The Valkyrie advanced until reached her destination: Akashic Records' room.

Entering found a gallant figure, sitting on a seat by records table and sipping some tea from a mug, with an extra pot and mug set out on the table: Jack the Ripper.

As soon as saw the Valkyrie enter, he greeted her by holding out his hand with the cup.

– Good evening, ma'am.

– Hi Jack… – somehow the Valkyrie was no longer surprised to find him around – I guess you know the second meeting ended.

– I just found out. A fight like one of gentleman Sasaki… With surprising colors for a woman…

Jack thought about it for a bit; Geir reached the records table and wiped the few remaining tears from both eyes.

– Have you seen my sisters?

– Sisters? Which ones?

– I mean--! – Geir almost laughed at herself – I mean Lif and Lifthrasir; I sent them here to talk alone with my sister and Sasaki, but… I don't see them here.

Jack took a sip from his mug before nodding.

– I saw them here recently, but went separate ways after arguing.

– They were fighting?

– I tried to make them change minds, but it was impossible. They both have a character as strong as the older of all you.

Geir for a moment felt homesick at mention of her eldest sister; nodded without giving it much importance.

– They always argue, and always reconcile. Will get over it in a bit. Still… – took the phone and sent a couple of messages – Leonidas will find them before get lost here.

– Right choice.

– And… I also have to talk to my sisters. For… choice of our next fighter.

Her hands trembled a little from the conclusions she had reached moments ago; Jack could see such a reaction of concern and uncertainty with his special eye.

– Are you okay?

– Huh!? – Geir was a little scared.

– I see you worried. – Jack extended his hand to take the extra cup – Would you like some tea?

Geir's mind was wandering when noticed Jack with the extra cup extended.

– What?

– A bit of tea?

– … Yes please.

The Englishman served it and extended it to Valkyrie, taking it in her small hands. She took some of the content; showed surprise on her face, although seemed to be used to it.

– I still don't understand how these teas are so good.

Jack smiled lopsidedly.

– A gentleman doesn't reveal his secrets.

– Typical of you…

The Valkyrie's phone, which had left on the table, rang a couple of times drawing the attention of both.

The Valkyrie exchanged the drink for the device to serve him; upon reading what had received from it her eyes drew surprise.

– What's happening?

– It's a… message from the informant.

Jack paid more attention to such statement.

– What does that… informer say?

– That's what I don't understand. Had told me would send me the order of fighters, but… just says “You know who's next”.

The Valkyrie read it more than once, but the message was the same. And still didn't understand.

« I already know it? What do you mean I know?

» Is talking about someone I know…? So it mean Lord Zeus!? No, wait! Maybe it's too soon to think about him…

» Or about… Lady Hela? I don't think so; from what I've heard she's very private and I've never… I've never seen her. It mayn't be about her, so… »

– I don't understand. I don't know what means.

Jack thought about it for a bit; a memory came to mind, unpleasant but perhaps the answer.

– Could refer to defeat of the crocodile god?

– Huh?

– Something similar happened a millennium ago when Tyrant of Seas fell; a Greek was sent to avenge his death. Though…

He didn't need to finish the sentence as they both knew who meant: Heracles.

Her stomach almost lurched at memory of that, especially feeling awkward about sharing a room with Jack. The Englishman perceived it, being able to only lower his head in respect and apology.

– It's just my opinion.

And with it Geir's mind began to work a bit.

« The least is feeling bad about it; n-never mind…

» If what Jack says is true… Then means the next one will be an Egyptian to avenge Sobek… What other Egyptian god is on the list? »

The Valkyrie read the list of fighters again, going through the names one by one.

But, as soon as read those 3 letters, stopped in tracks and face immediately paled; as if had seen a ghost.

– I-It can't be… The next one will be… Lady Nut…?

At same time the remaining 5 Valkyrie sisters entered: Hlokk, Sigrune, Skuld, Skogul and Mist.

– We read your message.

– We arrived as fast as we could!

– Will the next fight start?

– I feel very nervous!

– Calm down…! – Hlokk exclaimed trying to lead the group – We can't enter making so much noise--!

Hlokk noticed Jack, who just smiled at her in greeting.

– Ma'am…

– What are you doing here!? You should be in your room!

