"Neh, neh! That kill was boring, uncle! What was that all about?" Anubis pipes up, actually crouching while on top of Set's head.
"The fuck you mean it's boring?! Is dying to the fucking god of war and chaos of Egyptian pantheon boring?!" Set snarls, looking up and meeting the shit-eating grin of his nephew. "Mutt, that shit ate the damn mortal from inside out as painful and slowly as possible! Is a slow and painful existence erasure from the inside is boring to you?! You wanna fucking try it?!"
"Ohhhhh! Now that you explain it, I guess it's not that boring anymore!" Anubis laughs, tongue lolling out, his laughter akin to a mocking jackal. "Woah, thank you, uncle! Another awesome way to go out!" Then, a pout forms on Anubis' face. "Too bad I can't guide the mortal. I would've made friends with him! Such an awesome way to die — it's worth being remembered! It's worth being guided by me!"
"All the deaths here, you would love them, you damn mutt," Set clicks his tongue as he walks inside a greenhouse within the desert. "Too fucking bad you're not going to be able to guide any of them."
"Neh, neh! Why is that?! That is sooooooooo unfair!" Anubis growls like a canine would, ducking his head as they enter a door. "That's my job, uncle! Why can't I do it?!"
Set did not answer right away; instead, he walks inside the greenhouse, finding themselves right at the center of it where a healthy tree is situated.
"That's just how most deities play, Anubis," Set chuckles, running a hand across the strong bark of the trunk.
Then, Set's expression shifts into an enraged one. "I mean, can you fucking believe it?! I was second?! I should've been first, damn it! That is not how they should fucking treat the best that everything has to offer! This was bullshit in high levels!"
At that, Anubis nods rapidly, completely agreeing to Set. "Neh, neh! I couldn't believe it when they said you were supposed to be for the tenth round! How dare they!"
"That was awfully kind of you, Set," a voice came from the other side of the tree.
Set freezes for a moment upon hearing the voice, his hand almost slipping and damaging the bark of the tree.
He retracts his hand, slowly putting them back in his jacket's pockets while Anubis growls threateningly to the newcomer, his fingers gripping Set's hair from the roots and yet careful enough not to hurt him.
"Fancy seeing you in my fucking garden, brother," Set chuckles, not bothering to look at his bandaged brother who revealed himself. "I don't fucking remember inviting you here. You wanna die again or something?"
"You wouldn't do it," Osiris chuckles, hand caressing the bark of the tree, dipping his head in respect. "Especially not here."
"Fuck you," Set says simply, picking up a watering can and hydrating his plants. "State your business before I erase your ass from existence."
"Neh, neh! State it!" Anubis growls from on top of Set's head.
"What happened in the dome?" Osiris wastes no time.
"None of your damn business, that's what happened," Set chuckles, snorting alongside Anubis who cackles like an animal. "Between you and I? Two artists came to an agreement in creating a masterpiece."
"And that is?"
"None of your business," Set snickers, followed by Anubis who blows a raspberry at Osiris.
"You two seem to mix quite well," Osiris snorts, gesturing to Anubis who nods enthusiastically.
"I create and orchestrate death, and the mutt loves quote on quote, awesome deaths. So, yeah, we kinda fucking mix well since I'm an awesome killer," Set scoffs, moving to another row of plants.
Then, a moment silence follows.
Osiris watches Set watering the plants, carefully letting the water trickle down the leaves and seeping into the soil.
"Neh, neh! If you were a mortal, I would've loved guiding you to your judgement, Osiris," Anubis grins at the mentioned god, regarding the god with bog round eyes. "Killed in a heated battle between family and put in a coffin while alive? Then, drowned in the Nile River? That is sooooooooo radical! I like how you went out!"
Hearing this, Osiris is taken aback, blinking at the bluntness of Anubis. Osiris looks at the big round eyes of Anubis, seemingly innocent but Osiris knows better.
