The purple-haired Valkyrie, Geir, walked quickly through the Elysian Fields halls stadium, in the area corresponding to the antechambers of humanity.

With each step she took, her anger at the situation had arisen earlier became more evident, plus muttering to herself helped highlight it.

– Why…? Why did Hlokk change our fighter so suddenly!? Sobek is very strong and powerful; Cleopatra was already appointed for him… What was she thinking of?

Continued on her way until descended some stairs, at the bottom of which was the forge of Brokk and Eitri; she didn't even have to get very close to know, since the stench of rust and heat were very distinguishable. Therefore, covered her nose and turned around.

– Ugh! I'm still not used to that smell. And knowing Hlokk, she wouldn't have even set foot on these stairs. So she shouldn't be here…

Went back upstairs and gave the place a second inspection; but so angry she was, didn't pay much attention to surroundings but her mind wandered.

« If she's not around here, then must have gone to one of the spare rooms. There aren't so many, so I can take my time to search. Or…

» Or she could be looking for Jack… »

A flirtatious blush spread across the Valkyrie's cheeks, but quickly brushed it away.

« No, wait a second! I'm mad at her, so I won't be happy yet! »

Shook her head and turned forward. At that moment, she caught a glimpse around a corner up ahead, the decorous edge of that Valkyrie sister's dress as well as one of her pigtails.

It was Hlokk. Without hesitation, quickened her pace and ran to that corner, peeking out to see her older sister walking with a bit of caution.

Geir would've walked behind to surprise her, but she… was too angry for that.

– Hey! Hlokk!

The older Valkyrie almost petrified when heard the scream, but instead of staying began to run down the hall to escape, although with a bit of clumsiness due to the typical heels she used to wear.

Geir wasn't willing to allow it, and immediately go after Hlokk.

– Hlokk, stop right now!

– Of course not!

– I'm your boss! Obey me!

– First you'll have to reach me!

The sisters ran for several seconds, until the younger one quickened her pace and suddenly jumped with all strength, managing to catch up with the older one. But the end result was a bit different.

Geir collided with Hlokk's back, and due to the force they ended up falling soundly to the ground, with the purple-haired one on top of the blonde with pigtails.

Hlokk couldn't even get angry, 'cause of the pain felt at such a fall. She could barely put a hand behind back, besides her position hardly allowed it.

– Ah… My back…

– I've got you Hlokk! – for a moment Geir felt proud.

– Yeah. My back confirms it…

– Now, tell me… – Geir's face became angry again, more now she had Hlokk at her mercy – Why did you change Cleopatra for Jingū for the second fight?

Hlokk fell silent, then with an uncharacteristically mischievous laugh of hers trying to defend herself.

– Surprise?

– No "surprise"! Tell me, why did you do it?!

A door next to them opened, and two both turned realizing they were in front of Simo Hayha's room. The Finn looked at both of them confused, a feeling grew when saw Geir on Hlokk; turned his eyes to the sides of the corridor, and returned to address them.

– Everything's fine?

– No, nothing is fine. – the minor jumped up and extended the right hand to her sister – Come on, we'll talk in Simo's room.

Hlokk very sore sighed, getting up slowly.

– I'm just telling you… You'll have to buy me a new dress… and also a back surgery.

– That was also in revenge for my cheeks! –exclaimed the minor, taking her left hand to her right cheek – They still hurt!

– So… we're even, right?…

– Combat increases speed on a grand scale! Sobek attacks with his fleeting and infinite trident thrusts, while Jingū puts all her effort into repelling and counterattacking!

After his long flurry of thrusts, Sobek jumped back to accommodate a new attack stance. The woman took advantage of such an opening, and took the handle with both hands to get closer to attack head-on.

In their seat, the little Valkyries analyzed Jingū's movements, sensing a certain familiarity; as soon as they realized this, cried out in great astonishment.

– Those are…! Sasaki Kojiro's Rivals' Moves!

– Y-You…! You taught them!

– You both are correct – affirmed the swordsman – I taught her everything I could in the time we had so she could fight this battle: the sword movements of my teachers, and Senju Musou.

Both Valkyries smiled with much hope and amusement.

