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

Jingū felt insecure again; the crocodile raised his hand to stare at claws on it, as if had just had a manicure session.

– I thought there would be more manners in an empress, the highest form of government of nations. Besides… the art of sword has a code, doesn't it?…

» There are values ​​such as "don't attack an opponent without a weapon" to avoid dishonoring the warrior. Or so I think…

The woman was still at that speech, but within her Hrist acted to prod her fighter.

« Don't be intimidated! Let's attack him at once! »

« Y-Yes! » with a jump Jingū addressed Sobek.

– Humanity fighter takes the initiative against Gods fighter, who now has no weapon!

Despite the fact the distance between them was shortening quite a bit, Sobek continued to look at his hand without paying attention to Jingū, not even directing gaze at her, which caused a bad omen for her.

As soon as the tip of the human's metal blade was inches from the God, was time for his next dialogue.

– But I remember a certain rule…

With great speed Sobek turned a quarter turn backwards, so dodged the woman and she entered his personal space. At that moment, the crocodile used his right hand to grab Jingū's shoulder, whereupon stopped her advance in tracks; he stretched out claws, digging them into her flesh, and finally raised his arm to lift the woman into the air, taking advantage of the difference in height.

– I-It can't be! – Heimdall exclaimed, with his eyes wide open – Sobek, without a weapon, uses his claws to hurt and lift Jingū, with only one hand!

The little valkyries gasped; even though he had foreseen something similar, Sasaki was also greatly scared. The humans in the stands, including Emperor Oujin, gasped.

Jingū by inertia held the crocodile's arm to avoid falling, plus tried to struggle to free herself but to no avail. Sobek screwed up his face, imposing serious, indifferent eyes on the woman.

– If lose your weapon, use your hands. If lose your hands, use your teeth. If lose your head, curse in hell or heaven. But never stop fighting.

Aggressively Sobek withdrew claws from Jingū's arm and threw her to the ground, over his feet and near the sword had dropped; with just a few moments to groan in pain as the crocodile once again readied the claws on right hand to attack directly.

Jingū could hardly react, taking the sword with right hand, and interposing it with all her strength to stop Sobek's hand.

– Sobek isn't defeated! Even if he's just with his hands, attacks Jingū Kougou with everything!

However, Jingū could once again feel Sobek's terrible strength, and to some extent how the deity held back by sheer will.

Sobek brought his face closer and spoke to Jingū again, in authoritative whispers.

– Your Majesty, you barely immerses in me. But in that way, you'll never reach my bottom…

– Argh!

Matching her resistance with a kick with both legs, Jingū managed to push Sobek back enough for her to get back on her feet.

Took the sword in both hands, despite her injured shoulder, and started attacking with all the sword styles she knew about the crocodile God; for his part, the Egyptian only stretched out his hands and with palms, in addition to claws, could resist and counterattack all blows without problems, which annoyed the woman somewhat.

Such an exchange of claws and sword lasted a few moments, but the persevering efforts of the woman bore their first fruits:

Sobek's claws cracked a little, while his palms reflected the first cuts with little drops of blood, but they quickly painted his hands red.

– This is… is the first wound Jingū is inflicting on God Sobek! His hands are painted with blood!

– Cool! – Lifthrasir clenched her fists with emotion – Finally, our fighter is over her heavenly armor!

– I don't understand why she couldn't before… – Lif wondered, although decided to play it down – But what does it matter! Now Jingū has the first advantage of him!

They both stood up and shouted with huge smiles on their faces.

– C'mon Jingū!

– Yeah! – Sasaki agreed with them.

Although on outside felt excited, inside he analyzed with a somewhat cloudy and pessimistic field.

« She finally hurts him, but… his resistance is so exaggerated, since no direct attack has hurt him. She must think of a way to get through those scales; already took the first step, but she still has more to go. »

In humanity, some began to rise in favor of women. Especially the young emperor's face a wide smile returned for his mother.

– C'mon mom! You can do it!

Jingū kept attacking and took a few steps forward; Such an act took Sobek by surprise causing him to lower his guard for a second.

She took advantage and took the sword with one hand, twisting the handle to put the edge of the advantage pointing towards her back and make a close attack.

Took a couple of steps closer and with all strength in her arm, swung the weapon forward onto the God's chest. The valkyries recognized the technique instantly.

