The people of Black Stone Territory were a hardy folk, accustomed to facing fierce beasts and cunning bandits, but not the Giants they had only ever heard of in tales sung by Minstrels in taverns.

The visual shock and psychological pressure these creatures exuded were beyond anything a sword or blade could ever match.

The castle’s heavy gates opened slowly.

Raylo’s figure emerged.

He wore no armor, only the simple, everyday attire of a Lord.

The Lord’s appearance was like a calming balm, instantly soothing the restless crowd.

All eyes converged on Raylo. Panic gave way to a mixture of confusion and trust.

"Quiet."

Raylo’s voice rang out.

The noisy chatter and cries in the square miraculously subsided.

"They are new members of Black Stone Territory—Hill Giants."

"From this day forward, they will be members of Black Stone Territory, just like you. They will not harm anyone."

The residents looked at one another, momentarily unable to process the shocking news.

’Their Lord actually subdued over a dozen Giants to serve him?’

Just then, a rich aroma of food drifted from the castle kitchens, an overpowering scent that filled everyone’s nostrils.

The aroma also roused the Hill Giants still sleeping in the square.

One Hill Giant was the first to twitch its nose, its eyes fluttering open groggily.

He sat up, his massive head swaying in confusion. Then, his gaze locked firmly onto the source of the food’s aroma.

GULP...

A loud gulp echoed, like a roll of distant thunder.

Then a second, and a third...

All the Hill Giants were roused by the irresistible aroma.

They clambered clumsily to their feet like a pack of bears that had caught the scent of honey. They stared eagerly toward the castle, their huge mouths hanging open as drool dripped onto the Stone Slabs below. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Soon, several enormous iron cauldrons were carried out.

The cauldrons were filled with steaming wheat porridge, boiled to a thick consistency and mixed with diced meat and vibrant green cabbage. The sight alone was enough to make one’s mouth water.

Ed directed the guards to distribute enormous wooden basins to the Hill Giants.

These basins were normally used in the castle for washing large loads of clothing and linens. Now, they served as the Giants’ dinner bowls.

The Giants curiously accepted these novel "bowls," then watched with wide eyes as a cook used a massive wooden ladle to fill each basin to the brim with wheat porridge.

Unlike the ravenous gobbling of the previous night, the Giants now held the warm wooden basins and tried to imitate the people of Black Stone Territory they had seen, clumsily scooping the porridge into their mouths with their hands.

The scalding porridge made them wince in pain, yet they couldn’t bear to spit it out.

The complex, delicious flavor—a mixture of grains, meat, and vegetables—had once again conquered their simple palates.

Watching the Giants eat with such satisfaction, the residents’ fear gradually began to fade.

They discovered that, apart from their frightening size, these big fellows seemed... a little goofy.

As long as they had food, they were as quiet as a flock of docile sheep.

Raylo stood on the steps, quietly observing the scene.

Subduing these Hill Giants was only the first step. How to transform this immense Power into a usable asset was the real challenge.

Raylo had thought long and hard the previous night.

Subduing this group of Hill Giants was just the first step; the key was forging them into a truly effective fighting force.

In their current state—clumsy, lazy, and dim-witted—they would only be a liability to his army on the battlefield.

’Discipline. I must establish discipline first.’

Sun landed in the square. His Dragon Mighty instantly cowed the well-fed Giants, who shrank back, not daring to make a sound.

"Sun, I have a mission for you."

Raylo gestured toward the fourteen Hill Giants.

"From this day forward, they are the Giant detachment of your Sun Knight Order. You will be in charge of their training."

Sun’s golden eyes lit up.

"No problem, Raylo! I guarantee I’ll train them into the most valiant warriors!"

"Before they can become warriors, they first need to learn how to stand and walk."

Raylo unrolled a large sheet of parchment.

"This is the training plan I’ve drafted. Follow it strictly."

Sun brought his enormous draconic eyes closer for a look.

"Standing at attention? Marching in formation? Marching drills around Black Stone Territory?"

Sun’s tone was filled with confusion.

"Raylo, you don’t win battles by standing still and walking! We should be teaching them how to tear enemies apart, how to smash Shields with their fists!"

"Trust me. This will be good for them."

Raylo didn’t explain further.

"Fine."

Although Sun found the training regimen strange, he agreed to it since it was Raylo’s command.

’My Knight Order should be the most magnificent of all!’

「In the days that followed, the people of Black Stone Territory witnessed a series of sights they would never forget.」

On the spacious training grounds, the Golden Dragon Sun acted like a short-tempered drill instructor, roaring relentlessly at the fourteen Hill Giants.

"Stand straight! Who told you to move?! You, the big one! I’m talking to you! Hands at your sides, not up your nose!"

"Get in a single file! A single file! Are your eyes on your asses? Look at me! Align with me!"

"Forward, march! HUP, TWO! HUP, TWO! You idiot, can’t you tell your left foot from your right?!"

The Hill Giants were miserable under the training.

They had no problem with fighting, but being forced to stand still like logs or march in neat steps was worse than death.