The Egyptian God launched flurries of thrusts at the woman's surroundings, so the path she took was reduced entirely to attacking head-on. But it wasn't enough for her; Jingū repelled attacks from her sides with elegant touches of her own, as well as an fine style.

– That's the Yayoi Shinyin style "water steps"!

Once she had closed distance with the crocodile, Sobek returned the trident and struck at the woman's head; she barely managed to back away, though a few hairs of hers were severed.

Sobek tried the same move again, now moving a little closer because of the distance created; this was to Jingū's advantage, and she tightened her grip on sword and delivered blunt, repetitive downward strikes, forcing Sobek to defend himself with his divine weapon.

– That's Itou Sai's style!

The crocodile god frowned at him in defensiveness; with all his strength launched the trident and pushed the woman, and after turning it to accommodate himself launched a direct thrust with all strength.

Jingū barely had time to react, colliding her weapon with Sobek's; the God tried again, now turning his weapon and attacking with the small sickle belonged to the opposite end of his staff and trident (such consisted of a small sharp sickle with a crocodile head as decoration, and was his weapon when he was only God of the Nile).

Despite his surprised effort, the result was the same as met the point of the woman's sword. Only he also took advantage of the crocodile to bring his snout closer to Jingū's; gave her a scary smile and whispered just for them two.

– Come on, Your Majesty. You're barely diving into my depths.

Jingū used her strength to get away from the crocodile, and again went on the offensive with forceful blows although quite delicate and fine; fit for a queen.

This time Sobek defended himself with the sickle of the staff, both entering an equality between attacks and counterattacks. The fresh water around seemed to move in time with the movements, which made it a little more beautiful to look at.

Athena grew more and more excited for Jingū, although Hermes and Ares didn't share the same thought.

– It seems Sobek is gaining ground in the fight – Ares commented – Jingū can barely keep up with him.

– Don't be silly, Ares! – Athena didn't move from her conclusion – We have quite a show ahead of us!

In their exchange of fights Jingū made a combination of styles with her weapon to apply defense; placing his sword sideways in line with her left arm in which focused her strength, the crocodile's sickle slipped on the blade of the sword.

– That is…! "Toda no Daita Kodatoru"!

– She's also combining the styles!

– And spectacularly! – Sasaki flattered her, noticing it – I couldn't expect anything less from an onna bugeisha and empress.

Sobek threw the sickle to the front, but with Jingū's new defense in addition to his discreet, constant and fine change of hands, he only aspired to rip his clothes; for her part, Jingū herself didn't have as many chances to attack with the stance she had acquired.

In the stands of humanity, the emperor continued with the radiant smile of his son.

 – That's mom! – Oujin raised a fist in admiration – You can do it!

– Jingū is showing an equality of fight no one expected a few moments ago! This fight is very much showing a show between two kings influenced by the first Ragnarok!

Failing results, Sobek took several steps back and began to spin his divine weapon with one hand, as if he were going to throw it like a disk.

The woman regained her composure, and at Sobek's arrogance for toying with his weapon, she became slightly annoyed and ran forward to attack with the hilt of the sword clutched in both hands.

– Now Jingū takes the offensive, but Sobek's defense is low…! They're going to have another close clash…!

Contrary to Heimdall's words, Sobek had another plan in hand. And the smug smile he gave under breath was proof of that.

– You fell into my trap, Your Majesty.

After repeatedly spinning it, Sobek concluded the game with the trident throwing all three points forward, which way was aiming at Jingū; the crocodile's smile had surprised her, but not as much as what had happened afterwards.

From the churning waters around them, a small sphere, perhaps the size of a soccer ball, floated into the air to fly at full speed until collided with Jingū's face. It had no intention of doing any harm, just to soak her face; this as long as it was a distraction.

Immediately afterwards, the crocodile made a direct thrust from his outstretched arm to the right side of the woman; such a blow far exceeded the speed of the previous ones, the depth was greater the first wound had been made, and the force expelled was enough for Jingū, not only to drop the sword again but also to be carried by the impulse to fly back a few feet until hits the ground with a crash. She fell backwards onto the rocky ground with a loud thud cut through the churning waters.

