23 Chapter :18 : Divinity! Chains!
Gudako P.O.V
I've been unceremoniously dragged away by Brunhilde to do the heinous task of planning and work. Seriously, does she not think I didn't already think this through?! I literally know the future and have the power of literal gods and anime on my side! What more does she want from me?! To plan for the next Ragnarok?! The downfall of the gods?! Ugh... I just wanna take a nap...
Brunhilde: Alright, so who's up next?
Gudako: Eh... wouldn't that spoil the fun part?
Brunhilde: I don't care about the fun part, you little shit. I want to know, that there are already enough unknown variables and outcomes with you around and participating in your...
She points to my group of servants, being a chaotic mess as always. Good work guys!
Brunhilde: Group of... heroes... over there.
Gudako: Fine... it's... I'm not telling!
Brunhilde: You-! Do you want me to shove my fist up your ass so far it goes out your throat-
Suddenly a looming shadow appears over both me and Brunhilde, which stops her dead in her tracks regarding that threat she was about to shout out, as she turns to face the rather angry-looking Heracles straight in his rage-filled eyes.
Gudako: H-Heracles! It's fine! So calm down!
I spot a glimpse of white hair from behind Heracles, and soon enough Jack popped up from behind Heracles with a murderous glint in her eyes... great... I need to prevent a murder now too.
Jack: Mommy, I was told bullies are bad! This lady seems like a bully... so we should gut her alive!
Gudako: Not that either, Jack! Both of you calm down and uh... I promise we can go on a mass murder play sometime, alright?
Jack: Okay... you promise?
Gudako: Pinkie promise!
Jack: Good, if you don't keep the promise we'll hang you by your insides! Love you, Mommy!
Heracles: ▅▅!
Gudako: Ahaha... love you too... don't cause too much trouble... *sigh*
Brunhilde: That's supposed to be brother Heracles... the deranged monstrous demon-looking fuck? Plus that little girl is... Jack the Ripper? The Jack the Ripper? Seriously?
I turn back to Brunhilde and ignoring the imminent threats of brutal death by a small child I go back to explaining Fate's logic to the ignorant Valkyrie.
Gudako: Yup, that is Heracles through and through. Though Jack is sort of a complicated situation...
Brunhilde: Sure... well considering how you appeared I shouldn't have expected normal. All a bunch of weirdos it seems...
Gudako: I already won the first round, so stop slandering my servants! And you have no right to talk considering how eccentric some of the people on your list are!
Brunhilde: Tch, fair enough. Let's just hope that plan works out anyway... ah, I just remembered. Does this one need any Volund? I do need to know that much.
Gudako: Hmm... nope. The one I chose... you could say they are the Volund themselves!
Brunhilde: How... does that even work? How can your fighters fight if they are a weapon themselves? Is the sword going to swing itself or something?
Gudako: Hmm... you'll see! Fate is Fate after all!
Brunhilde: What is that supposed to mean?
Gudako: Nothing important! So let's just get ready for this next round so we can snatch the victory already.
She seems to think over stuff for a little, and after probably coming to the conclusion that she understood little to none of that she resolutely nods her head and turns back towards me.
Brunhilde: I see... well I'll leave it to you with all your complicated nonsense. Remember to keep your promises of winning this tournament or else-
Gudako: Yeah, I get it already! I told you I got this!
Brunhilde: You better with all that confidence. Anyway, I have some stuff to do... so see you at the next round of Ragnarok.
Gudako: See ya! Now...
See, we all got our own rooms since turns out Heaven is rather big, who would've guessed? Though in record time I noticed a decent chunk of them have already personalized their rooms, Kama included. A bit suggestive in décor, I might add. Pink lights and silk sheets and all. So now I'm finally heading over for my well-deserved victory rest!
So with Brunhilde having walked off to probably leave a memorial for Thor and celebrate or whatever Valkyries do in their spare time, I promptly use Lancelot's absurd agility to dash over to Kama's room and go plop down on my personal Kama. She doesn't look all too surprised, she doesn't even look like she had trouble keeping track of my speed when I entered. If she were to ever stop being lazy I fear for the world...
Kama: Master, I feel as if you are thinking of something insulting about me. Oh well, you are still thinking about me... but for what reason? Distracted by what you see?
Gudako: ...
Please world, please stop giving me your hardest battles like this. It doesn't help that the cloth is literally see-through! So I activated the anti-women helmet ( Read: Lancelot's helmet ) again.
Kama: Aww... ignoring me again-
Gudako: GACHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
Kama: Ow... not in my ear, Master. Can you turn that... thing off?
Gudako: GACHAA- ahem, I turned it off. Now then, please shush a bit and just let me hug you all over already. I need a short break before this next battle and you are just the best for that! This lazy energy is so nice... honestly, I'd be fine if this was how it went on forever...
Kama: ... Master, you do know there are others who would happily fawn over you and provide similar things... yet you always go to me. Ah, are you perhaps attracted to dangerous and repulsive things? I really am the worst, so I'm giving you this last chance before you fall too deep. Those tempting words I said were honestly just me messing around for fun, to be clear.
Gudako: ...
I stay silent not because I am guilty, yes. I am not guilty of such things. But that accusation of attraction aside... I must correct this mistaken mindset of Kama! Plus I have one thing over her no matter how much she tries to dissuade or push me aside with this nonsense... I have otherworldly knowledge of her character!