– I tried to take care of your little sis--

– Don't answer me with that tone!

They both would've continued arguing, putting on a show their sisters would've enjoyed, until noticed Geir's pale expression.

– Sis? – Mist was the first to approach – What's going on?

– T-The… The next goddess will be… Lady Nut.

The 5 Valkyries were scared to hear that name.

– Nut!?

– A-Are you sure…?

Mist's question made her reflect; the purple-haired Valkyrie sent the confirmation message as Jack stood up from his seat.

– That name is unknown to me… Why does it cause so much terror among you?

Skogul, Nikola Tesla's Valkyrie, was the one who explained.

– According to reports lord Thor gave us… Nut is the mother of the main Trinity of Egypt, who were the chiefs of Sobek…

» She's goddess of the celestial vault, almost of all divine realms. Besides is… an Ancient One.

– Ancient One?

– We don't know much about them. Only know they are… a divine order above Valhalla Council. They're very ancient deities and… they all seem more powerful than lord Zeus…

Geir waited a bit looking at her phone, until the other person sent the answer she was afraid to receive.

– "Very well, you're right! Nut is the third."

The 6 Valkyries were scared again; now more because the news was confirmed.

– We're lost!

– It'll be a certain defeat.

– What are we going to do!?

The minor Valkyrie began to think and think, especially because of the fact… they had to choose who would face her.

« We're at a dead end… I was hoping the Ancient Ones would go at final…

» This is out of my hands. I already lost Achilles, one of 3 who could face them, and I… I don't want to lose someone else knowing who're on the list…

» Big sis Brunhilde… You would know how to give me some advice to get out of this… It's silly to even ask but… I wish you could send me some advice wherever you are… »

Suddenly, a set of footsteps could be heard outside the room, like a military march.

– Huh?

Geir went to the exit followed by her sisters; opening the door found an army of Egyptian soldiers in formation.

– What is this about?

– Kiddy! I have to talk to you.

The soldiers made way to let their queen pass: Cleopatra VII, dressed like a pharaoh combining flashiness and sensuality.

– Cleopatra! H-How… How did you find us?

– It doesn't matter. I come to talk about what I suppose you already know; your older sister's plans.

– Huh? Yes! I already know everything--

– Also the nerve pigtailed dwarf had to prevent me from recovering my fight?

– Hey! That's not how it was! – If not for Jack who took her by shoulders to keep there, Hlokk would've lunged at Cleopatra savagely.

– Yes. I also heard about that disagreement.

– Very well. Taking advantage of the fact I see all your sisters here, I come to announce my decision, which I hope will be respected – raised her chin proudly – I'm still upset for having lost my place as second fighter, so I come to make you an… "offer".

» I want to be the third fighter.

They were all surprised by her words; however, the first to refuse was Mist, Simo Hayha's Valkyrie.

– No… I don't think it's possible.

– What do you say? Why not? – Cleopatra immediately showed annoyance – Was I not clear enough?

– It isn't that! – Geir intervened quickly – You see… There's a not so pleasant situation regarding this fight.

– Exactly! – Hlokk interrupted, standing out among her sisters with screams and jumps to reach height – Your pretty and silly face doesn't matter if you don't know who you'll fight against; and we who know, also assume you'll beat you to a pulp in no time!

Cleopatra was horrified at such a way of addressing her.

– Excuse me!? How dare you talk to me like that, you annoying dwarf!?

– Who are you calling "dwarf"!?

Geir stepped in, pushing the human's taller body as best she could, to prevent another fight from taking place.

– This is no way to talk each other…!

– Ma'am, calm down. – Jack grabbed Hlokk by tharms and led her away from the entrance, while Geir pushed Cleopatra as best she could.

– I-I'm sorry Cleopatra! I know that's no way to talk to you.

– The only thing prevents me from killing her is I'm not in my kingdom, although I couldn't expect less from who Volund did with a serial killer.

Jack overheard that; Geir immediately switched Cleopatra's attention.

– Although, my sister is right about something! We already know who'll fight for the gods and… I don't think you can counter--

– Why so much mystery? Say it at once! – Cleopatra separated from Geir to take her by the shoulders firmly.

Geir took a deep breath to break the news of Cleopatra.