The first reaction she had before such speed of attacks, was to spit out the water had managed to enter her mouth, as well as a little blood from that fall; shortly after the adrenaline made way for her to feel the blow on back and the cut on her right, so took her left hand to that wound to try to cover it.

– This is amazing! Sobek used the water in the arena to distract Jingū Kougou, not to mention the thrust he gave her was faster and stronger than the previous ones, enough to knock the fighter of humanity on her back! – Heimdall clenched a fist with emotion – Sobek again makes a big difference in superiority!

The Gods let out cries with excitement and surprise.

– Haha! – Shiva smiled excited and amused – So that crocodile can control the water to attack, unlike Poseidon!

– That means the end of that woman! – Durga exclaimed with a wide grin. – Fighting in a field Sobek can manipulate will be her undoing!

– Another victory of the Gods! – Ganeesha grinned from beside him.

Athena looked a bit uncomfortable, from the way was chewing on her lollipop. But at all times the analytical side of her stood out.

– I didn't expect Sobek to make such a distraction, especially now Jingū is more active than before.

– On one hand, it's good for us. On the other, it feels like cheating – commented Hermes, bringing a hand to his chin – Would it count as a clean hit?

– In a fight to death in Ragnarok everything counts. The only thing impossible is a tie – Athena quickly affirmed – Sobek has the right to use the water, if he asked for it. Not like that foolish Uncle Poseidon.

– Do you talk in that way about him, now he's not here? – Ares became upset about that again – You should have more respect for him, Athena!

– I can talk to that blond as I want! After all, I am the only one who has been able to defeat Poseidon.

– Stop lying Athena. We all know Poseidon has never been defeated.

– Daughter, don't say it! – Zeus replied with his playful voice – Remember it's a secret.

– Huh?

Sobek laughed a little and glanced at the empress, who was barely recovering from the attack.

– Forgive me, Your Majesty, for that aggressive blow. But it would've been an offense not to use the play area I myself requested.

The woman, half sitting up, put her hand to mouth to wipe away the little blood she had.

– It would be like conquering… the promised land, but only as a trophy. I hope you know what I'm talking about, right? – Those words changed the expression on her face into low annoyance.

For their part, the little Valkyries shared this negative euphoric feeling.

– What's wrong with that…!? Silly super-developed lizard!

– He's offending our representative! – Lif took her nails to hair – He's provoking her so she will fight without using head!

– But she must not fall! – Lifthrasir clenched her fists very determined – Jingū must fight with head… Especially now Sobek is using water!

– That's what annoys me the most! That dinosaur does use water, not like Poseidon!

– Jingū does have a great obstacle to overcome – before the discussion of the Valkyries, Sasaki intervened calmly – Confront this new Tyrant of the Sea who, until now, is willing to use and do everything to win.

The Valkyries squeezed her cheeks with such anger; an expression Sasaki found very tender, so much so he blushed a little.

– B-But… As long as Jingū remembers the things I taught her, she'll also be able to put up a lot of fight.

The Japanese empress felt quite cornered, especially in front of the crocodile god's sharp smile. With little subtle deviations, Jingū turned to the sides to find her sword lost and trying not to lose sight of the Egyptian God; when saw what she was making of, Sobek mimicked her as if he was playing.

A few seconds later they both found the human's sword, being back on the edge of the platform. Jingū and Sobek stared at the weapon, and without waiting, both quickly advanced towards it; first Jingū, reaching for her weapon, and then Sobek with the trident on his right side so left claws extended free towards the sword.

– They both jump motivated towards Jingū Kougou's sword!

Despite the sudden jumps at almost the same time, Jingū got there first; she skidded on the ground, so with her toes could lightly catch the handle of the sword; a few seconds later lunged at the Egyptian with his claws to attack directly. Jingū made a delicate thrust with her leg, so the sword reached her hand, and was able to use it as a shield against the crocodile's claws.

Wkth great force, Sobek stomped on the ground so far his feet were half buried, and lowered his entire body to deliver that direct blow with greater force. But, was interrupted by Jingū's sword, which caused a clash in the arena.

