Episode 7: The Giant

World maps created in Europe before the 15th century
were presented as if they knew everything at a glance.

On the world maps of that time, regions with unknown details were omitted,
and sometimes even imaginary monsters were depicted.

Although Columbus discovered the New World,
he misinterpreted it as India, just as his knowledge had led him to believe.

It could be said that the Middle Ages lasted until the era of Columbus, who did not recognize his own ignorance of the world.

Then, in the 15th and 16th centuries, world maps featuring blank spaces began to circulate, marking a turning point in perception.

In Francesco Salviati's 1525 world map,
only the east coast of the American continent is depicted, while the west side remains blank.

Unlike the old-fashioned maps that were filled to the brim, Europeans acknowledged their ignorance of the world and set sail across the vast ocean, aiming for those blank spaces.

World maps grew through the efforts of many navigators, such as Amerigo Vespucci, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan.

However, since literacy rates were low in Europe at the time,
various illustrations were still drawn
to make the maps more engaging.

Navigators likely exaggerated stories about the dangers of unexplored lands, folklore, and monsters,
perhaps to emphasize their hardships or to make their tales more dramatic.

And those pieces of information were reflected in the maps of the time.

In some cases, they would appeal to the king about the savagery of the indigenous people,
making those lands easier to invade.

Although it is a story from the time of Columbus,
rumors of cannibalism among the Carib people (the origin of the word cannibalism) were reported to Queen Isabella, and permission was granted to enslave them.

It is said that indigenous people were branded as cannibals whenever it was convenient,
and were trampled upon under the pretexts of the time.

So, what was a representative rumor about the South American continent?

It was the legend of the giants.

Could this also be a case that was cleverly utilized for the sake of invasion?

-1519, off the southern tip of South America-

A boy with a youthful face is looking out over the ocean.

He looks to be about 7 or 8 years old, but his height is well over 180 centimeters.

In the boy's eyes, there was a reflection of something that was not a whale,
but a large, unfamiliar object swimming in the sea.

-Off the southern tip of South America, on board a ship-

"The crew has dwindled significantly."
The man's name was Ferdinand Magellan.
He is the leader of the fleet that would later achieve the first circumnavigation in European history.

"We effectively lost two ships due to the mutiny at San Julian and the crossing of the strait."
The man at Magellan's side is named Antonio Pigafetta.
He is the interpreter and cartographer for this fleet.

Magellan: "I would like to give that strait a name."

Pigafetta: "Why not name it the Strait of Magellan, after yourself, sir?"

Magellan: "Not bad.
Pigafetta, if I should happen to drop out along the way, you must spread that name."

Pigafetta: "Why do you speak so despondently?
If you were to drop out,
it would only be because the edge of the sea exists,
and we all fall into the abyss together."

Magellan: "Ha, impossible.
All lands are connected by the sea.
Soon, we shall see the look of surprise on the faces of those who mocked us."

Magellan peered at the land through his telescope.
Magellan: "Hmm?
Is that a companion of the Patagonians I saw at San Julian?
He is also wearing fur-like footwear."

Pigafetta: "'Pata' is a word that means foot or footprint, but
the fact that you chose to name them 'Patagon' instead of 'Gigante,' which means giant,
really shows your flair, sir."

Magellan wore a smug smile.

Magellan: "Drop anchor. We shall secure a few more of them."

Pigafetta: "Since the crew and cargo have decreased, we have some extra space,
and it would be good to replenish our stock as much as possible."

Swish

As Magellan's party went ashore, they approached the indigenous people with delight.

Later, when Pigafetta and the others finished their circumnavigation,
the world map changed drastically, and the blank spaces disappeared.

And after Magellan's voyage, drawings of giants began to appear on many maps in the southern tip of America.

The rumors amplified among voyagers, embellished as a legend of giants, and stirred up Europe.

It is said that people near the equator tend to be shorter, while those near the North and South Poles tend to be taller.

Even today, the mainstream way to travel to Antarctica is to depart from the southern tip of Argentina.

The region in the southeast of South America is still known as "Patagonia," the land where the Patagons live.

-Near the banks of the southern Arauco-
Lautaro rushed over to Guacolda.
Lautaro cast his eyes on the three people standing ready before him.

He had the eyes of a tiger and wore a cloak that looked like it was covered in thorns.

The man's name was Rengo.

And two masked figures were standing ready.

Lautaro lowered his gaze, and there lay Nahuel and the two masked figures, collapsed on the ground.

Lautaro (That Nahuel...)

"Are you next?"
Rengo tried to close in on him.

Lautaro began to observe the other two.

The person with the blank mask in the center stood as if being protected by Rengo and the person with the broad-jawed mask.

Lautaro (Is this the ringleader?)

At that moment, Nahuel stood up, and Rengo turned his head.

