent Temple of the Centaur tribe in the Bog. He had also harnessed the power of the Philosopher's Stone for this moment.

As Evan channeled his magic power, Sirius and Madam Maxime began understanding his intentions. They didn't fully grasp what Evan was planning, but they were prepared to buy him the time he needed to win against the giants.

Golgomath's voice echoed, declaring himself the most powerful giant and his companion the mightiest giant warrior. He asserted their dominance over their territory and proclaimed that only by defeating them could they earn the respect of the giants. Otherwise, they would all meet their end here.

Cacus, the giant leader, was clearly unhappy with Golgomath's words but did not speak out.

After Golgomath's declaration, he brandished his iron awl, preparing to throw it at Sirius. Meanwhile, his fully-armed giant warrior approached Evan. The giant's enormous battle-axe gleamed menacingly, reflecting the flames around them. It was an unusual and deadly weapon for a giant to possess.

The giant warrior straightened his body and let out a challenging roar at Evan as if treating him as a plaything. Even facing a child, he showed no mercy. Evan slowly stepped back, maintaining a safe distance. His magic rune was ready, and he held his wand firmly.

On the dam's edge, the wand's tip began to emit a growing glow as Evan's magic power gathered. Golgomath and Madam Maxime had also moved aside. Golgomath had intentionally chosen a narrow space for the duel, suggesting he wasn't as foolish as he appeared.

As the fully armed giant approached Evan, he suddenly felt a firewall leap into existence between them. Flames engulfed the giant, causing him to roar in pain. His proud armor quickly melted, becoming nothing more than shackles.

Despite the unbearable pain and the ominous appearance, the giant continued to advance toward Evan like a grotesque monster. He told himself to endure, for he was close to this human wizard. However, that small distance seemed impossible now, like a natural barrier he could never cross.

Evan raised his wand high, his eyes filled with indifference, as he absorbed the strength of the Philosopher's Stone to its fullest extent. Scalding power surged into his body, and a formidable magic power radiated from him, filling the entire grotto.

In this moment, Evan felt like a detached god, while the giant appeared to be nothing more than an insignificant ant. The giant had once activated the rune beneath Evan's feet, so Evan raised his wand, and a faint red-orange magical beam shot forward.

The giant hesitated, sensing the aura of death and destruction emanating from the red beam. He wanted to dodge, but his large body and inability to move rendered him helpless. He felt his soul tremble and his life slipping away, overwhelmed by fear.

Desperately, he tried to make a sound, but all that came out was a weak moan. As the dust settled, everyone observed Evan, who stood in place, completely unharmed, with no sign of exertion or even labored breathing. In contrast, the most formidable giant warrior of the tribe lay lifeless at Evan's feet.

He had died inexplicably, struck down violently by a mere human boy. The giant's axe, representing his power, now seemed like nothing more than a child's toy.

"Is this what you consider the most formidable giant warrior capable of?" Evan asked in a soft voice. He gently kicked the giant's head before turning to look at the stunned Cacus, Golgomath, and the other giants. "Is this the proof you needed?"