"Let's go. Now that we're full, it's time to go home. There's still half a day's journey left."
Charlotte Linlin stood up. Air currents surged around her, and in an instant, she transformed into a thousand-meter dragon, lowering her majestic dragon head to Ripley.
Ripley shouldered her huge bundle and nimbly climbed onto the dragon's back.
The White Giant Dragon let out a sky-shaking roar, spread its wings, kicked up a violent gale, and soared into the sky, speeding toward Hachinosu Island.
Half a day later, at the port of the Heavenly Punishment Pirates' base on Hachinosu Island.
Gloriosa, along with Gölz, Lilith, and the other cadres, had already been waiting here. When they saw the familiar pink dragon shadow in the sky becoming clearer, everyone showed expectant smiles.
The giant dragon slowly landed on the open ground, creating a gust of wind pressure.
Following that, a tall and vigorous figure carrying a huge bundle also jumped nimbly from the dragon's back.
She landed beside Charlotte Linlin, who had released her transformation.
The smile that had been on Gloriosa's face instantly stiffened and turned to stone when she saw the tall, wild, and beautiful Female Giant next to Charlotte Linlin.
Her gaze swept back and forth between Charlotte Linlin and Ripley, and countless thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant—
Linlin went out this time and not only found someone else but also brought her straight back?! And it's a Female Giant?! Is she bringing her before me, the "Main Wife" (self-proclaimed), to assert dominance?!
An indescribable sourness and sense of crisis instantly welled up in her heart.
"Lin... Linlin..." Gloriosa's voice trembled slightly as she tried to maintain a smile, pointing at Ripley.
"This is...?"
Charlotte Linlin didn't notice Gloriosa's complex psychological state and introduced her loudly to everyone:
"Everyone, this is our new partner, a powerful warrior from Elbaf, Ripley! From now on, we're family!"
"A... a new partner!" Hearing this, Gloriosa instantly breathed a sigh of relief. A huge weight was lifted from her heart, and she felt lucky it wasn't what she had thought. A sincere smile bloomed on her face again.
"Welcome, Ripley!"
However, in sharp contrast to Gloriosa's relief was Gölz.
The happy smile she had originally worn upon seeing Charlotte Linlin's return vanished the moment Ripley appeared.
Her huge body shrank back slightly, and she instinctively lowered her head, wishing she could hide herself. She didn't even dare to look in Ripley's direction—
After all, back then, she had killed the hero of the Giant Race, which was an unforgivable crime.
But with only two Female Giants present, Gölz's massive physique was incredibly conspicuous no matter how much she tried to lower her presence.
As soon as Ripley landed, her gaze immediately locked onto Gölz, who was trying to hide. There was no blame on her face; instead, with a gentle smile, she walked straight over.
Under the slightly tense and confused gazes of the crowd, Ripley reached out and gently placed her hand on the head of Gölz, who was slightly taller than herself. The movement was one of an elder's comfort.
Gölz's body trembled slightly, but she didn't dare look up.
Thus, a strange scene appeared at the port—a young and beautiful-looking Female Giant, in the posture of an elder and teacher, was comforting a Female Giant with a more mature physique.
"Gölz," Ripley's voice was gentle, carrying a power that could soothe wounds.
"We... don't blame you."
"Re... Really?" Gölz's voice came muffled, with an unbelievable tremble.
Ripley smiled, reached out to gently pull Gölz's lowered head toward her, letting her lean on her shoulder, and patted her back.
"Actually, we had long guessed your situation. That's why the name of the traitor Elbaf announced to the world was 'Galmo' and not 'Gölz', you silly child."
These words were like warm sunshine, instantly dispersing the haze and guilt accumulated in Gölz's heart. Huge tears, like a flood breaking a dam, gushed from her eyes.
"Really?! You all really... don't blame me?!"
Gölz, who was actually only twelve years old, could no longer suppress her emotions. Like a child who had suffered and finally received comfort, she hugged Ripley tightly and began to cry loudly.
Ripley gently patted her back, letting the tears soak her clothes, her eyes full of understanding and pity.
Watching this scene, the corners of Charlotte Linlin's mouth curled into a gratified arc. This was also why she had wanted to find another Giant Race member.
Ripley's joining not only strengthened the Pirate Crew, but more importantly, her arrival healed the long-standing heartache of another family member.
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