Their faces were once again fixed: Sobek with an arrogant profile, remembering that was the conclusion of his fight against Amemasu, while Jingū could the effort of her, most notable for the wounds on both arms were about to give way.

A few moments later, the pain in her arms and the abysmal strength of rival caused Jingū to begin to surrender involuntarily; but before dropped the claws on herself, her eyes drifted slightly to her own body and realized her legs had a better range of motion than the rest of her body.

An idea popped into head; perhaps suicidal, but at that precise moment it was the only thing she could do to free herself: with so much area to maneuver, Jingū prepared one of her legs and with all strength launched a direct kick at the crocodile's abdomen.

The God didn't take any damage from the blow, but it was enough to break his balance; and thanks to his feet being buried in the ground, the crocodile couldn't help but end up flopping backwards onto the platform. His hand unconsciously released the trident, as Jingū dropped her arms to sides to catch her breath.

– This is incredible, ladies and gentlemen! Jingū managed to destabilize Sobek, the King of the Seas, with one kick! And now they are both on the ground!

After a few gasps of air, Jingū got up to recover her posture and notice the scene in front of her eyes, especially the trident lying and far from its master.

Sobek immediately began to squirm, trying to get his feet off the platform. Jingū was suddenly frightened, and without thinking she ran with the sword in hands towards the trident.

– … Huh? – Heimdall, like the spectators, watched the woman's movements with curiosity and intrigue. Sasaki with his perfected Senju Musou was able to see more than the rest of the spectators, which caused him quite a bit of confusion.

As soon as the woman had the trident of the Egyptian God in front of her, swallowed saliva at the sudden nervousness arose in her.

« You can do it Jingū… You can! Just do it! »

With that new motivation she carried out her second suicidal plot: crouched down, reaching her left hand for the handle of the trident.

– Huh? What is she doing…?

With her small, slender fingers grasped the trident staff; at the moment of getting up to load it, her arm didn't even have enough strength to move such a heavy weapon, so inertia threw her to the ground to stay next to the weapon. She quickly sat up again, decided to put the sword aside and with both hands held the weapon to lift it, but could barely move it an inch. Heimdall noticed and couldn't help but announce it with the Gjallarhorn.

– Jingū Kougou is… trying to use Sobek's trident, although her attempts are apparently useless!

Thanks to Heimdall's words,Sobek also realized what the human was trying to do; therefore, with a single movement he managed to get his feet off the ground.

The Japanese was filled with fear when saw him, so changed strategy and began to push the weapon with all strength using both hands, managing to move it more than she expected. When Sobek got up and was about to go to her, she pushed the trident further until it was carried to the shore; the same and very weight of weapon caused it to fall sideways, sinking toward the bottom of the water in the arena.

Heimdall blinked several times in shock, barely having breath to speak what had happened.

– Jingū has left Sobek without a trident, letting him sink into the waters of the arena! A-A clear tactic indicates the desperation this woman feels in front of the second Poseidon!

After it, Jingū extended her hands to take the sword was still close to her; sat up again, adjusted her hair a little and bringing both hands to the hilt of it, raised the blade of the sword to point it at Sobek. The expression on her face indicated a kind of unexpected success.

Yet despite what happened, many in humanity began to complain about just that.

– What did she just do?

– Why did she throw the trident into the sea?

– That should be cheating!

– I knew it wasn't a good idea! Look how scared she is!

Oujin's anger at yelling at his mother subsided after seeing what she did to get rid of the trident. Confusion and doubt assailed him, and uncontrollably whispered to himself.

– Why did she do that? She… wouldn't do that…

In the steps of the Gods the emotions also moved with fervor; as with humanity, their outrage was the issue at hand.

– What did that human just do?

 – Is she an idiot? That should be cheating!

– How could she do that! She's outrageous!

The Gods of Egypt, on the other hand, still maintained their trust in the crocodile.

 – It doesn't matter… Lord Sobek will still crush her!

– Our crocodile will shatter her even without his weapon!

In the Greek seats, Athena had a great curiosity in eyes about the empress, unlike her older brothers who shared displeasure with the public.