"That's enough."

Lautaro brought the situation to a halt in a calm tone.

Without missing a split second, Lautaro approached the person in the center without a sound and held a blade to them.

(These are the eyes of someone who would stab without hesitation.)
Rengo sensed that Lautaro was not just making an empty threat.

Lautaro: "Why did you attack?"

"These guys were just guarding that person."
Rengo gestured with his chin toward the person with the blank mask.

Lautaro: "You're the People of Abundance, aren't you?"

Rengo: "Indeed. In their lands, standing carelessly before a person of importance means death."

Lautaro: "This is the southern land; such logic doesn't apply here. Or did your leader send you here to stir up trouble?"

Rengo: "Who knows?"

Lautaro (This guy I've secured is the only one from whom I couldn't feel any killing intent at all...)

As the stalemate continued, Nahuel opened his mouth.
"Well then, let's continue from where we left off."

Rengo: "Hmph, you intend to fight me in that state?"

"I think I'll be fine if it's one-on-one."
Nahuel said to Rengo with an air as if he were talking to a friend.

Rengo: "It's rich for someone who was just lying on the ground to talk like that."

Rengo's club was swung down at the unarmed Nahuel.

Whoosh. Nahuel dodged the attack, but he couldn't get inside Rengo's guard.

Rengo's strike, which had cut through the air, slammed into the earth, causing the ground to rupture and a cloud of dust to rise.

"Huh? What is this?!"

A Pillan's Senkon appeared from within the ground that Rengo had struck.

"Why is this here?"
Nahuel immediately picked up the Senkon.

Nahuel: "It seems this land is on my side."

"Don't talk nonsense!"
With a whoosh, Rengo swung his club once.

When Nahuel swung the Senkon, Rengo didn't even dodge, attempting to catch it with one hand.

Rengo's arm wavered from the attack.
"Oh?"

Lautaro checked on the two who had fallen and said to Guacolda in a low voice.
"Guacolda, step back a little from here."

At the same time that Guacolda stepped back, Lautaro charged at the person with the wide-jawed mask.

Lautaro (As I thought. I don't know the reason, but that guy isn't doing anything.)

The person Lautaro took hostage is standing there, just watching the scene.

The person with the broad-jawed mask reached for a rope with a large weight attached, but
Lautaro closed the distance and cut the rope with his blade.

He then grabbed the arm, took the opponent down, and pinned them so they couldn't move.

Nahuel and Rengo are clashing their weapons repeatedly, trading attacks and defenses.

However, Rengo's attacks are accelerating, and Nahuel has been forced onto the defensive.

Although Nahuel managed to parry Rengo's attacks,
Rengo suddenly changed his grip on the club and unleashed an unconventional attack.

Nahuel was caught off guard, recoiled, and stepped back.

Rengo: "You're underestimating me.
Did you really think you could cross blades with me without any intent to kill?"

Nahuel spread his arms wide while wearing a smile.

An enraged Rengo strikes at Nahuel with his club even more fiercely.

Lautaro keeps the opponent suppressed while skillfully deflecting their resistance. (Nahuel being forced onto the defensive... Even if Nahuel were to get serious, I can't read this opponent.)

Guacolda watches over Nahuel with a worried expression.

At that moment, a large hand was placed on her head.

Thud! Bang! Whack!

The large shadow stood in the way of the person with the featureless mask, but lowered the hand it had raised.

When Rengo opened his eyes, the dazzling sunlight flooded in.

Rengo: (?! Everyone, including them, has been taken down... And that person!? ...Looks like they're safe...)

"Hey now, why are you all getting so bloodthirsty with your own kin?" A laid-back voice can be heard.

"I'll keep these guys in my care until you all depart from here."
The large shadow was holding the weapons of the masked individuals.

Nahuel: "Huh?"

Elney: "This is for you guys, too."

A large shadow also collects the weapons of Lautaro and the others.
"This matter ends here.
If you have any complaints, come and tell me.
My name is Elney, see ya."

Elney left the scene with a calm and composed air.

Rengo: (Who is he? To think that I, of all people, was tossed around like a baby and even had my weapon taken...)

The masked man who looked like an old man speaks to the man with the featureless mask.
"Young master, we don't have much time until the gathering.
Lord Rengo, let's put this matter aside for now and go fulfill our duty."

Rengo, still stunned, uttered a single word.
"...Yeah."

The group of masked figures left the scene.

Nahuel spoke to Guacolda.
"Your brother is the same as ever.
They were completely dumbfounded, too, haha."

Guacolda: "It always ends up like that whenever my brother gets involved."

Lautaro: "Yeah, when Elney gets involved,
everything else feels so trivial."