– Ganryu Style: Tiger Claw!

Jingū's sword swept from back to the ground in a downward circular strike with full force, and hit the God's body from chest, abdomen, and hit the floor of the platform.

But the following was the useless result: except for his clothes and the divine necklace were torn to pieces, the body of the God was completely intact, without even signs of a scratch.

– The difference's marked again! The sword of mankind cannot pierce the body of the second Poseidon!

– Ahhhhhhhh! – The little valkyries shouted with fright and irritation.

– How terrible, Your Majesty.

Sobek extended the outstretched claws of left hand, preparing for another blow. But Jingū didn't allow it, besides said her first words out loud in what they had been fighting:

– No… I won't leave you like this!

Sobek paused to hear her voice; at same time, she held the sword in both hands to lift it with all strength and make a Tsubame Gaeshi traveled the same impact zone as previous one.

But the result of attack was same as previous ones, which provoked another shout of anger from Jingū, frowning her face.

– No…! NOOOO!!

She clenched the handle in helplessness and delivered a third impromptu blow, again traveling from Sobek's chest to the ground.

But this time there was something different; A kind of shimmer arose in her whirlwind of emotions, giving it strength and precision enough for her blade to cut fairly deep; Sobek's chest split open, causing the crocodile's divine blood to fly out with great speed like a jet of pressure.

Due to their short separation distance, the blood fully hit Jingū's face and clothes, while Heimdall with eyes out of orbit narrated what happened.

– Everything just… has changed! Finally, Jingū Kougou's sword has cut the massive body of God Sobek: it's the first time he has received direct damage!

In her seat, Athena jumped up and down with amusement.

– Jingū is finally showing off her legends!

– But, how…? – asked Ares confused – If that woman's sword is divine, why couldn't she have hurt Sobek?

Athena took the initiative to answer.

– For a reason: Sobek has the highest defense in the Heavens; his scales are excessively thick, besides it's divine meat, and he's a crocodile that are already resistant animals.

– He has an enormous resistance, even against divine weapons, which could be said to be ridiculous – Hermes complemented– I'm surprised she finally got through it…

– It only supports my confirmation! – Athena exclaimed with great emotion – "The blessed of the Gods", capable of piercing the greatest armor of the Heavens!

– Although wasn't the first attempt…

– What matters is she has too many legends on shoulders to lose against a God!

Jingū took several deep inhalations to catch breath. When bloodstained eyes saw the result, her lips couldn't help but draw a satisfied smile.

For his part, Sobek used his tail to hit the woman's stomach and move her a few feet away; she fell back to the ground, right on the side where the crocodile had used its claws on her. Once separated, the crocodile fingered his wound to make sure it was real.

Showing no hatred or rancor, his teeth snapped into a surprised grin.

– Very well done, Your Majesty. You've broken through the best defense of the Heavens. – However, in his mind there was another question.

« That blow was accompanied by… a strange glow, and I felt her emotions different… So interesting. » carelessly tosses the blood from hand to a side.

The woman got up again, with a bit of pain in her shoulder from having landed on the ground on that side; still, she raised the tip of sword in crocodile God's direction with a fixed gaze.

Little by little, the humans changed their exclamations of complaint for words of encouragement; still there were many who continued to criticize the woman severely. Jingū was able to hear everything they were saying, which caused a discreet tremor in her hands.

« Hey! Stop paying attention to them! » Hrist demanded from within the Volund « You're letting yourself be influenced too much! »

« But Miss Hrist… They're… »

« We have enough with this crazy crocodile to pay attention to some stupid complaints! Focus! »

The crocodile God noticed Jingū's emotional dilemma, causing him to smile lightly.

« Very well. Let's see how you react to the first test. »

– Your Majesty, I must apologize to you once and for all.

– Huh? – Jingū changed the point of attention to the crocodile.

– Despite everything has happened in the arena, between you and me, I must make a confession.

– Confession?

The humans who were speaking, and the Gods alike, took note of Sobek's combination of words. When the crocodile got all the attention, gave his statement.

– With all due respect, Your Majesty, I must confess your voice is more beautiful than I expected.

– … Huh?

The woman was paralyzed, while her cheeks began to take the noticeable red color of such surprise; likewise no one in the stadium expected it.