– The third goddess will be Lady Nut.

Such a statement silenced Cleopatra and her movements; let go of Geir's shoulders and with silent face separated from her, taking a few steps.

– Y-You already know her; she's a goddess you should have worshiped, so you know how strong she can be.

» I have no one ready for her; I don't even think any of my top 3 could beat her and… I don't know if you could.

Cleopatra gazed at Geir silently; turned her back to enter the path her soldiers had opened for her, but…

Stopped in tracks and slapped a foot lightly to get Geir's attention.

– Come with me kiddy.

– … What?

– I remember on the trip there were some dwarves called themselves blacksmiths of the gods, who presumed to be able to make the best divine weapons. Surely they'll be able to create something to kill Nut.

– Huh!? – Mist was surprised – But we just--!

– Your Majesty. – Jack addressed her respectfully – I don't think it's a decision--

Both Valkyrie and human were immediately silenced by Cleopatra.

– Quiet! I don't need anyone else's precarious opinion; except for a murderer and a half-goddess who can't help me.

– Who do you think you're to talk to them like that!? – Hlokk exclaimed again very annoyed.

– I already declared what I owed. I'll be the third, and none of you will make me change my mind; so help me or I'll cast you aside.

Everyone was surprised at Cleopatra's arrogant and haughty attitude, except for Geir; the woman addressed her immediately.

– What do you say, kiddy? You will help me?

The Valkyrie stood still for a moment, guiding her hand to the hairstyle had: a side ponytail. After a few seconds she took a step towards the Egyptian, drawing the attention of her sisters.

– Geir…! – The first to complain was Mist – You can't be serious!

– Don't fall for that…! – Hlokk didn't know what word to use against Cleopatra – Don't be silly! Don't leave her just because she wants to!

– No. It's not just that… I think she can do it. A strong will and a lot of battle experience… I think we need it.

– What if she loses!? They'll have the lead!

– I don't mind.

Cleopatra smiled like a powerful and dangerous queen, letting her hand fall on Geir's shoulder.

– I am more interested in giving them, those fucking gods I once came to worship, a fight will never forget.

***

The stadium was ready for start of third round, only now they were waiting for Heimdall to appear.

The comments about the previous round were very mixed; the humans happy about the first draw, while deities worried about the loss of the second Poseidon.

Meanwhile, darkness settled over the stadium with only illumination directed by giant floodlights into the ring: a square with giant gates on either side inscribed with the words "Humanity" and "Gods." In addition, the space of battlefield was much larger than before, which had also affected the space in the stands.

The purple-haired Valkyrie entered her seat realizing none of both little sisters were there; surprised by it, took her phone to contact her sisters.

"Does anyone know the whereabouts of Lif and Lifthrasir?"

For her part, Athena had ordered a sofa to be more comfortable, lying down eating French fries. Zeus sitting on his throne and Hermes standing, both on one side of the sofa, while Ares's seat was empty.

– Where is my silly brother?

– He hasn't appeared since finished the second round – commented Hermes seriously.

Athena sighed under breath in boredom.

– Maybe I was harsh with him. So I'll go find him… But not yet! – stood up in her seat – I want to see Nut's entrance!

– Like me… – replied Zeus moving his feet – Since my father Cronus, I haven't seen any other Ancient One in action. Also… if she hadn't been present at meeting we had with them, I never would've known anything about Nut.

– From what they told us, she's the most reserved. – Hermes commented with some surprise – Even the Trinity, who're called her children, don't know much about her.

Athena smiled excited she wasn't the only one who didn't know about her.

For their part, the Egyptian pantheon was silenced with annoyance and shame, except for their leaders who expelled their desire for revenge.

The 3 leaders; Isis, Horus and Horus, was really annoyed, but also a bit anxious about the fight and had asked Zeus for a different seats than before to have a better view of fight. Of them, the only calm one was Khonsu.

The Valkyrie's phone vibrated, to later find messages from her sisters who denied having seen them; that worried her again, which expressed by biting a finger.

– If no one knows about them it's because they really had a fight… Why right now?

Heimdall entered the arena at a slow pace; treading the cold, sparse sand covered the ring, dressed in a full-length toga, pharaoh-style crown, and some adornment jewelry. Took the Gjallarhorn and raised it to speak to the onlookers.