"Your honesty is something else, Anubis," Osiris chuckles, moving to the side as Set passes and goes to another row near them. "But may I ask? Why are you sticking with my brother?"
"Uncle Set is awesome, that's why! He's the best!" Anubis answers without a pause, grinning widely and even leaning forward from Set's head. "I was kinda lonely since the others are weirded out by my passion for amazing deaths, but Uncle Set is not. Neh, neh! He even lets me guide mortals that died in the most amazing and bravest ways! To be honest, he was lonely as well-"
"And you better cut that off before I kill your ass awesomely," Set cuts Anubis off, snarling at the god who merely snickers. "And why are you really here, Osiris? What do you need?"
"I can't pay my brother a visit now?" Osiris asks, a hand on his chest and his expression seemingly hurt by the question.
"After what transpired in the past? Nah, if I were you, I would've killed me," Set chuckles darkly, putting the watering can down and leaning on a pillar, staring at Osiris. "So, what exactly brings you here other than annoying me?"
"I'm here to ask if you're okay," Osiris says simply, looking at Set's amber eyes which narrow at the question. "Really, other than curiosity about what happened in the fight, that is the main reason," he pauses, looking at Anubis who stares at Set from above. "So, let me ask again, how are you feeling?"
Hearing that, Set could not help but snort in amusement, a small smile forming.
"I feel pretty fucking fabulous, Osiris," Set admits with ease. "It was nice to finally talk to the only man that can relate to me. A fucking depressed mortal at that. Well, he was not so depressed when we fought, but he was before the damn fight."
"It's good to hear that you are well, Set," Osiris smiles at that. "The Cleanse made me worry, though."
"Don't," Set smiles before glaring at Osiris. "Took me by surprise at first, but that's it. Shit got nothing on me."
"Neh, neh! Exactly! Uncle Set is too awesome to fall for cheap tricks!" Anubis chimes in once more, still crouching on top of Set's head.
"Besides, it was nice seeing Masika again, even though it was supposed to kill me," Set hums, fingers tracing the lines of the tree's bark, having moved there. "Not like I'll die from Cleanse or anything. I'm too awesome to die. The best do not die that early."
"I'm sure you won't," Osiris merely smiles at Set's remark, content with his answer.
"How's Isis?" Set asks, not even looking at Osiris.
Hearing this, Osiris' smile grows sad by a bit.
"She's doing well. She's taking in some ranting from Horus after you successfully dodged him... for the umpteenth time," Osiris playfully glares at Set who barks out a laugh with Anubis.
"That little nephew of mine will never learn," Set clicks his tongue in rapid succession.
"No one can catch Uncle Set! Neh, neh! Not even me when he's really hiding!" Anubis laughs, ruffling Set's hair.
"Other than babying Horus, she still doubts that you're fine. You traumatized her back in the Nile River," Osiris sighs, taking a seat on the sandstone bench that Set has created. "I still don't get her sometimes."
At that, Set snorts in amusement, amber eyes rolling.
"For someone that can see the future, she sure can't see what her brother really is," Set groans, sitting beside Osiris. "I had one bad moment in life, and suddenly I'm an irreversible monster to her now," his groans grow louder.
"Neh, neh! Aunty Isis should come out and spend some time with Uncle Set! She's missing out on all the fun things!" Anubis whines from above, peaking down and staring at Set's eyes. "I bet that Uncle Set already has plans if she ever decides to spend time with him!"
"Shut up, mutt," Set growls, a gesture that earns a laugh from Anubis who went back to his prior position.
He is still on Set's head, though.
"I'm sorry about her, brother," Osiris sighs, running a hand down his face. "She can't even stay put at the mention of your name sometimes. There's always a reaction, negative mostly. It would take some more time to heal her trauma," the Egyptian god of the underworld glances at his brother who was now having a staring content with the one on his head.
Seeing the sight, Osiris could not help but chuckle.