– What…!? Sobek flattered Jingū!?

In the stands the confusion and surprise became very noticeable.

– What the hell is Sobek doing!?

– What!?

– Huh!? – Lif got up from seat with her face red with anger – H-How dare he says it in the middle of fight?! P-Playing with a lady's heart is--!

– He's distracting her! – complemented her sister, not showing the same color but same feeling – She wants to take advantage of a distraction, like did with the water!

Jingū was still with her emotions afloat; Hrist had to intervene, although she felt too strange about such flattery.

« Don't let him manipulate you! Remember you're fighting him! »

The woman came back to reality, shaking her head from side to side to get all that off of her.

– D-Don't play with me!

– Just as I expected. – Sobek continued speaking with such elegance colored more Jingū's face in red that contrasted with splattered blood – A warm voice like dawn; sweet and beautiful as the dew by the river. An ideal contrast to delight the ears of mortals, although I didn't expect this to fight…

Sobek turned to Jingū with a smirk, correcting himself as if were a child.

– Oh! My apologies. I mean, I expected to face something very different. I intended to face a strong spirit of leadership…

» I intended to fight against a block of steel. Not against a lotus flower.

The woman was so emotionally blocked she was about to drop her sword from her red hands in embarrassment. With difficulty was able to overcome, although her body was still quite unsettled by such words.

– D-Don't talk nonsense!

– Are you surprised? Or did… Did you enjoy it, Your Majesty?

– Shut up crocodile! K-Keep fighting, and shut up already!

The words of humanity changed drastically; from support they had given her a few moments ago, the majority returned to criticism, and from there a third group was born: ridicule and contempt.

– This is unheard of!

– A crocodile is disturbing her! I can't believe it!

– It has to be a joke!

– I knew having this woman in the arena was idiotic!

– She shouldn't be fighting there! Someone else deserves this place!

Emperor Oujin was frightened by all the jeers arose, and although his servants made a great effort to silence them, the crowd continued.

Lif and Lifthrasir puffed out their cheeks with courage.

– Those guys…! How dare they!?

– They deserve to have Poseidon's trident on their butts! Because of them, the Gods want to kill them!

Sasaki, firm and silent until that moment, now expressed anger on his face just like the valkyries. So, without thinking, turned around and hurried out of the place.

As the contempt of the people reached her ears, Jingū got angry to point of hearing her heartbeat come out of chest, along with cold sweat ran down her head and contrasted with red face.

But there was a facet was beginning to shine: humiliation.

Faced with the arrogance of the crocodile and the mockery of humanity, the woman felt herself nothing but humiliated and trampled; her anger came from heart, but such shame was present in all organs to such an extent she wept softly, with frequent sobs.

« Jingū, don't listen to them anymore… » Hrist was able to feel her Einherjer's feelings, which made her feel bad « Please, let's put all that aside, and… keep fighting. »

– Shit, shit! - Her moan expressed such humiliation, while with clothes wiped face to remove her tears – Damn… damn crocodile.

The crocodile noticed the woman's feelings, so left his smile; squinted at humanity, and then heaved a peaceful heavy sigh.

– Excuse me, Your Majesty. I didn't want to come to this.

– So…? – Jingū breathed heavily because of his runny nose – So what do you want?

– I wanted to tell you the second thing I admire about you.

Sobek immediately ran at full speed towards Jingū.

– A-After that strange dialogue exchange, Sobek goes to his rival for a frontal attack! He's going to ram her head on!

Taking advantage of her accumulation of negative emotions, Jingū took the sword with both hands ready for the attack.

« Jingū, calm your emotions! Your attack won't work! »

« I don't give a shit! If I can kill this fucking God, it serves me! »

The woman took sword to use the Ganryu cut just as Sobek came within a feet of her. Just she was propelled to throw the edge of sword to hit him, when the crocodile made his move:

Jmped high enough to avoid the woman's sword; as began to descend to the ground behind Jingū, grabbed the tip of his tail and curled his body into a ball. The fall and his circular shape gave the crocodile enough momentum to roll on the ground, with some difficulty, and fall squarely into the water as if diving.

Due to her emotional disturbance Jingū couldn't see what had happened; but only remain with the sword in hand hitting the empty ground. Also her hair arrangement was gone, so her long black hair accompanied movement in undulations with the air.