Kama: I love ruining people's love lives even as a goddess, you know? Ah, that little relationship you have with that girl at the guild... I could end up breaking that in two. So after hearing this, feel free to go and fawn over some other servant, like that Mash girl. I'm sure you'd find more enjoyment there too, I really am horrible. I would even go so far as to find fun in strangling you-
Gudako: Shut up.
Kama: W-what?
Gudako: You... are wrong! All of this is absolute nonsense! All this pessimism and negativity... complete bullshit!
Kama: I really have no such interest in things like love anymore, so if you would-
Gudako: I said, shush! A goddess of love having no interest in love? Are you being horrible? Anyone else could substitute for you? Bullshit! You both love and hate everyone... yet you yourself want to be loved! Horrible and sadistic, like that strangling? I call that hot and exotic! I also know you wouldn't do anything like ruining my love life, so... I really do like you, Kama!
Her face turns a bright red and she begins awkwardly flailing. Wait... why am I doing this now of all times- no no, back on topic, me! Back to operation flirt with the love goddess!
Kama: S-stop saying nonsense... I really meant what I said-
I shut her up with a kiss. Wait, seriously, this is progressing way too fast! What's even happening?! Eh?! How did I get here?! Don't tell me... Harem Protag EX?! Again?! Of all times?!
Gudako: There... how's that for showing how I feel?
I don't know whether to feel concerned or happy... but at the moment... I shall devote my all to this effort! I'm already too far in to back out now! Will I possibly regret this? Maybe! But I'm not thinking with my brain right now, I'm thinking with horny and harems! Though seriously, I need to find a way to reign this skill back- woah! Eh? Why is she the one pinning me down now?
Kama: Ah, I see now... Master.
Gudako: Y-yes?
Kama: You truly are attracted to dangerous and repulsive things, even after all I said... you still wish to love me?
Gudako: Uhh... yeah?
For a brief second another flush of red crosses her face, but in the next, I see... oh that look is dangerous...
Kama: I had quite a hard time finding motivation or liking this love business and all even if I am a god of love... but...
Gudako: W-What is it?
Kama: I recall it now, even after all that... showing such passion... desire... love. Ah yes, the pleasures of love... and so let me show you just a portion. After all, I'm not quite sure even you could handle all of it~
This skill totally evolved into an off-brand version somewhere down the road when I didn't notice, didn't it? Or is it a combo of Kama's authority as a love god and beast in tandem with my skill? No point in thinking about it now I guess, at least I'll die happy. Because there is no way I am escaping this situation with a look like that, plus, why would I?
Gudako: Just to be sure... what exactly are these pleasures of love?
Kama: You'll have to see for yourself. Since now that you've gone and done this little act of yours... you're already completely inside of me.
Gudako: Eh?
Kama: You'll never escape now... so do resign yourself to that, okay, Master?
Aren't these like bond 5 lines?! I think we're going beyond bond 10 in game terms here and I don't even know what that really entails! On second thought, maybe I'd like to live. Even if the pleasures of the world await this has danger written all over it! My Harem Protag EX and her authorities are clearly going overkill!
Gudako: W-wait just a second Kama I need to reevaluate my life choices and prepare myself-
Kama: Shhh~, no escaping now, my Master. You've just made this unmotivated and lazy love goddess decide to do her job for once, and that. All. Starts. With. You~
The last thing I see or remember is a flash of bright blue flame as I find myself facing Kama in all her glory during her 3rd ascension.
-----
Third Person P.O.V
A panicked young girl ran through the grand pearly white corridors of Heaven, the realm of the gods and the afterlife of man. She had glasses on and was wearing a black dress with a red tie neatly at her neck, covered over by a white and grey jacket. Her lilac hair swayed frantically and similar-colored eyes were equally as frantic searching all over for something. This was Mash Kyrlielight.
Mash: Senpai! Senpai! Where are you?! The next fight is about to start!
Suddenly, a small child-like figure with white hair and red eyes appeared in front of her. Dressed in ornate gold and with thin translucent purple silk covering her body, it was the child form of Kama.
Kama: Oh, if it isn't Master's ever-beloved junior, yes?
Mash: Y-yes! Uh, sorry to bother you... but do you know where Senpai is at?
Kama: Hmm... I can't say- oh? Do you want more? How demanding~
Mash: Want more? Huh? Sorry, but... I can't quite understand what you mean.
Kama: Oh don't mind it, a slip of the tongue. Having multiple of me everywhere can get a bit... overwhelming at times.
Mash: Multiple... of you? Oh! That's right! Maybe you could help look for Senpai! The tournament is starting soon and I don't want her to miss out on it! Ah! But only if it isn't too much of a bother, of course.
Kama: Not an issue, I'll see what I can do. Though don't be held back by something like that, feel free to go ahead, preferably record it just in case. You never know what may happen.
Mash: Thanks for the help, Kama! I'll be going then, good luck and thank you once again!
Mash, still in a hurry, continued on her way at a brisk pace and soon faded into the distance. Kama could only lift a hand to her mouth to hide a cruel smile and her eyes shone a dangerous glint.
Kama: Fufu~ how naïve~
So Mash continued along the corridors to head to the arena, though she did find Kama's demeanor a bit odd and different from usual, she didn't put much thought into it. She was simply grateful she was putting some effort into helping out and seemingly was more friendly. Thus she eventually made it to the arena, roaring with cheers and anticipation.