– Finally! Ragnarok has reached a point was thought forgotten!

Humans, Valkyries and gods in the stadium paid attention to the Norse spokesman.

– Once the coliseum is restored and rebuilt, we continue with Ragnarok between gods and humans. The previous round brought the first human victory, thus we have the first tie…

» After a thousand years waiting for this event, so soon both sides have reached same numbers! Then… Let's start with the decisive fight for this tie: the third fight of the second Ragnarok!!

The viewers were quite excited; Geir instead felt a bit anxious about it, wanting to pay attention to the next fight or situation with her sisters.

– I can't keep waiting! – exclaimed at last, heading for the exit – I must look for them--!

She didn't even have to say it a second time.

As left the seat to go in search of her, a small body collided with legs causing her to stop. She looked down to meet the youngest of the twins: Lifthrasir.

– Hey…!

– Big sis! – Lifthrasir proceeded to hug her older sister's legs with some fear – I was lost in this gigantic place! Good thing I remembered how to get here.

Geir hugged her to comfort.

– Where were them?

– We were just seeing the coliseum, but got lost! Don't get angry!

– I'm not mad. Just worried, but it's okay now… – Geir crouched down to stare at her – Please don't do that again. From now on, you both will be with us, with the Einherjer but no longer alone.

– Yes!

Geir realized there was only one of the 2 twins.

– Where is Lif?

– I-I don't want to talk about her!

Lifthrasir crossed her arms angrily, which somewhat annoyed Geir who also crossed both arms.

– What did I just tell you?

The minor put a pout on her face, showing she knew should say what her sister wanted. In end had to give in.

– There are some gardens with fountains like at home. I saw her go to one of them.

– Thank you. The others will look for her right now; you stay with me – Geir straightened up and sent the message on her phone.

– Yes…

– Seeing the emotion there is, let's not wait any longer… Let's introduce who will wage this duel!

Especially the gods were excited about it; Horus clenched his fist as the feathers on his neck stood up.

– Now, humans… You'll see what the power of Egypt is!

Athena moved her legs with quite a childish excitement.

– This will be amazing! I look forward to retaining all is about to occur! Opportunities to see such powerful gods fight are rare.

– Don't worry, my girl! Soon you'll see your father in action!

Zeus laughed, although Athena didn't share same opinion.

– Daddy, I talk about real gods.

– … Ehhhh!?

– Very well… – Heimdall pointed to the door of humanity – Starting with the representative of the humans… Or rather… The third woman fighter of humans!

The stands were surprised by that fact; although neither was upset as before, especially knowing a woman had brought them their first tie.

The gate on that side opened slowly, dragging the sand on the ground, and shortly after a slight tremor emerged from its interior was barely felt by bleachers closest to fight field.

– The ground… is shaking…!

– What is this!?

At same time, battalions of Roman soldiers in bleachers began to shout to increase the noise of the presentation.

– This woman is praised worldwide… As a supreme symbol of beauty, perfection and royalty! Being her inventions were the inspiration for 90% of the aesthetic world, but… She's here to put on makeup and that's it? Nope!

Through the open gate an Egyptian army appeared in formation, advancing and causing the slight tremor; Lifthrasir was shocked and thrilled.

– It's her! It's her…!

– Wrote thousands of battles for her nation. From civil wars to regain control, to battles against nations to demonstrate her power. But… Have the soldiers she led, the ships she commanded, and the lands she claimed brought her to the Elysian Fields? Nooo!

They all made a path from the gate almost to the center of the arena and buried their weapons to keep their hands free; The soldiers closest to the entrance knelt down to take a cushion on which the woman was resting in their arms and shoulders.

Among a group of about 20, they held her and began to pass her to the soldiers in front, to make advance; slow but steady, with the woman resting with a proud countenance before also the noise created by the Romans.

– With her smooth-talking and persuasive skills, she controlled many rulers of nations and empires; years together with the crown provided her with the words to hold everything in both hands, but… Her captivating words and gestures have brought her to this battlefield?… No, no, no!

Heimdall flatly denied it with a wave of a hand.