But as soon as she looked up, realized was alone on the platform, which surprised her enough to forget previous emotions.

– Huh?

– This is unexpected…! In a dash and jump to dodge his opponent's sword, Sobek went rolling right into the water!

– Huh!? – Jingū turned to Heimdall – Sobek did what!?

– T-That's right, miss! He jumped on you, and went into the water!

– So…? – Jingū turned to the sides with confusion and fear.

The Gods and humans in the stands were surprised; however, the main trinity of Egypt (Osiris, Isis and Horus) calmly watched from their seats. Their expressions reflected confidence and security despite the situation.

Between the corridors of the coliseum near the Egyptian Gods section, there were a couple of Gods who looked just as calm; instead they showed more confidence than the others. One wore extravagant clothes with jewelry matched her rather feminine body, while the second had longer clothes, such as a full length robe.

With their hands intertwined, both Gods were in expectation of the crocodile. It was shown better in their verbal expression at the same time.

– You can do it, Sobek.

In the arena, woman turned her head to all sides confirming was completely alone.

– So… That means…

After going around several times, she stopped to look at a specific shore and the water touched it.

– Sobek is… swimming in the water…

With little fear, she approached the shore, taking cautious steps, until she was a three feet from limit between the platform and water. Stretched her neck and tip of her toes to glance at water and try to see inside it, although the reflection of sun didn't allow it.

« Jingū, don't come any closer. » Hrist warned her before kept getting closer « We don't know where he's going to-- »

Suddenly the waters behind Jingū, on the other side of platform, churned and rose in a gigantic column of water above the arena.

The woman turned in fright with the sword in hands to defend herself, especially when the column turned into a sphere flew directly towards her. She threw the point of the sword in front, and in instant of shock water flew out as a metallic sound emerged echoed in the arena.

Thus was shown what was inside such a sphere of water: Sobek, hitting Jingū's sword with his recovered trident.

– Now everything makes sense! – Heimdall spoke, joining the dots – Sobek dove into the water to retrieve his lost trident!

With a smile, Sobek forced more and more of his trident to push Jingū, forcing her to use both hands to try to stop him.

– Do you want to hear my second compliment?

– Huh…?

– Until this moment, you've fought with everything.

In the shadows such a pair of Gods smiled with emotion. For their part, the little valkyries shrieked in fear; Lif looked back, but realized the swordsman was no longer there.

– Where's Sasaki?

– Wasn't he here? – Lifthrasir turned next to his sister.

Shortly after, footsteps were heard walking down the aisle to go to there, which scared both of them under their breath.

– Steps? It must be Sasaki, coming back from wherever she was!

– Sure brings us food! – Lifthrasir licked her lips.

– Where do you think such conclusions?

– I'm already hungry… I hope he brings food!

They both ran to welcome him with open arms; but the one who appeared on other side wasn't Sasaki Kojiro but her older sister Geir.

– Big sis! – The 2 little ones shouted in surprise, clinging to the valkyrie's legs – Big sis Geir!

– Huh? Are you still alone here?

– What are you talking about, big sis? You left us alone.

– … Anyway. By any chance, have you seen Sasaki Kojiro around here?

– Yes! – Lifthrasir exclaimed raising her hands – she was with us!

– Huh? – Geir looked at them confused – Didn't you say I leave you alone?

– You left us alone and Sasaki came. But he left again just before you came… You have to be more specific!

– Ok… – Geir rubbed her face – Was Sasaki here?

– Yes, but as soon as humanity began to make fun of Jingū, he disappeared from here… Like foam!

– Foam? No matter; I must look for him immediately-- – the valkyrie paid attention to that last comment – Wait. What did you say was happening in arena?

– The humans are criticizing Jingū! – Lif spoke with indignation – They've been saying she doesn't deserve to fight; and when the crocodile made fun of her, humanity supported him… They're humiliating her!

– What..!? – Geir walked to the edge of the place to turn attention to stands of humanity.

– Big sis, where have you been? – Lif asked curiously – You haven't seen anything of the fight!

– Oh… I find Hlokk, and she told me…

« I can't tell them exactly what I talked to her about. »

– She told me Jingū was a better opponent for Sobek than Cleopatra… She convinced me of her decision.