– Why did she do that? She took Sobek's gun! – Ares exclaimed with annoyance – It shouldn't be a valid tactic.

– Now it's an uneven combat… – Hermes agreed – She has in hands her divine weapon from the forge of Brökk and Eitri, with which she could hurt Sobek, while he has nothing 

– You two… – Athena looked at them with a whimsical expression – Shut up, and let me see the fight!

– Huh!?

– Apparently Athena is seeing something you don't… – Zeus commented, putting his fingertips together – Sobek doesn't need the trident as if his life depended on it. Even without a weapon, Sobek can be very deadly.

– But… Wouldn't it be a disadvantage to have only his hands to defend himself?

– In a normal case, yes – Athena spoke – But, this isn't a normal case. We're talking about Sobek and Jingū Kougou.

Lif and Lifthrasir, sitting close to each other on Geir's chair, were surprised by the scenery.

– Cool! More chance for Jingū! – Lif could have spoken more, if it hadn't been for the screams the minor let out.

– Sobek will be mad about that! Sobek will go into Loki mode!

– Sis, shut up! – the eldest urged, while she covered Lif's mouth – It doesn't matter what Sobek does or doesn't do. We have the advantage: no trident, no water… So Jingū has a better chance of winning!

Lif released her sister, and then she nodded.

– It's true! But… It feels like cheating.

– With such an arrogant and threatening God, there can be no cheating!

– Y-You're right!

Sasaki, analyzing the fight with Senju Musou, saw and found things scared him, among them possible attacks from Sobek would be ideal to end the fight in a second.

But the main reason for making use of his mental ability was to make sure his "student" and empress was alright despite the fight, as if he could at least convey good luck to her from his position.

The last to have prominence was Jingū. Even between the movement and agitation in the waters, which wasn't much, she could hear the complaints and criticisms of humanity made her internally lower her countenance a little…

Sitting on a wooden chair in the middle of the room, Hlokk had her head down as if she was grounded and angry about it.

Younger sister Geir was pacing back and forth, holding a euphoric expression on her face. And lastly, the other 3 in the room only watched the interrogation attempt in silence: Simo Hayha and his former valkyrie partner Mist, along with Jeanne D'Arc, future Einherjer in that Ragnarok, who was being trained up to that moment.

After a long silence from those present, except for the screen where the second Ragnarok confrontation took place, Hlokk was the first to break it with an innocent question carrying her typical sarcasm.

– Well… What do you want to talk about?

– You know what I want to talk about! – Geir's shrill cry startled the others – Why did you change the fighter?

– Huh? – Mist approached Geir – Was it Hlokk who made the change?

Hlokk didn't reply, which annoyed Geir even more.

– Answer me, Hlokk! I had already said Cleopatra would be the second fighter, but you yourself took Jingū by boat so she would be Sobek's opponent.

– Well… – Hlokk sighed – I can't deny that. It's true I took Jingū.

– So, are you going to explain to me why you did it?

– You'll see. In theory, I didn't make the change; I just ran it.

– What do you say? So you didn't talk to Heimdall about making the change either?

– Where do you draw that conclusion? – Mist intervened in favor of Hlokk – Everyone here saw Jingū's entry, but when talked to Heimdall he never mentions Hlokk's name.

– Yes, it's correct. – Simo agreed.

– I did that too! – before the discussion continued, Hlokk quickly admitted – I talked to Heimdall to change the fighter and took her to the arena. But… the idea of ​​exchanging Cleopatra for Jingū wasn't mine.

– So… If it wasn't yours, whose idea was that?

– It was Hrist's idea.

Those present remained completely silent; Geir was the first to speak, albeit greatly confused.

– What do you say…? Was it Hrist's idea?

– Yes. – Hlokk looked for her phone among her clothes – She sent me a message; told me of her decision, to inform Heimdall, and to make sure it was carried out. Here I have the proof.

The Valkyrie took the phone and showed it to Geir, with messages Hrist had sent her. Everything was as she said it: minutes before Sobek's entrance, Hrist asked Hlokk to inform Heimdall of the change of opponent for Jingū Kougou as the second fighter.

Even with that, Geir was confused.