Then, he stands up, looking around and then back to the two.
"Well, I'll be off for now, brother. I think it's my time to take the ranting from Horus," Osiris laughs lightly.
"You seriously need to stop babying that god," Set snorts, while Anubis is trying his best to contain his laughter.
"Like how I baby you back then?" Osiris asks with a shit-eating grin, dodging a ball of sand by ducking.
"Two things: fuck, and you," Set raises one middle finger, not breaking eye contact with Anubis.
The same Anubis who is now starting to grow blue with the amount of laughter he is holding in.
"Tell Isis I said hello or hi," Set waves Osiris off, pointing at the greenhouse's door. "Now shoo, I'm beating this mutt in his own game."
"Neh, neh! I don't lose staring contests!" Anubis lets out a laugh.
"Because this is our first one, dumbass," Set grins.
Osiris merely gives a playful salute before walking towards the door, vanishing in a puff of sand after exiting.
"Neh, neh! What even is this place, Uncle Set?" Anubis asks, staring intently at Set's amber eyes.
"Let's just say that this is the grave of a caravan," Set hums, unblinking. "There were no remains after their incident. So, I decided to build this to remember them. Each plant here is for a specific individual."
"There's favoritism! How come the others are smaller plants while there's a tree?" Anubis blows through his lips, trying to make Set blink as his eyes start watering.
"Oh? Right, there's definitely favoritism here. She is my favorite human to ever walk the realms, Anubis," Set chuckles at Anubis' attempt. "You can say that I value her even after death."
"I think I'd remember if I guided your consort, Uncle Set," Anubis pouts, resorting to playful jabs of his face to try and surprise Set.
Hearing that, Set laughs. "Mutt, you wouldn't be able to guide her even if you wait for your eternal existence! Chaos leaves nothing!" A smile forms. "But she sure left her mark on me... and you fucking blinked, dumbass!"
"Neh, neh! Rematch! You were cheating!"
"Cheating my ass! You want to fucking eat sand?!"
Safe to say, the two continued their contest outside as Set walked around the desert without any particular goal.
He is just here to enjoy it for now.
"This is unfair! How come you are not blinking?!"
At such comments, Set's laughter would resonate.
...
"Yar! You be a mighty fine fella to have a drink with," Edward bumps his wooden mug with Vlad's. "And here is me self thinking that every lubber here is without thrill!"
"I can say the same, friend," Vlad chuckles darkly, hand on his mug. "Here I thought that such a rugged man like yourself is bland, but color me surprised. There's more than meets the eye with you, Blackbeard."
"Bah! Ye self can call this one Edward! Blackbeard is for me enemies!" Edward grins before chugging his drink, slamming the mug for a refill. "And the fight just finished. About time it did! Me self started to think of quitting this Ragnarok of theirs!"
"Oh? Are you taking part in the tournament as well, dear friend?" Vlad asks with a raised eyebrow, his tone curious.
"Well, they were not able to resist bringing the mighty Blackbeard into their ship!" Edward laughs, grabbing the refilled mug and downing it again. "I guess me tales reached these lubbers' ears!"
"Tales? Hmmm, interesting. Would you mind sharing some?" Vlad hums, placing his mug on the counter.
"I've long forgotten me tales, but I am aware that they were worth pages," Edward sighs, grinning still, but his tone is much tamed. "All I can remember is why me self started plundering."
"Then, if you would grace me with such a story, can I hear it?" Vlad leans forward, chin resting on a palm. "If I'm being honest, I started my journey for power, and nothing else. I crave it, I need it. It made me feel alive, and my methods were enough to spread my name across the lands," then, Vlad's eyes darkened. "It's not enough for me, leading me here. I agreed to join here, promised power by the Valkyries. I shall claim it when the time is right."