– And she's quite right!

After maintaining the clash of arms, Sobek took a few steps back, giving the woman a breather. At same time, the crocodile God began to rotate the trident with his right hand.

– I'll put you in the second test, Your Majesty! – He positioned the point of the  weapon behind his back while taking the handle of it – I hope you aren't an enemy of water!

– Huh!?

– Sobek's Whip!

Sobek moved the trident from back to front in a downward circular motion, as if were using a fly swatter. At same time, a column of water came out from around the arena and imitated the movement of trident, as if it were a whip.

In a straight line, the water gun traveled across the platform in the direction of Jingū, who barely had time to react to dodge the attack by moving to the side. At same time Sobek jumped and from the air with the trident next to hip took aim at the Japanese.

– Fury of the Nile!

Quick downward thrusts came from his position straight at the woman. The impact on the ground of each of them was similar to a hammer striking nails; tremendous strength was charged in each of his blows.

Without having time to think or use the Senju Musou, she was forced to swing the sword from side to side in random swings to deflect as many blows as possible. In any case, the trident managed to wound Jingū's body, opening cuts in various parts of her body and staining her with blood.

Then Sobek parried that attack, falling to the ground and switching hands to grab the trident with his left; inside Jingū, Hrist identified the attack he was going to use.

« Jingū! Defend yourself! »

– Amphitrite!

The thrusts became a random frontal shower in all directions from the ground up; With no time to lose, Jingū defended herself as best she could from the thrusts trying to deflect them, but their strength and speed made it impossible. More and more despair invaded the woman.

« Jingū! Use Senju Musou! » Hrist warned him again « You won't be able to escape all his attacks if you keep this way! »

« I-I am trying that! »

Sobek continued his thrusts in a calm and arrogant manner, which showed in both his serious eyes and sharp smile broke out. After all that rain the crocodile stopped, letting the woman rest while moved his trident again as if it were a toy in hands; the stands on the side of Gods were greatly moved.

– Sobek has resorted to three attacks define him as the great second Tyrant of the Seas! He has shown his opponent the great difference between a human and the God of Gods!

– That's Sobek! The Egypt Poseidon!

– He's as powerful as Poseidon!

– I always wanted to see Lord Sobek fight!

– He's so handsome too! I love him!

Many Gods, both the Egyptians and those of other pantheons, cried out his name along with title now belonged to him.

– Sobek! The God of Gods! G-O-G!

– G-O-G! G-O-G! G-O-G!

The crocodile heard the cries of all them, and after a moment turned his gaze towards the Gods: painted in his eyes reflected the same arrogance, superiority and narcissism Poseidon had, as a silent way to immediately shutting up the stands and they never speak to him again.

All the Gods were scared, remembering the sulky look of Poseidon himself, so they fell silent completely. But the crocodile didn't stop there; he smirked and raised the trident with one hand.

– Why the hell are you silent!? That's me: your new Poseidon! I am your new God of Gods! – shouted with all his might, shaking the trident in air – Worship me as your new King of the Seas!

The Gods were very surprised at their acceptance, and again resumed their shouts of joy towards the crocodile, who let out a triumphant laugh as listened to the exclamations of the audience.

The pair of shadowy Egyptian Gods smirked as they watched the show the crocodile put on.

– Sobek… You never change.

– After all, that's his fetish; isn't it?

To finish the crocodile gave a roar to the air.

– Sobek!!

The crocodile laughed with great amusement, relaxing his posture and turning back to the human.

– It feels amazing to have the support of people, whether they're trash or not. You must know, right Your Majesty?

» For kings it's a very difficult job to lead the masses. To have their recognition in form of those standing ovations… What a great little pleasure in life! On the contrary… I don't know what it's like, but it must be a disgrace to become a laughing stock.

Jingū felt quite uncomfortable with those words; Sobek gave a little bow.

– Let me express my deepest condolences for being the queen of that miserable people called humanity… Although…

Sobek sharpened his words to a more aggressive tone, raising his eyes to survey the stands of humanity.

– A scum is the one I can't stand. The people who don't recognize the effort of a king… The ungrateful who make fun of a lotus flower.

Both Jingū and the human stands looked at him in great surprise. Sobek straightened up to look at the woman calmly.

– A lot of dead bodies to feed, don't Your Majesty?

