A Village Saved, A Giant Awakened (Upadated)

I teleported all of us to Berina Village, where Gilthunder had planted his sword and cut off the water supply. My intention was to help this village before moving on to Diane. Before leaving, I entrusted Hawk—and Jarvis, disguised as a talking pig—to watch over the house. While Hawk's antics were amusing in the anime, his constant questioning proved too much for me to handle. Thankfully, I reunited him with his brother from Purgatory, and they now live together in the house.

Elizabeth: "Sora-sama, where are we? This isn't the Forest of White Dreams, is it?"

Meliodas chimed in:

Meliodas: "This is Berina Village—they make the best ale here. But why are we here?"

I gestured for them to follow me toward the village center.

Sora: "We're here because Gilthunder, son of Zaratras, has planted his sword in the middle of this village, cutting off the water supply. If the sword isn't removed soon, the village will perish."

Meliodas immediately defended Gilthunder:

Meliodas: "Little Gil wouldn't do something like that—he was such a kind-hearted kid; he couldn't harm a fly back then!"

Elizabeth: "Sora-sama, Gilthunder-san is a good person. He couldn't have done this."

Sora (thinking): 'I think they're afraid I'll punish him like I did the Demon King and Supreme Goddess yesterday.'

Sora: "Relax, you two. I know Gilthunder is a good kid—he's being forced into this. His beloved Veronica, your sister, Elizabeth, is being held hostage by a sorceress named Vivian. She's always watching him and using her as leverage. To protect her, Gilthunder has taken on this 'bad guy' persona."

Everyone was shocked, angry, and saddened by the revelation. Meliodas and Elizabeth, in particular, understood the pain of having someone you love used against you. We reached the spot where the sword was planted, surrounded by two soldiers threatening to increase taxes. A small boy was struggling to pull the sword out.

Sora: "Don't worry—we'll save him and your sister soon. For now, Meliodas, pick up the sword, give it to these trash, and tell them their commander can find the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins waiting for them in the Forest of White Dreams. Oh, and give them a lesson first."

Meliodas: "At once."

As in the anime, Meliodas roughed up the soldiers before handing them the sword. The villagers erupted in celebration, embracing the young boy who had tried so hard to save them. Smiling at the scene, I turned to see the village elder approaching us.

Village Elder: "Honorable members of the Seven Deadly Sins, thank you for aiding our village and its people. We humbly invite you to stay and celebrate with us tonight."

Sora: "Your gesture is appreciated, Village Elder, but staying here would only bring trouble upon the village. We must move on, but we'll return someday to try your ale."

Though disappointed, the elder understood my reasoning. He gathered the villagers to thank us and opened a path for us to leave, wishing us safety on our journey.

Once outside the village, I opened another portal—this time leading to Diane. Stepping through, we emerged in a clearing where a 915 cm (30'0") sleeping giant lay surrounded by grotesque little monsters. With a thought, I sent the creatures away and turned to Matrona.

Sora: "There she is, my love—a sleeping princess, just as I said. No need to worry."

She hugged me tightly, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Meliodas stepped forward and called out Diane's name three times until she finally stirred, rubbing her eyes sleepily. Unlike in the anime, where she assumed intruders were Holy Knights, she didn't immediately assume a fighting stance.

Meliodas: "Diane, it's me!"

She picked him up, rubbing him against her face excitedly.

Diane: "Captain!"

On the sidelines, Elizabeth grew visibly jealous, summoning a light spear in her hand. It seemed that unlike in the anime, where she lacked both her memories and powers, she now had no qualms about intervening if things got out of hand.

I signaled Matrona to step in. Understanding my intent, she transformed into her giant form, her clothes expanding seamlessly with her transformation—I'd granted her the ability to switch sizes without ruining her attire.

The sight shocked everyone, including Elizabeth, who released the spear and let it vanish.

Matrona: "Diane, it's been a long time since we last saw each other."

Confused, Diane looked at her.

Diane: "Matrona? Is that you? It can't be—you died in my arms. Is this an illusion?"

Taking a defensive stance, she demanded:

Diane: "Who are you?"

I shifted into my giant form as well.

Sora: "It's us, Diane. She wasn't dead—I saved her."

Tears welled up in Diane's eyes as realization dawned.

Diane: "Sora-sama… Then she really is Matrona… Matrona is alive… She didn't die because of me…"

Matrona stepped forward and embraced her.

Matrona: "It's okay, Diane. I'm fine. I've been worried about you all these years."

Diane cried harder, collapsing to her knees.

I signaled for Elizabeth and Meliodas to follow me, giving Matrona and Diane some time alone. Once we were far enough away, I began addressing the pressing matters ahead.

Sora: "Now, while they catch up, we need to discuss the future of this world and the races under your leadership."

Both listened intently, their expressions grave.

Meliodas: "Sir, I know my kind has been tools of destruction in this world, but I assure you it was due to my father's leadership. Demons respect strength, and I will ensure they stay in line."

Elizabeth: "And my divine clan has sinned by failing to maintain balance and allowing my mother to claim godhood. I promise to set them straight and restore order."

I stared into their eyes, remaining silent for a moment. Cold sweat trickled down their foreheads. Finally, I sighed.

Sora: "I know you'll succeed—that's why I gave you your parents' positions. If I intended to destroy your races, I wouldn't have bothered restoring them. Stop fearing my wrath."

They exhaled in relief.

Sora: "Now, onto the plan. Though I spared your races, both have significant issues that need fixing. Some individuals are beyond redemption—their souls stained with darkness. Here's what I want you to do."

Addressing Meliodas first:

Sora: "Your power remains incomplete. Merlin sealed parts of it to prevent you from succumbing to anger and destroying the kingdom. Additionally, half of the Demon King's power resides within the Ten Commandments, which you must reclaim. Reform the Commandments, but eliminate Melascula, Grayroad, and Galand. Bring Drole and Gloxinia to me. As for Fraudrin, he's controlling Hendrickson and Dreyfus to release the demon clan using the sword on your back and his blood. Deal with him, but don't kill him—there's still good in him, though he doesn't realize it yet. Oh, and Estarossa isn't your brother but Archangel Mael. This illusion was created by the real Gowther to force the divine clan to seal the demons. I'll release you from it now and deal with the others later."

I lifted the seal binding Meliodas. He flinched, then showed a shocked expression.

Meliodas: "Thank you, Sora-sama. I'll follow your orders."

Turning to Elizabeth:

Sora: "You must relieve the Archangels of their powers and create new ones in their place—all except Mael. Furthermore, your clan's greatest sin lies in making people worship them and allowing your mother to declare herself a goddess—even the Demon King didn't stoop that low. Lastly, both clans believe themselves superior to other races—a notion I won't tolerate. Fix this, or I'll end them and rebuild from scratch—or not at all."

As I spoke, I noticed Diane and Matrona finishing their reunion and heading our way. Additionally, someone else entered the forest—it had to be Gilthunder.

Sora: "Well, let's go meet our guest, everyone."