– What…? Really, did Hrist do all that?

– Also, as you can see in the messages, she said had already talked with Jingū and Cleopatra to settle this matter.

– Did they both agree with the change?

Hlokk changed her expression in annoyance.

– Something like that.

– But there's something I don't understand… – Jeanne spoke for the first time, with curiosity – If everything was already decided, why did it take longer Jingū to enter the arena?

– It was 'cause… Shortly before, I had an argument with Cleopatra.

The Valkyrie entered the waiting room for the humanity fighter, minutes before the second fight was to begin.

Jingū sat on a small sofa in the middle of the room, her head lowered as if she were praying. At the same time, Heimdall's introduction to Sobek was broadcast on a screen.

In silence, Hlokk reached the sofa where Jingū was, and spoke in a low voice so she could hear her.

– He looks scary.

The woman didn't expect that voice, so got scared letting out a loud scream; but as soon as she recognized her breathed a sigh of relief.

– So sorry! I didn't want to scare you!

– D-Don't worry miss – Jingū lowered her head as an apology – I tend to exaggerate things. It's just I didn't expect you to be here.

– Apparently I went unnoticed… – commented Hlokk, remembering a similar scene – Just like the boy.

Both were silent for a moment, until Jingū responded to Hlokk's first comment.

– Yes. He looks very powerful. – Some fear was reflected in her words as watched Sobek's presentation – But…

– But?

– Master Sasaki trained me very carefully last night. – an exhausting yawn came out to interrupt – Despite the breaks we had to not overexert ourselves, I could barely sleep less than an hour. I feel a bit tired.

– I can imagine. – Hlokk went to sit on another sofa, next to Jingū – I guess my big sis already told you about changing the fighter… I hope that's why you're here.

– Yes, I spoke with your sister. She said I… I should be next. And already talked to Miss Cleopatra so there would be no problems… And you…

– She asked me to make sure you would fight – Hlokk answered without discretion – She said there could be a problem, like my younger sis who doesn't know about the change, or some unforeseen event.

– Okay.

The woman took a deep breath, holding her sword scabbard over legs. Hlokk could see the woman trembled a little, which caught her attention.

– Are you scared?

– Huh?

They were suddenly interrupted by a man in very light clothing, which gave him an Egyptian air; he entered the room, until was in front of Jingū and Hlokk, and spoke respectfully to the human.

– Lady Jingū! I regret to inform you I'll no longer be your boatman.

– Huh? – such a sudden act put Hlokk on the offensive – Who are you?

Jingū stood up to speak to Hlokk.

– He's my boatman, to take me by boat to the combat arena but… – turned her eyes to the Egyptian man – What are you talking about? Why do you say you won't take me anymore?

– My queen Cleopatra wants to speak with you. She's present here.

The man stepped aside to make way for a company of Egyptian soldiers, who walked until they were facing Jingū and Hlokk.

The soldiers in turn stepped aside and their queen entered, wearing black clothes from feet to chest, a gold jeweled necklace and a similar crown, long brown hair fit perfectly with her fine and pointed face. That was the last pharaoh of Egypt and Einherjer chosen to the second Ragnarok: Cleopatra VII.

She took each step with an overflowing pride until was facing the pair of women, and addressed her word to the Japanese empress

– Dear Jingū! I suppose the Valkyrie informed you of the agreement I reached with her a few minutes ago.

– Y-Yes! That's how it was. – Jingū replied, trying to copy the proud style of the Egyptian – I talked to her and she told me--

– Change of plans, honey. – Cleopatra quickly interrupted her, with an arrogant smile – I thought better of my options and decided to retract: I want my position as second fighter back.

Jingū and Hlokk's jaws dropped, while Cleopatra turned her eyes to see the end of Sobek's presentation.

– It seems I should go now; with such a presentation, that God mustn't be easy to please. Fortunately, it's about me.

– Wait a second! – Hlokk got up from seat to face the Egyptian woman, getting in her way – You can't reverse the change this way. My big sis Hrist already talked to you, she made a plan to--

– Little girl, the situation has changed. Now I am here, and I expect from someone like you at least a respect and silence.