Brunhilde: Hmm? Oh, it's you. Where is your... what do you call her again? Ah right, Master. Weird choice by the way.
Mash: Uh... I couldn't find her... and you get used to the name eventually.
Brunhilde: Sure... well, if she fucks this up and doesn't show for it I'll show her what's what. But for now... let's wait and see how her so-called trump card against divinity turns out.
Mash: I think you should have confidence in what Senpai chose, I can promise you she put a lot of effort and thought into making sure it was the best choice and would bring victory!
Brunhilde: Hmph, well if you say so with that look, I guess I can't stay too negative about it. Fine, I'll be confident in that choice...
Mash: Thank you-
Brunhilde: The choice that'll allow us to fuck over the gods and grasp victory from their decrepit shitty hands!
Mash: T-thanks for listening nonetheless...
Brunhilde: Ahem! Enough of that, however, it seems we're about to begin.
The two turned to look at the arena, still a barren land of cracked and dry dirt in the center, surrounded by uncountable gods and humans all waiting for one thing. The vicious battle between god and man along with the inevitable fatal conclusion. Of which side that would be? This was the source of the anticipation and anxiousness filling the very air!
Heimdall: Are you all ready?!
The one at the very center of it all is the one and only announcer for this tournament, Heimdall.
Gods: Yeah! / Take revenge for Thor! / Show those mere mortals it was just a lucky win! / Let's crush their hopes with this one!
Humanity: Fuck up the gods! / I'll never doubt some random nobody's ability to kill a god ever again! / Let's show them that our win was all skill!
Heimdall: It seems everyone is pumped up for the second round! Will humanity continue to defy the gods? Or... will the gods stamp humanity's hopes and show their superiority!? That remains to be seen! Anyways! Despite the awful state of the ring from being cut in half by our previous contestant, thanks to the hard work of the gods, it's all clean now! Now who's ready for round 2?!
The floors of the arena opened up, multitudes of doors in the floor opening one after the other, revealing a dark pit of untold depth.
Heimdall: A legendary figure of Sumerian myth! One of untold might and ancient power! A person who has origins in the gods... yet chose to turn against them! This is humanity's second fighter!
Murmurs filled the arena as more mechanical sounds emerged from the pit, countless mechanisms going about for the grand reveal of humanity's second representative. Soon enough a pillar emerged, yet what it held was covered by smoke. But the faint outline of a person could be seen... along with animals and nature.
Heimdall: Created from nothing but mere clay from the ground! Imbued by divine power to become the weapon of the gods! Made to bind the first hero in all of human history, the one and only Gilgamesh back to the gods after his defiance! Yet, after seven days and nights of battle... they strayed from their purpose!
As the smoke cleared, a figure covered in a pure white cloth with untold beauty that struck both men and women alike was seen. Surrounding them were animals who all looked to be enjoying the company.
Heimdall: Who would've guessed something made to become the god's most powerful way of binding humanity to them would become humanity's greatest chance of binding the gods and achieving victory? That a creation of earth-born without will gain the will to defy their creators!
Even amongst the innumerable chanting and shouts, even amongst Heimdall's extravagant praise, the lone figure only smiled a faint warm smile, as a bird landed on their outstretched finger and chirped happily.
Heimdall: Cursed to death for such treachery they return once more! For revenge? For the sake of their dear friend? For the sake of simply protecting the planet? Who knows! Let's see in this battle if this person can defy the gods once more and live! The name of such a legendary figure is... Enkidu!
Gods: That's Enkidu?! / Wasn't he a buff hairy man when we made him?/ Him?! Isn't that a her?! / Is that even Enkidu?! Isn't this just some model they picked off the streets with the same name?
Humanity: Wooo! We continue the trend of hot babes as our representatives! / Babes? But the announcer used they pronouns? Isn't that a bit offensive- / Uhm, actually. In Sumerian myth- / All of you shut up! I came here for real fights! Not whatever you are doing!
Even one of the most acclaimed artists in history, known for his great and beautiful works could only stare awestruck. Even his greatest sculptures made from materials found in the earth could not hope to compare. This person was Michelangelo.
Michelangelo: S-such... beauty!
This was...
Humanity's Second Fighter: Enkidu
Enkidu: Hmm... I feel as if this is a bit much, no? Gil was always the one more appreciative of theatrics and celebrations...
Heimdall had to get this rapidly derailing tournament back on track, so he prepared his lungs for another rapid round of shouting.
Heimdall: It seems the grand reveal of humanity's representative and greatest weapon against the gods has affected both sides in... unexpected ways! But now, facing the greatest weapon against the gods... is the greatest god of them all! Following the strongest god in all of Norse mythology comes the strongest god in all of India making his grand entrance-
*Ring* *Ring* *Ring* *Ring*
Ringing from an earpiece Heimdall had ended up breaking the awkward silence as no one came out from the god's side of the arena.
Heimdall: Yes, yes... wait what?! We're changing the order?! Then who's next? Wait... huh? No way!
Suddenly the arena went dark, the once bright sunny skies turned to night in mere moments, as if the heavens themselves dimmed just to make the next entering god the sole focus of all.
Göll: Eh? Why is it so dark?
Brunhilde: ...
As confusion and hushed murmurs filled the arena, one clear sound had pierced through all else, the beautiful sound of a violin playing. Yet it was nothing like anyone had ever heard, the way it was played so pristine and perfect it made even the most talented musicians cry tears of joy at the song. A truly heavenly arrangement! Played by none other than...
