Chapter 40: Claiming the Unyielding Giantess (Updated)

A gate opened before me, and I stepped through. Once inside, Jarvis's voice echoed in my mind:

Jarvis: "Time and place, sir?"

I responded confidently:

Sora: "Since I'm here to meet my crush, take me to Mendoza—the home of the giant clan—before the day Matrona was poisoned. If she isn't there, send me close to her location."

Jarvis: "Right away, sir."

While waiting for the gate to open, I checked my quests. My main quest had been updated to reaching the True Immortal Realm, with a reward of 300,000 WP. Additionally, since I was traveling to another world, the second objective was completed, granting me another 30,000 WP. With this newfound time, I decided to change my appearance. The Sasuke-inspired look was fine, but now that I'd regained my memories, I wanted to return to how I looked before my first death.

My original appearance featured black hair, a ripped yet slim physique devoid of fat, bright golden eyes, and a face that exuded nobility and might (refer to the cover image). After adjusting my looks and purchasing suitable clothing, I noticed the gate beginning to form. Preparing myself, I stepped through once it stabilized.

Upon arrival, I surveyed my surroundings. I stood in an empty space surrounded by green hills and distant mountains. The sounds of battle reached my ears, so I turned toward them. With my current power, flight came naturally, and I took to the skies to investigate. From above, I observed a fierce conflict between savages and Camelot soldiers. At the center of the chaos stood four giants—one of whom was none other than Matrona, the Fang of the Land. The others included Dina, Dolores, and on the opposing side, Dumbelbas, who fought alongside the savages.

Though Dumbelbas appeared ready to challenge Matrona, I knew she could handle him without issue. Hiding my presence, I decided to let my future wife wipe the ground with him and admire her prowess. Standing at 955 cm (31'4 feet), Matrona's imposing figure left me breathless. Her blonde hair, purple eyes, and commanding aura were matched only by her incredible power level of 7,600. Clad in blue camo attire tailored to accentuate her muscular frame, every movement she made sent my heart racing.

As expected, the battle unfolded as depicted in the anime. Matrona emerged victorious, and the Camelot soldiers celebrated their triumph—though they contributed little beyond shouting encouragement. Dolores received payment for their services, and everyone began heading back home. Anticipating Matrona's route, I moved ahead of her group, released my presence, and waited for them to approach.

Curious about my standing in this world, I asked Jarvis:

Sora: "What's my power level, and who's the strongest in this world?"

Jarvis: "In this world, your status represents your power level. Your power level is 316,800. The strongest beings are the Demon King and the Supreme Goddess, with power levels of 650,000 and 670,000, respectively."

Sora: "So I stand roughly in the middle. This will be fun—absorbing the Demon King and the Supreme Goddess to make them shadows sounds like an exciting challenge."

Spotting Matrona and her companions approaching, I used magic to grow taller, stopping at 32'5 feet to match their stature. Changing into simple trousers, I strode toward them.

[Matrona's POV]

As we headed home, I reflected on how to push Diana further. She and Dolores needed to understand that we giants belong on the battlefield. Especially Diana—I planned to groom her as my successor. However, while walking, I sensed another giant approaching. He towered over me, his body radiating raw power despite lacking battle scars—an oddity among giants. Moreover, I didn't recognize him or his description.

Matrona: "Diana, Dolores, stay on guard. Head back to the clan and wait for me there. You're no match for this giant."

[Sora's POV]

Approaching them, I noticed their defensive stances. While I hoped taking on their race's appearance would ease their discomfort, it seemed I miscalculated. Staying a safe distance away, I called out:

Sora: "Hello there! You must be the giants of Mendoza. And you—you look like the legendary Fang of the Land, Matrona. I've been searching for you. My name is Sora, and I'm a giant on a quest."

Matrona immediately assumed a fighting stance.

Matrona: "Which clan do you belong to? What kind of quest are you referring to?"

Giants were divided into clans, such as the Western Clan led by Dumbelbas. Each clan valued strength above all else.

Sora: "I don't belong to any clan. As for my quest, I seek a strong wife—the first of four—to join me in the future. I've heard tales of your strength and came to see if you're the one for me."

Shock registered on Diana's and Dolores's faces, but Matrona remained unfazed, likely accustomed to similar proposals.

After scrutinizing me from head to toe, Matrona replied:

Matrona: "Do you wish to challenge me for my hand in marriage?"

Sora: "Yes, though honestly, you're even more impressive than I imagined."

Here's some context: In giant society, challenges determined everything. To join a clan, prove your strength by defeating a member. To become chief, defeat the current leader. To marry, best your chosen partner—or anyone else vying for their affection. Thus, my challenge began.

Matrona: "The aura emanating from you suggests strength, but defeating me is another matter entirely. Know this: our duel will be witnessed by warriors of my clan. Should you lose, you die."

I understood why she wasn't constantly challenged—it deterred weaker opponents. But she underestimated me; even 5% of my physical strength would overwhelm her.

Sora: "I accept those terms. Let's begin, Wife."

Her expression darkened at my audacity.

Matrona: "You don't get to call me that until you've won!"

She lunged at me, but I caught her attack effortlessly. Pulling her closer, I whispered:

Sora: "Oh, but I already have, Wife."

Unwilling to harm her physically, I unleashed a fraction of my Emperor's Aura and Dragon Might. Gasping for air, she struggled to remain upright.

Sora: "Do you admit defeat?"

Despite her predicament, she refused.

Matrona: "No."

Her stubbornness surprised and impressed me.

Sora: "There's no need to be stubborn. Admit defeat and become my wife."

Still defiant, she answered:

Matrona: "I refuse to lose."

Her rejection saddened me. Did she truly not want to be with me?

Sora: "Is it because you don't want to be with me?"

Her voice trembled as she replied:

Matrona: "I am unworthy. I'm too weak to burden you. I promise never to wed another giant woman—but I can't weigh you down with my inadequacy."

Her words revealed her pain and self-doubt, which caught me off guard.

Sora: "You foolish woman, who decides whether you're worthy is up to me. When I challenged you, I already knew your strength. It's not your power I chose—it's you . You're the woman for me, my wife."

Tears welled in her eyes as shame mixed with disbelief. Without hesitation, I pulled her into a hug.

Sora: "Matrona, the Fang of the Land and Chief of Mendoza, I, Sora Origin, take you here and now as my wife. I swear to devote my body, heart, and soul to you. Do you accept?"

Matrona: "Don't… I'm not worthy…"

Sora: "Matrona, the Fang of the Land and Chief of Mendoza, I, Sora Origin, take you here and now as my wife. I swear to devote my body, heart, and soul to you. Do you accept?"

Finally, she hugged me back, her voice soft but resolute.

Matrona: "Matrona, the Fang of the Land and Chief of Mendoza, takes Sora Origin as her husband. I swear to devote my body, heart, and soul to him—and vow that one day, I will grow strong enough to be worthy of him."

I tightened my embrace and leaned in for a kiss. After a brief pause, she joined me.

'And that, kids, is how I met your mother.'