– "Little girl"? "Someone like me"? Who do you think you are to bring that pride!? – Hlokk got quite angry, the same thing she had only felt with Jack – That sickly arrogance has no place here! On the contrary, the one who should give respect is you, before the Valkyrie who won 1000 years ago, when you were just a spectator!

Hlokk noticed the great difference in height, so raised the balls of her feet to lift herself up. Cleopatra blinked in surprise at those words, but she brushed it off with her next comment, with Poseidon-like arrogance.

– If not what, "winning valkyrie"? Tell me… What are you going to do to me, to one of the thirteen Einherjer your sis chose and trained to defeat the Gods for the second time?

Hlokk and Cleopatra exchanged burning glances in very clear anger and annoyance, filling the environment with tension and bad humor; needless to say, they mutually created a hate relationship from then on.

The sulky silence lasted until trembling words expressed a wish; enough to stop that women's fight.

– I… I want to go and fight.

Both of them turned to Jingū; Hlokk was still annoyed by the Egyptian, but Cleopatra, who had been getting to know her a little better, looked at her in surprise. For her part, the Japanese took the sword firmly and gave both of them a determined look.

– T-The screens say that God Sobek is already waiting for his opponent. I don't want to keep him waiting any longer, so… I'd like to be the one to face him, right now.

Hlokk interrupted him with the serious tone of her words.

– Don't worry, Jingū. Right now I'll take care of this--

– Ha! So curious, dear empress of Japan. –completely ignoring the Valkyrie, Cleopatra directed her attention to the third woman – For more than fifteen hours we were together, training, listening and getting to know each other on that strange ship to come here. Still, it's the first time I've heard your mouth express a specific wish.

As if she was playing which child, Cleopatra thought about it for a bit, then shook her head.

– No, it can't be. I think my ears and eyes are bad from hearing and seeing this little girl.

– Hey!

– I would like you to say it one more time, just to record it in my memory – unlike before, Cleopatra gave Jingū an innocent and playful smile – What do you want?

Again Jingū felt shy, lowering her head a little. Closed her eyes, took a deep breath to calm those sudden nerves, and loudly raised her face to her "friend" Cleopatra.

– I… I'm determined. I want to be the second representative of humanity.

Cleopatra thought for a moment, finally letting out a sigh.

– Ok. If you want it so much, then I have no right to take away the only wish I've heard repeated from your lips… – she turned around, ignoring Hlokk at all times – I won't stay here any longer. You can be next.

– Thank you very much, Cleopatra – Jingū lowered head in respect and gratitude.

– But one condition – before left, Cleopatra raised a hand – I won't lend you my boatman for your entrance.

– What? Why not!? – Hlokk was quite angry about it.

– Although I accept this, it's an offense you have taken my place. I have to collect it somehow – she let out a malicious laugh, returning to her path followed by her army – You'll have an idea, my dear Jingū.

Cleopatra and her army left the room, their heavy footsteps showing her authority. Once they were completely gone, Hlokk started yelling and grumbling to express the enormous rage he felt.

– That stupid woman…! Who does she think is to think everyone on Elysian Fields must obey hers… stupid and selfish ideas, just because she was a queen!? She's an idiot! I want to…! Ahhhhhhhhhh!

– M-Miss Hlokk… – Jingū timidly approached the Valkyrie – How will I go to the arena, if I don't have a boatman anymore?

– Oh, right.

Hlokk thought about such a solution a couple of times, when she suddenly remembered another duty she had omitted.

– Before it! haven't told Heimdall about the fighter change!

Picked up her phone and called Heimdall, who answered immediately.

– Yes?… Heimdall, we'll have a change of fighter on the side of humanity… – Hlokk listened attentively, her face annoyed as heard the Nordic – Hey! Don't talk to me with that voice tone!

Jingū got scared, while Hlokk continued to speak more calmly.

– Yeah, that's better… The fighter on the side of humanity will be Jingū Kougou. We're going there… Ok, bye.

The Valkyrie ended the call and looked at Jingū, sighing before looking at the ship and oars outside the room.

– Okay… I'll take you.

– Huh? Y-You…? I-I didn't mean that…!