-Near the Ruka of the Southern Mapuche, Curinancu-

"You guys wait outside."
The masked man who looked like an old man ordered the other two masked men,
and went into the Ruka together with the featureless masked man and Rengo.

"Welcome, we are honored by your presence."
The man with the aged voice is called Ainavillo,
and he is the leader of a major Northern Mapuche force that controls eight regions based in Penco.

Inside the Ruka were Lautaro's father, Curinancu,
and Majoquete, the leader of the Moluche tribe who lives in the western region.

The masked man who looked like an old man: "This is our young master, Caniomange. Please get to know him from now on."

"Well, well, young master, it is an honor to meet you."
Ainavillo spoke respectfully.

Caniomange responded softly to those around him with a gesture of respect unique to the people of the harvest.

The masked man who looked like an old man: "I am Surco, the one who manages the subordinates.
These are the provisions entrusted to us by our master."

"This is for you, Lord Ainavillo."
Surco handed various ornaments to Ainavillo.

Ainavillo: "Oh, I am grateful for this.
I will make this a family heirloom."

Majokete (Hmph, that raccoon dog...)

Sulco: "I have received a message from my master.
There are unsettling movements within the territory, and there is a possibility that we are the true target of their wealth.
Therefore, we will not be participating in this battle.
That is what he said."

Ainabijo: "Is that so... That is a very real possibility.
It cannot be helped, I suppose.
Let us be grateful that we at least received the provisions."

Majokete (Those greedy old men... He is testing the waters first.
But to send his son as a messenger and then have his servant deliver the message, he is looking down on me.
However, this battle cannot be won without his support... How frustrating.)

Rengo sensed Majokete's slight irritation.

Kurinanchu: "Please convey my regards to your master as well.
We will make good use of the provisions."

Sulco nodded deeply.

Kurinanchu: "Now then, next..."

Flap

Rengo's sharp gaze pierced the entrance of the luga.

Elney: "Sorry, I'm late."

Kurinanchu: "We were just about to talk about you."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Elney flashed a childlike smile.

Kurinanchu: "As you all know,
Elney's existence is still unknown to the hostile forces. It is no exaggeration to say that he is our final trump card.
However, no matter how powerful he is, I believe it is too early to send Elney into the battle against the invaders from the sea."

Ainabijo: "But this guy's strength is no longer human.
There is not even a one in ten thousand chance that he will die."

Kurinanchu: "That is likely true, but
there was a lot of hard-to-believe information regarding the previous battle as well."

Majokete: "The appearance of something like a human with the lower limbs of a beast.
There were also reports that they possess tubes that discharge lightning."

Kurinanchu: "Indeed, their true nature remains unknown."

Majokete: "Certainly, if it were just the people of Tawantinsuyu, it would be one thing, but is it necessary to wait and see?"

Kurinanchu: "It is not that I am holding back, but
we should crush them all at once with overwhelming power.
Elney's appearance would be best suited for such a moment."

Ainabijo: "That makes sense."

Krinanchu: "That being said.
Elney, I want to ask you to do something only you can do."

Elney: "Something only I can do?"

Rengo twitched his eyebrows.

Krinanchu: "You must have heard the rumors about the lands even further south from here."

Elney: "Yeah, that there are lands inhabited by spirits and, at the very edge of the world, the legendary giant race."

Krinanchu: "While the invaders from the sea are a dangerous presence,
the southern lands are also a mystery.
I want to ask you to explore them.
I also hope that the giants will become our allies."

Majokete: "I see.
Does that mean you're sending this guy off alone?"

Krinanchu: "Indeed.
I believe that if Elney acts alone, he will likely not die.
Also, if he is alone, it shouldn't turn into a major incident."

Majokete: "I agree.
If the giants truly exist,
they would be a threat if they became our enemies.
Even for us, being caught in a pincer attack from the north and south would be difficult."

Ainabijo: "If that's the case, I have no objections."

Majokete: (Things are working out well... If a monster like him joins this battle, he'll end up taking all the credit.)

Sulko: "As for the master, he says he leaves the other matters entirely up to you."

Krinanchu: "Understood.
Elney's southern exploration is now a decided matter.
With that, the meeting is adjourned."

Ainabijo: "Well then, it's time for the youth festival. It's been a while since I've been to the lands of Morche."

-Northwestern Arauco-
"I am Parta, and I will be presiding over this festival!!"

A man who looked like a seasoned warrior stepped onto the platform and shouted in a powerful, booming voice.

◉ Thank you for reading!
The next episode will be released on Monday at 12:00.
※ This episode was scheduled to be released on 6/17, but it seems it was already published...
I apologize to anyone who was looking forward to watching it on Monday.
Perhaps it wasn't set to private during the import.

Chapter 8 will be released on 6/24. 🙇

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"Arauco's Cry" Chapter 7 CM

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