Göll: Lord Hermes?! Our next opponent is Lord Hermes?!
Brunhilde: I-It can't be... ( that blonde idiot that looks like she only has naps and girls on her mind was actually correct?! All of this points to only one god... )
Heimdall: Uhm... apologies to everyone! It seems we had some technical difficulties backstage and all... so! Allowed me to introduce the second combatant for the gods! The one who will be facing the greatest weapon of humanity against the gods... this god... is the esteemed gentleman standing here!
An old wrinkled man, skin clinging to the bone, emerged from the entrance. A bushy white beard and equally bushy eyebrows covered his eyes and mouth for the most part, and he was also doing a weird dance as he entered. Holding an equally aged walking stick of wood, he looked as if he could die from a stray breeze or end up being the one crushed from stepping on an ant.
...
This was Zeus.
Zeus: Do treat me kindly ♡
To such a display... many could only revolt in confusion or disgust at this creepy old man who called himself a god.
Göll: Gyaaahhh!!!
Brunhilde: ......! ( This old bastard! )
Gods: What the hell?! / Lord Zeus is jumping into the second round?! / Pftt! We've won! What's some little old dirt gonna do against him?
Humanity: They have some frail... old... guy? / That's a god... I think. / I think our fighter may just win by outliving that old fart... can that elderly person even put up a fight?
Despite this, Zeus continued his strange dance routine as Hermes continued playing a beautiful masterpiece of music, full of life and beauty... unlike Zeus.
Zeus: All! Right! Then! Hermes! Come on!
Hermes: Dear me... how many millennia has it been... ( since I last heralded Lord Zeus's march to battle... with this very song! )
Dozens upon dozens of violins floated from behind Hermes and began playing according to his will, producing an even more extravagant and elegant masterpiece of music. This piece's name...
Slaughter in the God's Ring!
Zeus: Hoho... this song always gets my blood pumping...
Zeus then dropped his walking stick, his old body shaking like a leaf in the wind.
Heimdall: If we are saying that Enkidu is the greatest weapon both of and against the gods... we can say only the same of him! Father of the Gods... nay! G.F.O.C! God Father of the Cosmos!
Gods: G.F.O.C!!! G.F.O.C!!! G.F.O.C!!! G.F.O.C!!!
On the side of humanity, however, a few notable individuals had... certain reactions to such a title.
Kama: That old man? The God Father of the Cosmos? What a joke... ( I'll just zone out of this one until it's over, seems like nothing interesting is happening with this body. On the other hand... )
Gil: God Father of the Cosmos? What an insolent and idiotic-sounding name for a mongrel like him. To dare to claim such a grand and bold thing as that!
Leonidas: This... is Zeus? I feel as if I've been scammed of my ancestry... no! This is obviously a fake of some kind! To let your body rot to such lengths as a god... unacceptable! Has he not done an ounce of training?!
Yet their protests were insignificant compared to the immense and loud chanting of the gods in praise and glory of their greatest god. So it continued, the chants, along with Hermes and Zeus joining together for an even stranger dance routine reminiscent of mating rituals done by birds for some odd reason.
Göll: What am I looking at right now?
Brunhilde: Hell if I know what this is.
Humanity: What's up with his dancing? / Creepy... / Who the fuck is this old guy?! I keep asking!
Yet all this hate was still smothered by the questionably placed pride and joy of the gods.
Heimdall: Using the powers of creation at his own whim! Returning anything that doesn't suit his fancy back to the void!
An offended shout involving 'Mongrel', 'Ea', and 'Enkidu', was heard at another such bold claim, but amongst the arena, it was heard by few. Thus, Heimdall continued his introductory praise of Zeus.
Heimdall: Truly... The King of the Gods!!!!
So Zeus leaned back, legs bent and arms raised to the sky, as his legs also exploded in size and muscle. At the title and reveal of such muscle, a certain Spartan King was left impressed and another King of Uruk was baffled by such audacious statements being said one after another before him. Soon after, Zeus's chest and arms also ripped with power and muscle.
Heimdall: Eons ago... he brought about the Titanomachy to decide the mightiest gods! Infamous for committing the crime of patricide! Taking many a lover! Getting off on battle! This old geezer... his name is... a real god among gods! Zeus!!!!
Zeus / Gods: Yeeeeaaaaah!!!!!!!!!!
While the gods cheered, humanity was struck with fear. Such a legendary god, even if they had achieved victory during the last round left their hearts filled with unease.
Göll: H-Huh? What's happening? Why is the last boss popping up in the prologue?!
Brunhilde: Damnit... to think he'd appear this early... this is a problem... if I were the one planning it! I hate to admit it but that girl... she knows more than she lets on...
The reason for the sudden appearance of Zeus? Despite changes from the original timeline, Zeus was still Zeus. Thus, the opportunity to fight someone capable of killing even gods excited him, not to mention all these mystery competitors. So in the tunnel, and with a little abuse of senior authority and a show of power, he took Shiva's spot as 2nd in the tournament.
Hermes: ( What a troublesome Master I serve... he must be the most shameless god in all of existence... )
Heimdall: Now then! Our second round will be Enkidu vs. Zeus! A match brought together surely by divine intervention! A battle between the summit of the gods and the peak of those who stand against the divine!