– What brought her here is her terrible perseverance; Despite the obstacles, she never gave up. She fought until achieved all her goals…

» She steps on the Elysian Fields for her royalty and majesty, indisputable titles she earned… She knows everything about the throne, was loyal to the people, with an unbreakable character and a powerful mind to defeat all enemies… Without a doubt, a queen who shouldn't even get her feet dirty!

– She's here, in Ragnarok between gods and humans, with an ambition surpasses human and divine limits! Though the heavens had terminated her might, the defeat and fall of her kingdom… she never acknowledged it, never accepted it, but raised Egypt to the highest peak of all!

At such words, the queen herself smiled arrogantly.

– Who was destined to face the previous god of kings, she now enters to demonstrate the most splendid royalty… The power and divinity of the great queen of humanity!

The cushion reached the front of the army; soldiers deposited her on ground, and so the woman, with face flushed because of enormous inflated ego on chest, with slow and sensual movements deposited her feet on ground to walk on the arena.

All the humans were stunned by her appearance since most of them were already waiting for Heimdall to say her name and the Romans finished their concert.

– The last Ptolemaic descendant and last queen of Egypt… CLEOPATRA VII !!

{ Cleopatra VII | Egyptian }
[ Third Representative of Humanity ]

Humanity was quite astonished; unlike Jingu, their response was warmer and more accepting.

– It's Queen Cleopatra VII! I knew it!

– I never thought I would see her with such power and royalty!

– And… And… she's as beautiful as presumed!

Both men and women flattered her in a thousand different ways; Cleopatra smiled again with similar response from humanity.

– How exciting… I didn't expect less for the entrance of a true queen.

On the other hand, the gods were mostly surprised by her appearance besides the armor she wore; Aphrodite smiled under breath.

– So… she's the human presumed so much as the most beautiful. I won't deny it…

» A very cute reward~ ♡

However the Egyptians gods were furious all of them; since they knew the woman who walked the arena almost perfectly.

– Can't be! I don't believe it!

– Get that damned blasphemer out!

– First adored us, and now rises up against us!

Especially the main Trinity of Egypt got quite angry; they were already upset with Sobek's defeat, now much more for facing the woman who opposed her decision to disappear the human kingdom of Egypt.

Khonsu, on other hand, was curious as to her identity.

« Cleopatra… I think I met that human, but… Did Heimdall say she was going to face Sobek first? So… what does that mean? I don't understand… »

Horus let out an unusual sigh for what the Egyptians felt at that moment; arrogance.

– It doesn't matter… – murmured to himself, raising his eyes to Geir's seat – Our revenge will be even more pleasant.

– It's her…! – For her part, Lifthrasir was really excited – The last pharaoh of Egypt! She excites me too much… and more seeing such an armor!

The little Valkyrie was right about it; such divine armor she wore was completely golden, able to compensate for divine abilities of her previous ones, such as Achilles' Ambrosia and Jingu's Volund together with blessed stones.

A special armor, finished in record time by dwarves; the purple-haired Valkyrie had been present when was finished at her forge, in the face of imminent pressure from Cleopatra.

Lifthrasir was fascinated by the divine armor.

– That woman will be able to defeat her opponent, even if is Zeus himself!

– Your imagination flies a lot! – Geir laughed.

But Lifthrasir had noticed an extra bit of time.

– But… you sent our fighter first.

– Yes, what does it have…?

– It means… you know… – the little Valkyrie's eyes shone – Do you know who'll fight on side of gods!? Who, who, who!?

– Very good… Magnificent presentation! But… – Heimdall pointed to the other side of arena; the divine gate – It's time to introduce her opponent: the heaven-sent representative for the third round!

Everyone remained in silence; even Cleopatra herself paid attention to that side.

– To begin with, ladies and gentlemen, I must announce a surprise you may like… Since, the third candidate from heavens, will be the first divine woman: a goddess!

The bleachers broke the silence in surprise and mutual confusion.

– Did he say "goddess"?

– This will be exciting!

Cleopatra smiled to herself.

– So that informant wasn't lying~

– Humanity has already brought out its first women, the blessed empress and the divine pharaoh… It's time for heavens to rumble with its first woman who'll punish the entire human race!

The floodlights were turned off to create a dark environment, while in the sky the clouds concentrated over the Elysian Fields stadium to be in complete darkness.