– H-Huh… – Jingū stammered a bit – I-I don't…

– Ok. You doesn't seem to agree or against it – Sobek pounced again with trident in hand – Let me continue to expose your opinion!

Immediately the crocodile returned to launch his frontal thrusts against Jingū, who was barely able to defend herself against the blows with the sword.

– Sobek is back on the offensive, dominating the battle over the Empress of Japan!

The pair of Egyptian Gods came out of the shadows to get closer to the edge of their place and support the crocodile… their friend.

The Goddess had a well-endowed body, and with animal-like characteristics of a cow contrasted with her human body. The second had the head of a falcon with dark plumage fell down his back; both with the typical ornaments and jewels of the Egyptian Gods.

They were both happy to see the crocodile having the upper hand, despite the destruction caused in the arena. The Cow Goddess was the first to cry out, excited but also worried.

– You can against her!

– Don't you dare lose Sobek! – the falcon God accompanied her with words of sarcasm – Let's go fetishist!

– Fury of the Nile!

The crocodile's descending horizontal hammers advanced in a straight line towards Jingū, who barely avoided them by stepping aside.

The woman used Isemori's 42-sword changing style to try to slash at crocodile, but his thick scales were still a problem; taking advantage of little distance had formed, the crocodile bet on another attack.

– Pharaoh's hand!

Using the trident as a distraction for the sword, Sobek extended the claws of his free hand for a direct blow. Jingū noticed and was barely able to escape, although her clothes, part of neck and chest were torn by the God's sharp claws.

Blood began to flow out, painting her feminine body, and gasped to catch her breath; even when dodged it, such a scratch had been lethal indeed. Taking advantage of the fact Sobek was retreating to prepare another attack, the woman took edge of her clothing and forcefully tore a piece of cloth to wrap it around the wounded area, squeezing firmly.

Meanwhile, in stands of humanity they were surprised and silently watched the fight, especially 'cause of the crocodile's previous comments. Some felt right in their words to describe them in such a negative way, but others saw a second alternative to it:

– That crocodile is right! We're wrong for sending a woman to fight!

And without avoiding it, the discussions rose again; the Gods of all pantheons had a double spectacle, seeing how Sobek overcame Jingū and the altercation in human stands.

– Oh? – Zeus smiled curiously– There are still differences, bigger and bigger.

– The nature of humanity. – Ares responded with annoyance.

However, Athena silently watched the humans; for first time she didn't comment on it, 'cause if she did it…

– How sad Jingū should bear that… – it would be negative comments, and 'cause of the woman in arena she didn't want to do it.

Oujin was desperate to keep hearing so many complaints and claims against his mother; he ended up jerking to his feet with an angry cry.

– I can't stay here! I'm leaving right now!

The Trojans still in the stands sighed in disappointment.

– It's what we earned… – Telefo commented in a low voice, before taking a drink from his wineskin.

– You said it. – Cicno replied sitting next to him.

– There is no need to move!

Everyone fell silent upon hearing such a voice; even more so because they recognized who owned it.

– Sasaki Kojirou! The swordsman who killed Poseidon!

The Japanese went from the corridors to human stands to be more visible; his face was truly furious, which everyone could see immediately. Even Oujin put aside his discomfort to pay him respectful attention.

– I can't believe you all have such a nasty attitude; complaining she doesn't fit on your "expectations"… It's outrageous!

They all remained silent and with their heads bowed; not even those who criticized her dared to speak.

– You all should give him support. I can say it in advance; I know what she must be feeling right now, fighting with someone who's worse than the Poseidon I faced… She's risking her life for you all! Right now, what she needs is for her people to support her! But especially, she deserves your respect!

– Wow… – Aphrodite divided her attention from the fight to see Sasaki's speech – How curious… and cute~

Lif and Lifthrasir also saw it, indicating it to his older sister as they pointed at it.

– Big sis! Big sis! There's Sasaki!

– Huh…? – Geir turned, giving rise to a facial expression of surprise and annoyance.

« I can't talk to him in middle of so many people… But Hrist is fighting and in danger! »

– I must talk to Sasaki; you both stay here.

– But big sis…! You're going to miss the fight!

– And you just arrived!

– It won't take so long. But, please, you two stay here. – Without waiting for an answer, Geir ran out of the place in a frenzy, leaving both of them there alone again.