"Bah, us be the same tale, Vlad," Edward grunts. "I started me voyages in search of treasure. Money and riches, it made the world run back in me days. More money for me, the more powerful me self can become. But deep down, me self knew that I wanted the thrill of living a risky life. I've got no time for a bland life. I have no plan in leaving a lousy legacy behind!"
"What would you sacrifice for more riches, Edward?" Vlad hums, intrigue lacing his voice. "For me, power is absolute. Anything can be sacrificed for it."
Hearing this, Edward grunts. "That be a dangerous thought to have, Vlad," he clicks his tongue. "But a good point ye make. Power, absolute as always. Only a few would resist claiming it," then, Edward laughs, chugging another mug of alcohol. "I know I won't resist!"
"Same as you, friend," Vlad laughs with him, a tamer echo of Edward's. "Power is all there is, after all. It makes the world run, as you said."
"Aye! Well said, Vlad!"
Thus, two notorious figures continue their conversation, glancing at the television of the bar from time to time.
...
"Weak," Athena says without an emotion present. "Sloppy, predictable, not even decent," she goes on, parrying each strike of Mars. "Is this going to be your performance in your battle? Save us the trouble of having you fight for our side and kill yourself. This is a disgrace."
"Shut up!" Mars snarls, his sword vibrating with each strike.
Athena parries his downward slash, sending his sword back.
Mars growls, shifting his stance, reversing his grip on his sword before falling low.
The Roman god of war goes for a low slash to the ankles of Athena, but was effortlessly intercepted.
The Greek goddess of war merely kicks his hand away, staring down at him with emotionless eyes.
"How many times have you done that?" Athena asks.
"It's how many times you've seen it done, you bitch!" Mars snarls, hands pressed to the ground.
He lifts his body up, before bringing his legs down with a swift sweeping motion.
"Hmm, I guess," Athena hums, stepping back with ease. "Means that you're nothing surprising. You're the same as any other foes that tried their luck. Weak and unworthy of anything. Shame, you possess no creativity."
"Fuck off!"
Mars pushes his body up, rising front kick as he flips back.
Athena merely leans back, expression unchanging. "Is that it? I expect more from a god of war."
The Roman god lands on all fours before pouncing at Athena.
Athena can hear it, the sound of his heart beating with vigor. "Your heart is strong, but you are not."
The goddess of war lazily rears her fist back, striking Mars' face with ease and sending him crashing down.
"You better stay down, or else you'll be more of a laughing stock in the arena," Athena sighs in disappointment, staring at her fist. "Such a shame, I expected too much out of you. Maybe Thor would have been a better candidate."
"Fuck off, will you?" Mars groans, rising from his position. "You were the one that said I won our fight. This is my fight, not Thor's. He can suck off an Unyielding for all I care."
"Hmm, perhaps I was wrong about my judgment," Athena frowns, tripping Mars who just got up.
"Then that would revoke your status as the goddess of wisdom," a voice came thundering from the outside of the sparring arena.
"Heya, chief!" Mars happily waves at Jupiter who snorts at such childish action. "What brings you here, eh? Came to see me crack this bitch's skull open?"
"You did not even lay a scratch on me," Athena rolls her eyes, her tone cool as ever.
"Sadly, that won't ever happen, Mars," Jupiter chuckles, having floated down to both of them, arms crossed and white eyes regarding Mars' state. "You should prepare yourself, Mars. It is your fight next. Set just finished his'."
"I'll leave you two to your own devices," Athena yawns, stretching her arms. "And try to attack me next time, Mars."
"Bitch, I was attacking!"
"Didn't feel like it," Athena hums, her eyes as emotionless as ever as she walks out of the arena.
Then, Mars looks at Jupiter who stares at the downed god.
"You sure no one is going to try and steal my fight again, chief?" Mars asks, an eyebrow raised as he remains laying on the ground.
"I'd step in if another one would dare," Jupiter snorts, making Mars grin and chuckle. "Make yourself proper. The arena awaits its warrior.
Jupiter extends his hand to his son, offering it as support.