The bleachers were quite confused; Cleopatra was scared for a moment but she didn't show it.

However, such an atmosphere wouldn't last for long.

As soon as everyone started to mutter and complain, little lights peeked out from clouds like black cardboard with holes showing a starry sky.

With that, the combat arena was illuminated in a beautiful and harmonic way, being more the quadrilateral than bleachers looked like a disco with white light; the little Valkyrie got quite excited about it.

– Big sis! The sky is beautiful!

Heimdall also became excited, whereupon he performed the deity presentation.

– After the sun came the air… After the air, humid and dry, came the land on which mortals tread today judged… and the celestial vault will deliver a punishment…

» As its job, the sky was given the responsibility to use its own body as a shield for the gods! Such is the definition of celestial vault was given to it from the birth of Egypt…!

Humanity was surprised by this fact, since historians and Egyptologists immediately knew who it was; the skies increased in white lights, which were becoming more concentrated in the combat arena.

– Such job gave her another well-known and feared title… Just as lord Zeus is the God Father of the Cosmos, she… She is the Mother of the Skies! The powerful, perfect, and terrifying Mother of the Heavenly Vault!

» This motherhood gave her the courage to break the curse of the sun… "Heaven and earth will have no more children"! Not only did break it, but her offspring was and is the most powerful in all Egypt!

The darkness and light in the sky began to compress into a small ball like a folded sheet; after taking a spherical shape, it began to descend to the fighting arena. The clouds dispersed and the surrounding light returned, but the brightness emitted by such a starry sphere was greater than the light of the Elysian Fields.

It seemed like a strange liquid, which struck fear in both humans and gods; even though it was just a sphere, it emitted "danger" around it.

Being very close to the ground, the drop began to deform to take its own shape; a small sphere formed at the top, and from there a couple of golden glows emerged to meet the human.

That indicated to both Cleopatra and the onlookers it was her head.

– The great and divine celestial vault of Egypt has descended from its celestial throne to face its last pharaoh…!

That idea gave Heimdall great emotion.

– For the first time in history, we'll have a confrontation full of revenge and rancor from over a thousand years ago… 2 characters who crossed lives will now dictate their deaths!

» For the first time, a human will come face to face with the god she worshiped! For the first time, a god will face one of her subjects!

The drop then began its final transformation; small spaghetti sprouted from its right side to join and form an arm. Another spaghetti created another arm to left; a couple lower down they made small, conspicuous legs; finally a spider web came out of her back to give rise to a dark hair, as long as her body, and abundant…

Her body full of glitter lowered the intensity but continued with the print, to take shape until it became a full body dress; one of her bare feet touched the ground for support, and her face emerged from head completely:

An ornate golden crown; hair covering much of the frontal view, but leaving free the ocular path through which the golden eyes of the goddess conveyed indifference and superiority. Her other foot touched the ground which lowered her height a bit; star energy surged around her kicking up sand, and finally raised her divine gaze to Cleopatra.

Clearly the humans and gods were scared by her performance, as the main Trinity of Egypt were the only ones happy with the stage.

– It's time for our revenge.

– The name of this goddess is… NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!!

{ Nut | Egyptian }
[ Third representative of the gods ]

Both women looked at each other face to face, separated by feet and with clear differences between them:

Cleopatra's face showed a lot of confidence and security; although for a moment the introduction of the rival made her sweat, now was getting a closer look at her didn't consider her much of a threat.

Nut, with her little golden eyes, didn't even show interest in the human; nothing but a facial expression of repudiation and disgust. Divine superiority against a worm.

Her physical differences were another indicator; Cleopatra's stature was much greater than Nut's, and her female bodies were similar in shape. Even the human managed to make out a mole under Nut's left eye, just… just like her.

The spectators were scared and surprised; Geir worried in silence while Lifthrasir hugged her somewhat intimidated.

The Greeks were serious and scared inside, although Athena was the one who showed that feeling the most hadn't had since Xiau's awakening…

Nut vs. Cleopatra VII.
First fight between 2 rivals who met.
Let it begin…

Publication Date: 09/27/22
ASFD

Author's note: Who will you support until the end?

#TeamCleopatra

#TeamNut

Reminder: Chapter updated every 21 days.