Sobek also noticed Sasaki's speech; before continuing to attack, raised his trident towards humanity to speak to woman.

– Your Majesty, good news! It seems your dead people are going to change their minds about you!

Jingū lowered her breath to listen to Sasaki's words; despite it, her humiliated heart was still quite elated by what had said the crocodile, so with sword in hand she rushed against her rival.

– All I want is defeat you!

– Wonderful, Your Majesty… Despite the attitude of your people, you keep fighting!

The woman lunged at the crocodile randomly using the sword styles Sasaki had taught her; however, the crocodile being better concentrated was able to repel her attacks by exchanging the tips of the trident and the blade of the sickle.

As he counterattacked, Sobek also took several steps back until was a good distance away; swung his trident around and the tips hit the water behind him as gripped the opposite end of the handle.

Jingū could imagine what was about to do, but decided to go ahead taking advantage of the low defense of the God.

« Jingū, don't come near him without something on your mind! Plus you know what's gonna--! »

« All I want is finish him off in one-- »

– Sobek's Whip!

The crocodile made his attack; expected by Jingū but much sooner.

The water whip traveled its way and, although Jingū managed to dodge most of it, a little more could hit her; the previously harmless stream of water was more lethal than she imagined:

The water whip hit from her right shoulder to the elbow, generating a clean and deep cut expelled a large amount of blood; not to mention its strength was such the woman went flying despite barely being hit.

– There's a lot of commotion in the stadium! Arguments in stands, and Sobek hitting Jingū with almost everything!

The woman hit the ground with her back, and pain from both blows ran through her body as well as the crimson color on arm.

Took the sword with left hand and got up from ground with great difficulty; she seemed barely able to stay on feet as Sobek clenched the trident and prepared for another frontal attack.

« Jingū, be careful! We're in no condition for direct combat… Dodge his attacks! Let me guide you so you can do it…! »

However Jingū didn't listen the valkyrie. Her mind was in complete shock.

The pain over her injuries, like recent cut, chest cut or shoulder pierced by the claws, along with the blows had received from being thrown repeatedly; all in the whole were nervous sensations paralyzed her physically.

Second, knowing the human stands, or at least most of them, disagreed with her by fighting blocked her mind; could only hear the words of complaints and criticism.

Finally witnessing Sobek approaching with such frenzy and brutality; although had already been watching him during the fight, at that very moment was so terrifying her eyes couldn't even blink.

Like a drop overflowing in glass, the memories awoke in her head. And the crystalline glass of the woman ended up breaking.

« No… I can't… »

« Jingū, what are you doing?! Don't give up; we can continue! »

Hrist could also feel everything the Einherjer felt about, but she was the only one keeping the head especially because of the swooping crocodile.

« I-I can't handle this… I can't… I can't do this--! »

« Jingū, react! »

The crocodile came up to feet in front of woman and, instead of using the trident, bet on the claws of his free hand.

– Pharaoh's hand!

The claws shone with the rising sun, making their way straight to Jingū's neck; the woman was still in shock with fear and pain, though her instinct, or perhaps Hrist's own within her, moved the left arm, clinging to the hilt of the sword, to block the claws.

Jingū's weapon and Sobek's claws collided causing a harsh metallic shriek rippled through the stadium; the waves of water around them flew together, but at the end they were completely still.

Suddenly silence filled the Elysian Fields.

The Gods looked at the scene with surprise, but such couldn't be expressed with shouts but only with facial expressions they released.

Hermes opened his eyes completely, while with Ares was his mouth; Zeus kept a smile though he too was surprised, and Athena's face paled for the second time she had been present at the tournament.

In humanity, the stands also remained quiet; Sasaki stopped his speech and the spectators stopped paying attention to him all together to watch the scene. Emperor Oujin was stunned with a clear expression on his face.

Lif and Lifthrasir were also open-mouthed, both hugging each other watching the stage; one could even say they lacked the air of surprise.

The only one who didn't know what was going on was Geir; her footsteps completely echoed the silence in the hall, which caught her attention. But was Heimdall's words, through the Gjallarhorn, let her know what had happened.

– Sobek… Sobek has cut Jingū Kougou's sword in half!

Publication Date: 06/23/22
ASFD