Chapter 1168 Summary
Short Summary:
Elbaph's reputation improves around the world as Giants join the Marines. Ida passes away on a snowy day. Loki was locked up for burning Brewers village and mourns Ida silently. Since Shanks went missing while completing a mission right before being promoted to a Knight of God, Harald is chosen instead. Harald meets Imu who grants him immortality and makes him a Knight of God. Imu orders Harald to form an army of Giant warriors for the Navy, which Harald refuses. Imu says as part of the Depths Covenant, Harald will receive immortality and power but must obey every order. Harald, realizing he is losing control, asks the guards to chain him to a pillar and call Loki and Jarul to Aurust Castle.
Detailed Summary
That same year, public opinion surrounding the Giants became to improve significantly since they joined the Marines, to the point that people could not wait to acquire and enjoy their goods. On Elbaph, Harald announced to his people that once they join with the World Government, he wishes to build ships that would allow them to sail freely to other nations so they can learn about all of their culture and help Elbaph grow even more, which earns him much praise and support. Later, he speaks with Saul at the Walrus School and commends him for his school, as he loves seeing the kids be so free and innocent. Saul does ask Harald if he is afraid of giving up the warrior's culture of his people, but Harald says he no longer believes their military might is the country's only strength, a fact he attributes to Ida, who he is deeply grateful for.
During the winter, Harald spoke with Ida, who told him she was amazed by how much both he and the country had changed since she arrived. Ida did admit she liked the warrior's pride of the Giants and thought Harald should appreciate that culture more instead of just erasing it completely, but Harald points out that it was that old way of doing things that kept them from marrying, which Ida was still touched by, but she stated he is everyone's king, and she is proud of that. Most of all, she was excited to do what she and Harald used to do once Elbaph is connected to the rest of the world: travel around the world freely. Sadly, Ida finally succumbed to her illness and passed away, leaving Harald, Hajrudin, and Loki, who was locked away for burning down Brewers Village, mourned for her.
Fourteen years ago, Harald went to Mary Geoise, where he learned that Shanks had left the Knights of God just as he was about to become one after completing his current mission, but because of that, Harald will receive that honor as his backup, which Harald graciously accepted if it meant joining Elbaph with the World Government. The Five Elders took Harald to the Empty Throne room as they call him the one who will change Elbaph's history forever, but he informs them that once they join, he plans on stepping down as king and have someone younger and purer succeed him, but Imu appears and says they will decide his fate for him, while Harald is shocked that someone sits on the Empty Throne.
Harald's Shallow Covenant is upgraded to a Depths Covenant by Imu, making him a true Knight of God. In addition, not only has Harald become even stronger, he has become immortal as well. Imu ordered Harald to return to Elbaph and create and Abyss on Elbaph, and when he does, his wish will be granted and Elbaph will join the World Government. Harald does as instructed, but that day, Harald was ordered to turn all of Elbaph into a country of warriors, the exact opposite of what Harald was working for. Harald tried to clarify he would gladly let his people join the Marines if they wanted to, but he does not want to force his entire country into something they may not want. On top of that, Harald was content with only letting himself be enslaved, so he does not want innocents to get involved. Imu, however, told Harald that the sins of the Giants can not be atoned by him alone, and he starts moving against his own will, with Imu revealing that the Depths Covenant forces the wearer to be unable to disobey their orders. Harald then realized that Imu only wanted Elbaph to join as their military might, not to become their equals.
Harald calls to his guards and orders them to chain him to a pillar and call for Jarul and his sons. The guards tell Harald that Hajrudin is out at sea right now and Loki is locked up, but Harald just demands they release him immediately. Loki is freed and Jarul heads for Aurust Castle, setting up the stage for the fateful massacre and death of Harald.