Gods: Annihilate them in one punch! / Return the enemy to the dirt they belong in! / Lord Zeus is the strongest!
Humanity: Good luck! / I lived in Uruk, and though you may be different... I am proud of someone from my time and legends fighting for humanity! / I think I'm gay for this clay!
The once frail old man, now a monstrous mass of muscle, began walking towards Enkidu. Each step shook the ground below him, providing validity to the claims of his great feats and that this was no ordinary frail old man. Soon enough he hovered over Enkidu, the sight scaring away the bird perched on their finger.
Zeus: Hey... will you be alright without that thing? You know, the 'Valkyrie Unite' transformation thing you guys do, that thing. Because without that... little doll, this might just be over before you know it.
Enkidu: Ah, bye. See you later, friend.
Zeus: Bye? Friend?
Enkidu: I was speaking to the bird you had just scared off.
Zeus: Hoho... what a strange thing you are... but... I'll ask again anyway before I blast your head off. Don't you need that Valkyrie thing to hurt me and whatnot?
Enkidu: Oh, yes. Master did want me to do something for this fight... but...
Enkidu turns their head to the stands, and amongst the numerous people on the side of humanity, spots absolutely zero that are their master. Though Gil does notice the stare and inexplicably begins to shimmer in glorious golden light, having misunderstood the message that Enkidu was trying to imply.
Enkidu: It appears she isn't here...
Zeus: ( Master? She? Hoho... this is getting more and more intriguing... )
Enkidu: Nonetheless, I do have to follow her commands as a tool. I'd be a rather useless weapon otherwise if I could not do such a simple request anyway.
Chains sprouted from the ground, but in an unexpected action, Enkidu grabbed them and started wrapping them around their hands and over their knuckles. To make what exactly?
Zeus: Knuckle... dusters?
Enkidu: An odd request to be sure, she said something about 'following the original' and 'It's cool to punch the elderly like this'. Those words do sound a bit concerning, however...
Zeus: Hohoho... well don't worry about this old man, in fact, I think you should worry about yourself. After all... I really want to hear the sounds a little broken toy like you makes when ground up back to dust. So you see... I'm going bare-handed, chu!
Kissing his knuckles he makes yet another ill-fitting face for someone like him, as he then proceeds to bounce on his toes as a warmup for the imminent fight.
Enkidu: Hmm... I see. Ah, my initial introductions may not have given this off, but...
In an instant, the once serene and calm Enkidu, looking as if they could not even harm even a single blade of grass or the most delicate animal, had found their fist hitting Zeus square in the face, sending the god flying back. Zeus who was preparing his own surprise attack, had not even managed to move a single muscle in his body before he processed what had just occurred.
Enkidu: I am still a weapon. I won't be showing self-restraint or mercy either.
Zeus: Oh? That one hurt a bit...
Zeus recovered, standing back up from his fallen-over state with a rather energetic hop and flip of his body. Looking back at Enkidu standing opposite of him, the figure who had once looked like a beautiful flower in the meadows, appeared now as nothing more than a machine, a weapon, with only the intentions a weapon might have. Those being to hurt, to kill, to win.
Heimdall: E-Enkidu leads with a sucker punch straight to the face of Zeus! The God Father of the Cosmos had no time to even react to the weapon that binds even the gods- no! The Chains of Heaven!!!!
Humanity: Nice one, Enkidu! / Beat the life out of the old man! I don't care! / Kuahahaha! As expected of my friend- wait! Why is my dialogue with the rest of these mongrels?!
But up in the stands from where the Greek gods watched, they had differing opinions on the state of the fight.
Ares: Such a noisy bunch. Congratulating them after merely landing a single cheap hit that didn't even draw blood from Dad. Humans are truly foolish creatures, aren't they? Hermes.
Hermes: Indeed, you are right, dear brother.
Back to the fight, Zeus had recovered from the initial shock of that unexpected punch and had begun to prepare his counterattack. Swinging his arms around to loosen up, power building as well, all for a fast and deadly barrage of punches to be unleashed in mere moments.
Zeus: Hohoho! That one was good! I'll dive right in then myself if you don't mind! Here I come~
0.001 seconds. That was the time it took for Zeus to launch his first punch.
Enkidu: Hmph.
Zeus: Not done yet!
0.0001 seconds. The time in between each punch of his deadly assault.
Enkidu: ( This speed... not bad... )
Zeus: Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Hoi!!!!
0.00001 seconds. That was the absurdly short time it took for Zeus to launch a punch, retrieve it, and then launch another, one after another without stopping.
*Fwoosh*
Yet Enkidu continued to dodge without seemingly any effort despite this increase in speed. The only thing Zeus struck was a few loose strands of long green hair or the edge of their white cloth swaying violently from the wind pressure created by the unending barrage of ever-increasing punches from the head of the Greek pantheon. This move was called...
Meteor Jab
Zeus: Hyaaah~♡
With such a dangerous move came an... unfitting battle cry from the god using it. But despite the speed, still increasing by the second... Enkidu had only a passive expression of indifference to this seemingly unavoidable attack.
Enkidu: ( Haah... but compared to Gil... this is rather tame. Oops, almost tore a hole in my cloth with that one. )
Zeus: Hoi! Hoi! Hoi! Do all of you fighters for humanity fight with such bored looks on your faces? The one fighting Thor was the same, huh? You broken toy of the gods!