– Don't worry. Anyway, the empress of Japan must go to fight, and I'm willing to take her. – Hlokk smiled as if it was a great achievement – Besides, it's just about taking an oar… What can go wrong?

After such a long story, Geir fell silent to think a bit, as did Simo, Mist and Jeanne who hadn't gotten a chance to go out. Then the purple-haired girl spoke again, with a somewhat out of place question considering her true intentions.

– Why did you argue with Cleopatra?

– She's a…! – without stopping Hlokk began to complain – Selfish, arrogant, very haughty! She was going to change Hrist's plans at the last moment, just to fulfill her whims! I couldn't allow it!

 – Why not?

– Now you know; my job was to ensure Jingū was in the arena to fight, and of course that "Cleopatra" wouldn't be an obstacle for me!

Geir looked at Hlokk's phone again, sighing heavily and separating her folded arms from her.

– I need to talk to Hrist, right now. I have to know why she did this!

– Oh. About it…

The Valkyrie Hlokk let out a strange and curious sigh, which caught the attention of those present and especially Geir.

– I don't think that's possible.

– Why not?

Hlokk turned away sadly, then teasing the lesser Valkyrie. She took her by the shoulders to look in the face.

– Hlokk! Why can't I go talk to Hrist? What's happening!?

The pigtailed Valkyrie wanted to resist, but could only let out a sigh of surrender as gave her answer in a slow, low voice.

– Hrist… She made Volund with Jingū.

The surprise of that declaration devoured absolutely all the possible sound, leaving a silence from beyond the grave; the only one unable to continue resisting such silence was Geir.

– … What?

– Hrist made the change, to give Jingū her Volund and give her direct help in fighting Sobek. She did it knowing Jingū is a swordsman and for having helped Sasaki a thousand years ago. She said it was the best way to fight.

– … No. That's impossible – Geir put a hand to head – She didn't tell you anything in her text messages. Is a lie.

– No, it's not a lie. Hrist told me in person, before went to talk to Cleopatra and Jingū. She did it so I would stay out of it and not raise suspicions before my turn, especially for you.

– No… – Geir turned to see Mist – You… Did you know about this?

Before Mist responded, Simon stepped in to defend her.

– She's been with me since they arrived, and she hasn't left here except when Jeanne arrived.

– S-Sis… – for her part, Mist herself put up her defense – I didn't know anything about this; I swear.

The purple-haired Valkyrie moved from side to side, beginning to feel a great anxiety in her body, expressed in her murmurs.

– No, it can't be. It can't be true… Brökk and Eitri… They made her a samurai sword and armor…

The Valkyrie thought a little more, realizing another theme which Hlokk confirmed with her words.

– As you saw in her introduction, she wasn't wearing any armor, except for her weapon. The thing is… Hrist is Jingū's sword.

Due to the many criticisms she was able to hear from humanity, Jingū lowered her face in discomfort and discouragement.

Inside her body, through the Volund, the voice of the Valkyrie Hrist tried to cheer her up.

« Jingū, don't listen to them. You and I must keep fighting, despite what they say. »

« But, still… » the woman shivered a little, remembering what she had done with the trident « They're right. I'm showing… feelings shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have done that… »

« It isn't true! We're fighting with all we have. They could never understand it until are in front of a God. »

Jimgū was silent for a long moment, taking deep breaths to calm himself.

« We will get it? Can we fight and win against Sobek? »

« Don't worry! I've already fought guys like this… With Sasaki's teachings and my personal experience, we can beat that monster! »

The woman took one last breath, preparing her mind and body to continue the fight. A hidden smile spread across her face; a satisfied smile.

« Ok. I'll stick with you, Miss Hrist, to end this fight. »

For his part, God Sobek had a grim gaze directed specifically at the ground. Right after Jingū finished calming down, his snout poked out sharp and numerous teeth with a heavy, sullen growl.

The words accompanied him destroyed Jingū's calm again, in addition to his face rose to give the woman an authoritative look with his purple eyes.

– Very wrong, Your Majesty. One point less to your throne.

Publication Date: 06/02/22
ASFD

Reminder: Chapter updated every 21 days.