CHAPTER 46: Duel of the Giants

Mio was incredibly fast. So fast, in fact, that Robin instinctively grabbed onto his shoulders tightly. A faint blush appeared on her face, and she looked a little embarrassed by the closeness.

The group zipped through the dense forest.

Along the way, they encountered several wild beasts. While this was an ancient island, not all the creatures were unique. Tigers, black panthers, and other common predators roamed the jungle.

Mio only glanced at them in passing before turning his head and moving on. The genes of ordinary animals weren't part of his priority collection—unless there was a future need.

Maybe one day, he thought, when I decide to cultivate a dragon…

After all, according to legend, a dragon's horns resembled those of a deer, its head a camel's, its eyes like a rabbit's, its scales like a fish's…

Perhaps if I gather the right genes from each animal, I can create something close to a dragon.

Even if it couldn't summon clouds or bring rain, it would still be a powerful creature.

Eventually, they reached their destination.

This primeval forest sat close to the center of the island's heartland. There, they saw two massive dinosaurs.

One was a Tyrannosaurus. The other, a Tyrannosaurus Rex—but the latter was already dead, its body savagely torn apart. From the brutal wounds, it was clear the T-Rex had been killed by the Tyrannosaurus. But the victor was far from unharmed.

Surrounding the injured Tyrannosaurus was a pack of Allosauruses—vicious and cunning predators. Unlike other dinosaurs, Allosauruses weren't just powerful; they were intelligent and known to coordinate in battle.

Eight of them circled the wounded Tyrannosaurus, patiently waiting for an opportunity to strike.

However, Mio's arrival caught the attention of the Tyrannosaurus. In that brief moment of distraction, the Allosauruses pounced. A painful roar tore through the air as their fangs tore into the dinosaur's hide.

"They're smart," Mio narrowed his eyes, gently setting Robin down. He turned to Warwick and Erica. "Don't kill it. Leave the final blow to me."

Without waiting for a response, he rushed in.

The Tyrannosaurus was already on the verge of collapse—exhausted from its previous battle and unable to resist the Allosauruses' attack. With swift precision, Mio slashed his blade and ended its suffering.

The Tyrannosaurus dropped lifeless to the ground.

As its breath faded, the Allosauruses scattered warily, their fierce eyes now tinged with fear as they turned to Mio.

Before they could react, two of them let out shrill cries. Warwick and Erica had moved like phantoms, appearing beside them and instantly crippling their limbs.

Though Allosauruses were considered apex predators, they were like insignificant insects in front of monsters like Warwick and Erica.

It didn't take long.

Soon, all eight Allosauruses were rendered helpless, dragged in front of Mio. They snarled and struggled, but couldn't move.

Mio approached them calmly, raised Raikiri, and ended them one by one.

"Congratulations on collecting the Allosaurus gene!"

A familiar system notification appeared in front of him. The corner of Mio's lips curled slightly in satisfaction.

But before he could celebrate further—

Rumble.

The ground began to shake violently.

It was rhythmic—like the footfalls of something massive.

"Oh? Looks like there are new friends on the island," a booming voice echoed across the forest.

"New friends? Where?" another thunderous voice joined in.

Mio looked up—and saw two enormous heads peeking through the forest canopy.

Massive figures emerged from the trees, their appearance awe-inspiring.

The blue giant was Dorry, and the red one was Brogy.

The captains of the legendary Giant Warrior Pirates, who had once sailed the seas before settling their eternal duel on Little Garden Island, now stood in front of Mio and his crew.

"Hey! Are you pirates?" Brogy asked with a hearty grin, eyes full of curiosity.

Mio nodded lightly, sheathing Raikiri. A faint smile spread across his lips. "Yeah. We came from the North Blue. This is our first island after entering the Grand Line."

"Hahaha! Welcome! I'm Brogy!"

"And I'm Dorry!" the blue giant added.

"I know who you are," Mio said with a grin. "The captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates—your names are known even in the North Blue."

Both giants blinked in surprise, but their open personalities kicked in quickly.

"Then let's have a drink together!" Brogy boomed. "We brewed it ourselves! It's good stuff!"

"I'd love that." Mio licked his lips and nodded without hesitation.

With a gleeful laugh, Dorry stepped forward, sweeping his massive arm across the forest. Trees were uprooted like grass, creating a wide clearing.

The two giants sat down cross-legged and pulled out huge wooden bowls and massive wine gourds. They poured the golden liquid generously.

Brogy leaned forward, looking at Warwick and Erica with curiosity. "Are these your crewmates? That one's aura is powerful. Did he eat a Devil Fruit?"

"It seems that way," Dorry said, eyeing Warwick in amazement.

Though the giants had lived for centuries and knew about Devil Fruits, it had been decades since they encountered anyone from the outside world. Even pirates rarely dared venture to this dangerous island.

Mio nodded calmly. "Yeah, you could say that."

He didn't elaborate further, simply enjoying the rare peace.

Crossing his legs on the ground, Mio looked up. "You've been gone for decades. You've always been on this island?"

"Yes!" Dorry lifted his enormous bowl and chugged the wine in one go, then answered with fiery conviction. "Brogy and I have been dueling here for years. The fight hasn't ended because neither of us has won yet!"

"What are you saying?" Brogy huffed. "I'm clearly winning!"

"Hmph! I'm stronger than you!"

"Nonsense—I'm better!"

"Not only am I stronger, but I can drink more than you too!"

"Hah? You're joking, right?"

Watching the two argue, Mio chuckled softly. Straightforward and stubborn, he thought. Who would've guessed their hundred-year duel started because of a little girl's offhand comment?

Still, he couldn't deny that the giants' lifespan was impressive. Even after hundreds of years, they looked like middle-aged men in their prime.

"Tsk, this wine is actually really good," Mio muttered in pleasant surprise as he drank from the bowl. His eyes lit up and he continued sipping eagerly.

The two giants bickered on, but Mio ignored them, enjoying the rare break. Only Robin occasionally cast curious glances at the towering warriors.

But peace didn't last long.

The tentacles on Erica's forehead began to twitch subtly.

She leaned in close to Mio's ear and whispered something softly.

In an instant, Mio—who had just started feeling tipsy—snapped to full alert.

His eyes sharpened.

Something was coming.

Something dangerous.