Enkidu was about to use an opening in Zeus's stance to land a punch on his chest and finally end the ceaseless attacks. However, the god's stance had unexpectedly changed, which Enkidu had noticed and stopped their counterattack in preparation for what it might possibly be. Zeus was preparing for...
Zeus: But wait... there's more~
Enkidu: Oh?
0.00000001 seconds. This was the speed of the move Zeus was preparing... the...
Divine Axe!
A powerful and extraordinarily fast sweeping kick from Zeus!
Ares: Hmph, say goodbye to your lower half-
But suddenly, the dry earth of the arena rose in seeming defiance to the kick from Zeus.
Zeus: You think some plain old mound of dirt is going to stop me!
Enkidu: You misunderstand...
The kick went straight through the pillar of earth, kicking up the rubble that obscured the area in a cloud of dust. Blocking the vision of Zeus and even the spectators of the fight for a moment.
Enkidu: I didn't need to stop you with that.
Zeus: Wha?!
Looking upwards, Zeus found himself staring at Enkidu, who had one leg raised as they floated like an elegant butterfly above him. Soon enough, however, that one leg came crashing down in a ferocious axe kick, a golden burst of magical energy following. The next thing he knew, Enkidu was standing above with the same expression as earlier, and he was in the ground.
Enkidu: Hmm, is that all?
Zeus: Y-you...
Both sides were shocked, Zeus had given it seemingly his all, and yet... Enkidu looked to be barely trying. Even those who had seen him in action before appeared to be surprised.
Mash: H-huh? I don't remember Enkidu being so fast... or this strong! Did Senpai do something?
Gil: Kuahahaha! If you think that is all Enkidu is capable of doing, you are sorely mistaken! Just keep watching, and behold to their might that will annihilate that foolish god who dares to be so arrogant.
Mash: O-Okay? ( That still doesn't explain it- )
As Mash was pondering this, a tuft of brown hair had blocked her view from out of nowhere.
Da Vinci: You look confused, Mash! Probably over how much more powerful this Enkidu seems than ours back at Chaldea, right?
Mash: Yes, that's just it. I don't quite get it... I know they're strong, but to be so casual even after all that... most servants who don't specialize in speed would have a bit of an issue.
Da Vinci: Hmm, well in the first place Enkidu isn't exactly 'most servants'. They are right at the top, the cream of the crop, you might say. Though of course, none rival my genius. But even back in Chaldea, they were a rather strong part of our fighting force. However, that is not all there is to it, Mash.
Mash: Really? So there is something off?
Da Vinci: Not off per se... more so... the thing that was off was with Chaldea, you see.
Mash: Something off with Chaldea?
Da Vinci: Well due to how our summoning system works, some servants would end up having lower parameters, different skills, missing skills, the works really. In the first place servants are just poor copies of the true heroic spirit. Taking that into consideration, as much as it pains me to say it, the servants at Chaldea are degraded by a rather large margin compared to their true selves.
Mash: Wait, so that means... this is the true power of Enkidu?
Da Vinci: Exactly right, Mash! Good job! After getting a bit of a rundown on how our current system works from Master, and of course my own research and study as a universal genius, it all is pretty simple. This new system summons servants not just as well, servants, but about as close to a true heroic spirit as you can get. No restrictions, no degradation, every servant here... are at their absolute peak of power! Including, of course, yours truly!
Mash: Woah, that's impressive!
Da Vinci: I know, right? My research is impressive indeed.
Mash: Da Vinci... I meant the summoning system. B-but of course your research is impressive too! Not that I was implying otherwise!
Da Vinci: Y-yes, that too of course, and thanks. Anyways, if I were to compare the difference from our Enkidu back at Chaldea on this Enkidu... I got it! If our Enkidu was around an A across three stats and a rank or two lower for the remaining two... hmm... this Enkidu is... an absurdly high A+ to A++ across the board!
Mash: That fast?! But also... wait a second... that much?! Isn't that a little bit too powerful!?
Da Vinci: I would agree... but servants that are in the realm of gods and the like are bound to be absurd in one way or another. Well, this is just my hypothesis and all, but I doubt I'm mistaken in any way.
The clinking of armor and the sudden appearance of a golden throne, crushing the common stone benches below its weight, halted the conversation between the two.
Gilgamesh: Hmph, so it seems you mongrels finally understand the sheer extent of my one and only friend- my first and most important- my dear friend! ( Speaking of... where is she? To miss out on this, even if it is her... this is simply irresponsible and insolent! )
Mash: Yes! Enkidu is simply amazing!
Gilgamesh: Exactly! It is good to know not everyone is a fool around here! It is only natural that Enkidu is that amazing, after all, they are my equal. Ah, on another note, let me grant you the honor of hearing something interesting...
As the conversation began to drift off to retellings of great adventures and deeds of Gilgamesh and Enkidu during their lives, the fight had not yet ended, even if Gilgamesh had treated it as such. Zeus had finally recovered from the shameful kick into the ground, brushing the remaining dirt off of him. Enkidu stood still, but no longer like a pleasing flower in a field, but a vicious wolf waiting in ambush for their prey to make a move.
Heimdall: They dodged all of it! Enkidu dodged the flowing combo of Zeus without a hitch! Not only that, they made a devastating blow in exchange that left Zeus buried! All of it rendered useless without a drop of sweat from the Chains of Heaven!
Zeus: Hohoho, you really are something. But you aren't going to beat me by just waiting it out and dodging, you know? What happened to that good old nice surprise punch from earlier- !?