"Who am I even fighting, chief?" Mars grins, gripping the gauntlet of his father. "Are they strong?!"
"Thor would be enraged if he has read who you're going to fight," Jupiter lets out a small laugh.
Hearing this, Mars eyes twinkle in anticipation and excitement.
"No way... No fucking way, chief!" Mars jumps in place, spinning around like a child. "You sure your eyes weren't just getting old?!" He leans forward to Jupiter who shoves his face away.
"My eyes are as good as they were at the start of creation," Jupiter grunts, narrowing his eyes on Mars who has fallen on the ground.
At that, Mars cannot help but shout.
"Best fucking fight! EVER!"
...
Göll hugged her knees, rocking herself back and forth on the couch.
Brunhilde is there, caressing her head, not a word said in the silent comfort she is providing.
Freya, on the other hand, looks at the holographic screen in front of her, eyes switching from one avatar to another — hesitation in her as she is deciding who to send next.
Her hands tremble ever so slightly, and she can hear her heartbeat pounding on her eardrums. Another set of death, all because of her.
Now, she needs to pick once more.
'Who should I send next to their deaths-'
"Stop," Brunhilde hums, letting Göll use her lap as a pillow. "I know what you're thinking. Your index fingers are tapping and scraping the table again. What is this? The fourth time?"
"I'm n-not so sure now," Freya lets out a small nervous laugh, glancing to the side to see Brunhilde sitting on the couch. "What if I choose wrong again? T-that's another chance and life thrown to the gutter. Another s-sister down the drain."
"It's as you said, we will fight for humanity, whether we die or survive through the process," Brunhilde hums, looking down at the now sleeping figure of Göll. "All our contestants are capable. It's just that deities will always have a slight edge due to the vastness of their powers. Whoever you choose, they will dominate the battlefield."
"Didn't feel like this with the first two rounds," Freya whispers, slumping down in front of the table, chin on its edge. "Hua Mulan couldn't kill a family. Set was too strong for any combatant. It's difficult to choose when even the deities pull out abilities seemingly out of nowhere."
The leader stares at the screen, watching different avatars revolve around an arena.
"Do you think Dante is ready?" Freya asks Brunhilde who merely shook her head
"Dante is better off fighting Ishtar," Brunhilde hums, staring at the screen as well. "Vlad can be a good pick, having a great record of battles. Plus, his special ability can be quite handy with dealing with opponents far stronger than him."
"If my educated guess is correct, Mars should be next," Freya hums, hand moving in her slumped position, manipulating the screen. "Want to bomb the arena with Robert?" Freya offers a weak smile.
"Hmm, maybe not," Brunhilde hakes her head. "The more time Robert has, the stronger he becomes. So, let's reserve him for later."
"Then Arthur?" Freya hums now, drumming her fingers against the table. "Wait, no, we need Excalibur for dire situations. Mars is hardly a dire situation."
"Maybe-"
"Lead the way, Thrúd! We must make haste! His words ignited the fire, struck the chords, and set my will ablaze!"
Brunhilde was cut off by a booming laughter coming from outside of their room.
"Calm down, will you?! We need to wait for our turn!"
"Bah! Waiting can wait! I sense a damsel in distress! We need to aid her sorrows!" The booming laughter came nearer to the door.
"Maybe he can be the next fighter," Brunhilde chuckles.
"Now that you mention it, yes, I believe they'll work perfectly!" Freya laughs, standing up and going to the door to open it. "Great timing! You'll be fighting next-"
The door was launched off its hinges, striking Freya who was ecstatic to open it. The leader of the Valkyries is sent flying to the farthest wall to the door.
"Well, Thrúd! Do I just press the thingies on this thing?!"
In came a man in leather and fur armor, a seasoned warrior of brown aesthetics, grinning at the massive woman behind him while pointing at the holographic screen.
Göll, having woken up due to the laughter has run towards the door to help Freya out of it.
