[Sponsored] Chapter 25: Soul Pocus, Massacre

[This chapter is proudly sponsored by "Godphaze." Please join me in expressing your thanks in the comments! If you're interested in sponsoring a chapter, consider joining the Patreon.]

"Charge—"

"Kill all these Marines—"

"Let those World Government bastards feel the power of the giants!"

"The giants are coming! All forces, prepare for battle!"

"Damn giants, fight them with everything we've got!"

"For justice, everyone!"

Bang! Bang!

Boom! Boom!

Ahhh!

Before long, the charging giants stormed the shore, weapons raised, cutting through the panicking Marines with ease. Although these elite, well-trained soldiers quickly regrouped under the command of their officers, mounting a desperate defense, they were no match for the massive, powerful giant warriors.

Had they faced only a few giants, the Marines might have stood a chance by focusing their attacks on the giants' legs to knock them off balance, combined with heavy artillery fire to wear them down. But now, over a hundred towering, battle-hardened giants bore down on them, and their defenses were quickly crumbling.

Boom! Boom!

Huge figures strode forward, shrugging off the rain of bullets. Some giants endured cannon fire directly, while others nimbly dodged. Their momentum was unstoppable as they breached the fortress, wielding massive swords, axes, hammers, and maces. Like ravenous wolves tearing through a flock of sheep, they overwhelmed the Marines, who screamed as they were cut down by the giants' devastating attacks.

"Hehehe, let's get in on the action, Linlin, Hajrudin!"

Gerd, wielding a massive battle axe, leaped onto the back of Zeus, followed closely by the fiery Prometheus, her eyes burning with battle lust. Eager to join the fray, she added a warning: "Don't kill them all just yet—I need to steal their souls!"

"Got it!"

Linlin grinned, gripping her blade as she jumped onto Hera's back.

"I'll do my best..." Hajrudin, also ready for battle, mounted Zeus. The trio, riding their cloud companions, split into two groups and charged toward the fortress from the Great Eirik.

"What are those things?"

"Are those giant children?"

"Doesn't matter if they're kids—they're enemies!"

"This is a battlefield! Open fire!"

"Shoot them down!"

Bang! Bang!

The Marines, seeing the "clouds" approaching with young giants riding on them, were confused and startled by the strange sight. But under their officers' orders, they quickly regrouped and opened fire on Linlin, Gerd, and Hajrudin. However, Zeus and Hera nimbly dodged the bullets, easily evading the Marines' attacks.

Clang! Clang!

Once above the fortress, Hajrudin, filled with battle fervor, leaped off Zeus and charged toward the Marines below. His hands transformed into blades, and his entire body became as hard as steel, impervious to the barrage of bullets.

Slash! Slash!

Thanks to his newfound powers from the Dice-Dice Fruit, Hajrudin rampaged through the enemy ranks, slashing left and right with his bladed hands. Though still a teenager in appearance, Hajrudin was a fully trained giant warrior at eighteen, and his strength was formidable. One Marine after another fell before him, sliced apart by his powerful strikes.

"Ahhh..."

"Damn it, you're not leaving any alive for me!"

Seeing Hajrudin's rampage, Gerd, eager to fight as well, leaped down from Zeus' back, wielding her giant battle axe. At the same time, she commanded Zeus and Prometheus: "Zeus, Prometheus... attack with me!"

"Yes, Gerd!"

In an instant, under the horrified gazes of the Marines, Zeus and Prometheus transformed into terrifying combat forms, appearing as demonic beings wreathed in thunder and flames.

"Fire Pillar!"

Prometheus charged ahead, spewing a massive column of fire toward the approaching Marines.

"Thunderbolt!"

Zeus wasn't far behind, unleashing a massive bolt of lightning that tore through several Marines, leaving their bodies charred and smoking.

"Ahhh!"

"Is she... a demon?"

The Marines were terrified, watching the devastation unfold.

"LIFE OR DEATH?"

At that moment, Gerd's eyes gleamed with fearsome power, her voice radiating an oppressive aura that struck terror into the hearts of the Marines. Using her Soul-Soul Fruit ability, she unleashed the 'Soul Pocus' technique, causing the souls of the nearby Marines to tremble and rise from their bodies.

"What's happening?"

"What's that coming out of us?"

"Gulp! It feels like my soul is being pulled away!"

"This giant girl... she's a monster..."

Before they could react, Gerd smiled brightly and declared, "Oops! Time's up!" She reached out with her left hand, grasping the floating souls, and yanked them free.

"Ahhh!"

The Marines collapsed with agonizing screams, their souls torn from their bodies, leaving them frozen in terror.

"Hehehe, everyone's doing so well. I guess it's my turn now!"

Linlin jumped down from Hera and landed in the midst of the Marines, flashing a "sweet" smile. Perhaps due to her Mythical Zoan, Vampire form, the scent of blood on the battlefield didn't disturb her at all. In fact, it seemed to excite her.

Bang! Bang!

A hail of bullets met her head-on, but thanks to her nearly indestructible "iron balloon" defense, Linlin effortlessly deflected them. The bullets either bounced off her body or fell harmlessly to the ground.

"What the...?"

"Is she invincible?"

"Everyone, don't give up! Take her down!"

The Marines, shocked, gritted their teeth and charged at Linlin with swords raised.

"Doesn't matter how many there are... just keep swinging your sword!" Recalling El's advice from their training, Linlin, who had learned some basics of combat over the past few days, didn't hesitate. She swung her massive blade with tremendous force at the oncoming Marines.

Clang!

Ahhh!

There was no contest. Guns, cannons, and swords were all shattered or severed in half. The Marines, unable to withstand Linlin's overwhelming strength, were cleaved apart. Their bodies were torn to pieces, blood splattering everywhere, and severed limbs flew in all directions, creating a horrifying scene.

"Huh?" Linlin scratched her head, holding her bloodied blade, looking puzzled as blood dripped from it. To the Marines, her innocent, childlike smile looked more like the grin of a demon. "You're all so weak... I wasn't even trying."

"Hiss—"

"She's a demon!"

"That little girl... she's a monster!!"

The remaining Marines, now terrified, screamed in panic.

In an instant, Linlin's body transformed into a swarm of bloodthirsty bats, which descended upon the Marines, their red eyes glowing with hunger and fangs gleaming.

Bang! Bang!

Clang! Clang!

"Bats? She's a Devil Fruit user too?"

"Damn it, these bats are as tough as steel! We can't cut through them!"

"Help! Help!!!"

"Ahhh!"