*Smack*
*Boom*
Enkidu: Oh? Did you mean this one perhaps? It is still here if you wish to know.
Once again, before Zeus had time to properly react or respond, he found himself flying backward through the arena. However, he did manage to land on his feet. As to how Enkidu was so easily surpassing Zeus in both might and speed? Aside from the freedom of having the full might they enjoyed during their life, Enkidu had yet another powerful skill...
Transfiguration(A)
Under normal circumstances in Chaldea, Enkidu can only have three parameters set to A-rank at once. During a Holy Grail War, all of them are set to A-rank by default and can be raised to A+ at the cost of a two-rank downgrade of one parameter or a one-rank downgrade of two. When summoned by the world itself, they start off with A+ parameters as a servant of the planet. But this version of Enkidu, them at their very peak of power, unrestrained by class vessels or being a servant of someone, started off with an absurd A++ in every category.
After all, to be an equal to Gilgamesh who fought and won against untold monstrous enemies of immense power in the Moon Cell, Enkidu had to be equally as impressive in their own way. Back to the fight, Zeus had launched yet another punch, just as fast and deadly as the rest despite the damage he took from earlier. But he only found himself receiving a strike followed by a burst of golden magical energy to the chest in return and flying back once more.
Zeus: Wha... what? How can... this be?
Enkidu: It's simple really. It seems I've been rather lucky this time around, with both my Master and Gil. But now that we're here... let's compare our abilities.
Enkidu let out a punch, but this time Zeus managed to dodge.
Zeus: ( Fast! )
Enkidu: That's... not bad.
STR: A++ -----> EX
AGL: A++ -----> EX
MANA: A++ -----> A-
LUCK: A++ -----> A-
Enkidu: But I've seen better.
In a turn of events, Zeus found himself barraged with an oddly similar set of attacks to what he was putting out earlier. It was not copied to perfection per say, Enkidu was simply returning the favor by letting out their own flurry of punches. But this barrage was done with only one hand, as for the other...
*Crumble*
Zeus's legs sunk into the ground, once done, Enkidu's other fist joined the beatdown of the so-called God Father of the Cosmos.
Enkidu: Let me hear a good cry from you.
Zeus: AaAAAaaaAAAaahHHhH!!!!
Enkidu: Things are just heating up.
Soon Zeus found himself launched into the air from a powerful uppercut from Enkidu, and in the next second, was smacked by a pillar of rock and hardened dirt. Then another, and another, trapping him in a tomb of earth. Now trapped, he could only watch helplessly as Enkidu added more and more, crushing him under the weight.
Enkidu: I'm not done yet.
Raising a hand upwards, an extremely large pillar rises and smashes through the makeshift tomb. This launches Zeus far into the air, and as he falls his body is bashed and hit by the debris from the the pillars that once encased him. Enkidu, finally relenting in their result, lets Zeus drop to the floor. What is left is a beaten and bleeding old man.
Heimdall: I-In an instant, the once passive Enkidu has let out a merciless and deadly combo of their own! Zeus is left down and beaten! Can the Grand Father of the Cosmos get back up?! Can he take revenge for the gods?! Or will Enkidu take the win for humanity and succeed in standing against the divine will of the gods?
Zeus: Huff... Huff... n-not... bad... little doll...
Humanity: Yeah! / Keep it up! / That bag of old bones hasn't even landed a hit! / Hell yeah!
Gods: Get back up Zeus! Get back up! / We can't lose twice in a row, you can do it! / G.F.O.C! G.F.O.C! I believe in you!
Ares: W-what is that?!
Hermes: Oh dear... that looks painful...
Brunhilde: Hahaha! I don't know why I doubted you... now go and stick it up their asses, Enkidu! Bind and beat those gods and all their shitty pride to dust!
Zhongli: A similar usage of geo? How interesting...
To the many comments from the audience, Enkidu had one of his own. One of... slight disappointments in the fight so far.
Enkidu: Hmm... that's all, huh?
However, despite looking like he was out for the count, Zeus had managed to stand back up. Readjusting joints and bones with loud cracks and pops, seemingly undisturbed by the damage he had taken for the most part.
Zeus: Hohoho! Ain't this just peachy! I haven't had quite this much fun and thrill in a few millennia. But I wonder...
Ares: T-That strange footwork! He's going to use that!
Suddenly Enkidu saw afterimages as Zeus spun around in confusing motions and patterns, building up momentum and speed as he moved and went at blinding speeds. Yet Enkidu only knelt down and put a single hand to the ground, a sign they were preparing something. As for Zeus, he went in for a kick to Enkidu's head, seeing an opportunity.
Zeus: What about this?!
*Clang*
What met Zeus's kick was not the caved-in head of Enkidu, but a shield that blocked even the strike of a god. Of course, transfiguration was not the only trick of Enkidu. He had another...
Age of Babylon!
More and more weapons emerged from the floor. Swords, shields, bows, but even more surprising ones appeared, those being modern firearms and artillery on the level of the greatest noble phantasms. How? Well, Heaven had people from all ages, past to present. One could say it had no ages or that time did not matter, an eternal age of only continuous paradise after death. Yet...
One could also say it contained every age! Humanity from its very beginnings to its present! This place was not ageless, no! It in fact contained the entire history of humanity! Every human who had ever lived and perished! Thus Age of Babylon, relying on the age Enkidu was in, showed not just the might of a single period in history, but instead...