"A-are you okay, sister Freya?!" Göll exclaims, hugging Freya and shaking her repeatedly. "Answer me, please!"
"I'm f-fine, Göll," answers Freya who groans, staring at the figure who just arrived.
White and gray flowing hair that reaches past shoulders, and red eyes that are full of life, and a toothy grin, his face aged by time like fine wine. On his leather belt, a shortsword is strapped and sheathed, and on his left arm is a small circular shield.
The figure sees Freya and the door, laughing loudly, head held high as he scratches the back of his head.
Beowulf of the Geats, son of Ecgtheow, just noticed what he has done.
"Sorry about that, lady! Did I hit you?"
"Oh, you hit her, alright," Thrúd runs a palm down her face. "Sorry about this, sister. It seems like I met my match with this one."
"Hmm, being high on life makes people difficult to put down, Thrúd. Don't be embarrassed," Brunhilde giggles darkly, earning a playful glare from giant muscular sister. "Worthy enough to be your consort, Thrúd?"
"Not sure, sister. I need more time for it," Thrúd chuckles, a tinge of red dusting her tanned complexion, flipping her red hair. "Maybe I'll see it on the battlefield."
"Then we will see it!" Beowulf laughs once more, stepping forward towards the hologram.
Then, he points at the screen.
"I order you to let me fight next, magical trinket, for I am fueled by the words of a fallen comrade!" He laughs, not accomplishing anything in the process. "Uh, how do you work this thing out exactly?" He looks at the Valkyries present who are amused at his eccentricities. "Hey! This is all new to me, alright?! Apologize for laughing!"
At that, the others laugh, followed by Beowulf eventually.
"Are you sure, Beowulf? Are you and Thrúd already compatible?" Freya asks, standing up and manipulating the screen.
"Her fire of life and mine blend together just fine, lady!" The epic hero grins widely, his canines showing.
"Yes, performing Völundr with him was quite easy," Thrúd smiles, ruffling the man's hair.
"Then it's settled. Best of luck on your battle," Freya nods, picking Beowulf on the screen and sending the choice to the deities.
The hero sees this, and he grins, hands on his hips.
"Haha! Luck is not needed with Thrúd's support on my side! Her strength makes me invincible!"
"Geez, I can hear Thrúd blushing at this point," Brunhilde laughs lightly.
"Y-yeah! I can see it as well!" Göll giggles, hiding behind Freya who smirks at the development.
"Why you..." Thrúd growls, chasing her sisters around as they wait for the round to start.
All is well, and Thrúd is indeed blushing.
Beowulf merely laughs as the sisters forget everything at the moment and enjoy their time together.
...
Thor stands before the deities of pantheons, surprising some of them at his sudden appearance. His red hair covers an eye, his hand gripping Mjolnir tightly as he drags it across the floor.
No words were said, not even to Loki or Odin.
"My, my, it's good to see you out of your room, Thor," Amaterasu giggles.
She is ignored by Thor who merely stood near the railings. Everyone here is not worth Thor's time at the moment, for he wants to only see the battle.
The arena, now, a gladiator style setting where the edges are dug up, leading to spikes, the audience raised up.
"Alright, it's showtime again, everybody!" Heimdall shouts, floating around on his platform. "The third round is here, but before that, let me ask you all: ARE YOU READY?!" He screeches, hand raised in a rock and roll symbol.
Roars from both sides satisfied him, making him chuckle before clearing his throat.
"Well, you should be, because the next set of fighters are going to show you what a real fight is between two warriors! They are strong! They are fast! They are skilled! And most importantly! THEY! ARE! READY TO CLASH!"
Heimdall then floats to the middle, spinning flamboyantly, twirling his Gjallarhorn before pointing at the gates of humanity.
"Alright! For humanity's next fighter... It's this guy!" The lights were cut out, focusing and pointing to the gates.
