Chains of Loyalty, Bonds of Unity (Updated)

Not much time passed before the clouds above us darkened. Everyone except Diane knew what was happening—and who it involved. Unlike the original scenario where they let Gilthunder cuff them with thunder before breaking free, I didn't have time for theatrics. With a wave of my hand, the clouds vanished, and Gilthunder appeared before me, immobilized.

Gilthunder: "What's happening? I can't move! I'm stronger than all of the Seven Deadly Sins combined!"

Sora (thinking): 'Take it easy, kid. We already know your problem, and we're here to help.'

Meliodas chimed in, fully aware of my plan as I had briefed them earlier:

Meliodas: "Relax, Little Gil. Stand down and don't struggle—it'll be over soon."

Summoning a blade aimed at his heart, I acted as though I intended to kill him.

Sora (thinking): 'Vivian will come any second now.'

I advanced the sword slowly. Sure enough, just before the blade reached Gilthunder, Vivian appeared.

Vivian: "Gil, don't worry—I'm here! I'll save you!"

Sora: "Like hell you will."

With a raise of my hand, Vivian vanished from Gilthunder's side and reappeared suspended in midair, bound by my chains—modeled after Enkidu but far stronger, with a red-golden hue. I called them Sera . With a command, I brought her closer.

Looking into her eyes, I activated {Charm}.

Sora: "You will cease pursuing Gilthunder. From this moment forward, you will serve the royal family loyally, dedicating your life to protecting the kingdom and its innocents. You will not harm or plot against anyone within the realm."

Her eyes glowed briefly as the charm took effect. Once done, I released both her and Gilthunder. When she regained consciousness, she removed the curse binding Gilthunder and Margaret. Then, turning to Elizabeth, she knelt on the ground.

Vivian: "I, Vivian, apprentice of Merlin, hereby pledge my loyalty as a servant of the crown and kingdom."

The skill worked better than I anticipated. It seemed my upgraded abilities had exceeded even my expectations.

Everyone was shocked, but Gilthunder and Diane were the most visibly stunned. Gilthunder's mind raced, trying to process what had just transpired. The others were surprised but quickly accepted the outcome without question.

Sora: "Alright, everyone, snap out of it. It seems I have a guest waiting back home, so I'll assign tasks to each of you. Once you're done, meet me at the house."

They nodded.

Sora: "First, Elizabeth—take Gilthunder and Vivian back to the kingdom. Save your father, capture Hendrickson and Dreyfus, and bring them to me. Your current power should be more than sufficient to handle everything. As for the new generation of Holy Knights tainted by the red demon blood, you can cleanse their blood using your powers. Oh, and Gilthunder—once you've completed your mission, inform the king that his sister will recover and that Diane remembers. That should send him running. Also, Elizabeth, I grant you permission to restore Gilthunder's father to his rightful place as Great Holy Knight."

Gilthunder: "What do you mean, restore my father?"

Elizabeth: "By your orders, my lord." She turned to Gilthunder. "Gilthunder, follow me for now. I'll explain later. Vivian, teleport us to my sister first, then to my father."

Vivian: "As you wish, Princess."

She glanced at Meliodas.

Vivian: "See you soon, honey."

Meliodas: "See you soon, my love."

Sora (thinking): 'Should I send a shadow to assist her, just in case? Yes, I think I should. Elizabeth has a warm heart, and others might take advantage of that. For now, I'll send one with her.'

Sora: "Elizabeth, wait."

"Rise, Hanzo," I commanded, and Hanzo emerged from my shadow.

Sora: "Go with her. Assist if necessary, but otherwise, don't interfere."

Hanzo nodded and joined Elizabeth's group. They teleported away.

Turning to Meliodas, I continued:

Sora: "Now, Meliodas—here are the locations of Ban and Escanor." Placing my hand on his head, I shared their whereabouts. "Retrieve them. Be cautious when dealing with the mind-controlling Holy Knight in the prison—not that his powers could work on you at your current level, but it's better not to test fate."

He bowed and took flight toward his first destination.

Next, I turned to Matrona and Diane.

Sora: "Diane, come here."

She approached, and I grew to giant size, placing my hand on her head. Unlocking her memories of King and releasing some of her latent power, I boosted her strength to 30,000. The rest would come once she completed Drole's trial.

Tears streamed down Diane's face as she remembered her love for King. I allowed Matrona to console her for a few minutes. When they returned, I spoke:

Sora: "Here's your mission. The giant clans are scattered and divided. I need you, Diane, to unite them under one banner. You'll become queen, with Matrona supporting your claim and aiding only when necessary."

Diane: "Wait—you want me to lead the giants? But they thrive on war and conflict. They hurt each other constantly!"

Sora: "Then become their queen and change that. I've given you more than enough strength to accomplish this, and you'll gain even more power as time goes on."

Opening a gate to Megadozer, I pulled Matrona into a tight embrace.

Sora: "I'll miss you, my love, but there's something I must do. This way is faster to restore this world to order."

Matrona: "I understand, my love. I'll miss you too."

We shared one last kiss before they stepped through the portal, which closed behind them.

Sora (thinking): 'Now, let's go meet my guest.'