"Tales from the ancient Geats erected a man of heroism! A warrior at heart with a purpose as noble as his status!"
The gates open slowly, causing humanity to shout and cheer. Soon, the sound of laughter boomed and escaped the halls behind said gates.
"Let it be known! He is the only mortal who has killed an Unyielding — two at that!"
"And it was a glorious battle!" The man in the halls shouts, his energy easily matching Heimdall's.
"A king who protects his people, even in his last breath! A king who fought an ancient dragon and came out victorious!"
Heimdall's hands ball into fists as he shakes with excitement.
"A man so heroic, he perished standing, covered in fatal wounds, but most importantly... standing over his foe's lifeless body!"
The laughter of the man booms, beginning to reach the arena.
"Everyone, let's give it up for..." Heimdall grins, pointing at the man at the gates. "Beowulf! Son of Ecgtheow!"
Humanity roars, happy to see another figure from literature being real and fighting for them.
"Thank you, friend! It was a magnificent introduction!" Beowulf shouts to Heimdall who gives him a two-finger salute.
The Geat warrior jumps to the arena with ease, rolling upon landing.
As he stands up, he dusts the brown bear pelt he is now wearing.
"Can't let you get all dirty now, can I, Thrúd?" He grins, feeling Thrúd rolling her eyes.
Then, Beowulf looks at the gates in front of him as Heimdall starts his introduction.
"For the side of the divines... It's this god!" Same as before, the lights focus on the gates as they slowly open.
"A god born in battle! He is one with war! One with the battlefield! One with warriors!"
Heimdall then moves a little nearer to the gates.
"Let it echo throughout the realms: this god is the strongest in physicality, honed by countless battles — he is a god made and forged by wars!"
Beowulf's keen senses are active, but his eyes, more so.
He sees the burning fire in the halls behind the gates.
"That's no mere fire..." Beowulf says, astonished at the sight he is seeing. "That's an inferno of life he is bearing! Magnificent!"
"From the Roman pantheon, this god of war has the heart of a true soldier — he is ready to charge and conquer any challenges ahead!"
"But we're no mere challenge," Beowulf grins, already falling to a low stance, hand laying on the hilt of his shortsword. "Ain't that right, Thrúd," he feels the bear pelt grows in warmth.
"Everyone! Let's give it up for..." A pause as always as the gates fully opened. "The Roman god of war! Mars!"
The deities cheer, but most notice that it was a weak cheer, almost drowned by Heimdall's voice.
"Huh? Why are they not supporting their kin?" Beowulf asks Thrúd who speaks in his mind.
"Mars, he is considered the weakest one here. The deities do not want him here. Thor was supposed to be in his slot," Thrúd explains, making Beowulf nod.
"Well, if he has the spot, then he is definitely strong!" Beowulf grins, watching as Mars jumps to the arena.
The Roman god, wearing nothing but a Roman soldier's attire, with his helmet gone, gladius already drawn.
"Are both combatants ready?!" Heimdall assumes his position in the middle.
Mars clicks his tongue in annoyance. "Get it fucking started already you waste of fucking life essence!" Then, he grins at Beowulf.
"Born ready!" Beowulf grins back, drawing his shortsword.
"Geez, can't a god do his job here?" Heimdall pouts at Mars before floating up. "Alright! Combatants are set!"
He pauses nodding to both fighters.
"The third round of Ragnarok... starts now!"
{•===Start of Round Three===•}
Beowulf blinks.
Mars is already in front of him, gladius mere centimeters away from his neck.
The epic hero leans back, his left arm swatting away the gladius with enough force to create a deafeaning clang of metal.
Round three started, and humanity is already at the defensive.
{•===To Be Continued===•}
Yo! I hunger for comments... my precious...
Did y'all expect Mars and Beowulf? Thoughts about the chapter? Feed me with comments! It motivates me along with a blackout...
Anyways, Mars vs Beowulf and Thrúd! Hope this one goes well...