The power of the entirety of human history!
Zeus: !?
Enkidu: ( Ah... this brings back memories... doesn't it, Gil? )
So as Enkidu calmly stood, now floating a bit off the ground, they raised their arm and then lowered it swiftly. All at once, hundreds- no, thousands of weapons descended and reigned havoc on the arena below. Zeus with his speedy footwork meant for offense could now only use its inherent agility to dodge and weave as best he could.
Zeus: ( This is overwhelming! It's like I'm fighting an opponent tailor-made to stick it to the gods and screw me over! )
Enkidu: ( Still... for being barraged like this, I'd say he is doing decent. )
Despite the endless barrage of weapons from all of human history, Zeus had managed to avoid them for the most part even with his large body. In servant terms, his agility would be among the best of the best, however lacking his other stats may end up being, this fact would remain. Yet a few still ended up grazing or outright stabbing into his arms or legs, but Zeus managed to protect his vital organs.
Zeus: But...
Enkidu: Hmm?
Despite having to mainly dodge, Zeus had gotten close enough to perform the trick he had up his sleeve. His trump card, so to speak. Something not even Enkidu could see coming.
Zeus: Can you follow this?
Hermes: He's using that move...
A technique first learned by the young Zeus during the Titanomachy. When he had to defeat his father Kronos and claim the Heavens for the gods, he conquered the mightiest titan and personification of time. A singular strike that had managed to hit him during that tournament, a strike Zeus had taken for himself and burned into his heart and soul. A strike said to even...
Enkidu: !!!!
Zeus: Let's find out!
Exert control over all of the time! Such a technique was named...
The Fist That Surpassed Time!
*Boom*
In a true instant, an instance where time itself had frozen, not a single god nor man in the arena could bear witness to what had occurred.
Kama: Oh? I expected more... how boring. ( Now back to my fun~ )
Well, nearly all gods could not bear witness to it anyway. Even Enkidu themselves were caught by surprise, a very large surprise. Just like the massive fist that had found its home right in Enkidu's chest, leaving them only held up by Zeus's raised fist. For the first time during this entire battle... Zeus had landed a hit!
Zeus: Hohoho... it seems your little tricks couldn't get you out of this one, little doll.
Ares: You got him, Dad! ( Though even I couldn't see it... )
Hermes: It seems Lord Zeus's technique remains unmatched, as expected.
Göll: E-Enkidu! N-no... we're going to lose?!
Brunhilde: Tsk, that shitty geezer! We had it! But he had to just go and pull out some bullshit cheat like stopping time?!
Heimdall: Huh?! What the hell just happened?! Enkidu, the Chains of Heaven, Humanity's hope against the strongest of gods and divine might... has been delivered to death's door by none other than Zeus in a strike of unimaginable speed and mystery! The gods have taken revenge for the death of the mightiest Norse god, Thor!!!!
Yet for the first time during this fight, Enkidu bore a different expression. Not one of despair from a hopeless battle. Not their usual passive and calm expression, nor was it one of a weapon serving its purpose in battle either. No, what the first show of emotion and perhaps excitement for this fight from Enkidu... was a small, barely noticeable...
Smirk.
Enkidu... was smirking.
Enkidu: Heh... perhaps I picked up a few bad habits from Gil.
Zeus: What? You're smirking? You are on death's door... and you're smirking?! You really are strange... yet... still... I'm so happy I'm about to burst! This is fun!
Enkidu: Ah, well that isn't quite right either. In fact...
The clay that made up Enkidu's body, around his chest area where he was stabbed through by the fist of Zeus, began taking a different form. Chains. In response to the most powerful technique of Zeus that exerted control over all of the time, the peak of divine techniques, Enkidu would only respond fittingly with the peak of anti-divine techniques.
Zeus: What?! I can't move?!
To a being of complete divinity like Zeus. The God of Gods. The God Father of the Cosmos. The Chains of Heaven were about the worst thing that he could find himself trapped by. But the worst... was yet to come. So as Zeus found his arms and legs restrained, unable to break free from seemingly normal chains, Enkidu began surging with magical energy.
Enkidu: You weren't bad by any means...
The hole in Enkidu's chest simply reformed, clay filling in the space, almost as if he had never been hurt in the first place. Even the torn clothes simply reformed, being made of the same clay material as his body.
Heimdall: What's this?! Enkidu has healed from the damage as if it were nothing! It seems humanity is firmly grasping and stealing victory from the hands of the gods once more!!!!
Enkidu: However, I do have to win. Master and Gil would also be quite disappointed if I were to lose, too. So as both of their weapons...
Enkidu once again kneeled to the ground, laying their right hand on it. But instead of earth rising or weapons manifesting from clay, the ground began to ripple with magical energy. Green and gold colored light illuminated the arena from the green swirling mana that surrounded Enkidu, the borders being golden. Reminiscent of nature and the first King of Uruk in its colors.
Enkidu: I will awaken the breath of the planet...
Sharp tips of the end of chains began to emerge from the ground, shining a bright gold color differing from the standard metallic grey of the typical chains Enkidu summons. Seeing this, Zeus, who may not know quite what this is, did know one thing. This was dangerous, and if he did nothing about it... he would most certainly face his doom.
Zeus: Hohoho... I'll admit. You are strong. Very strong, little toy doll of the gods. I was foolish... foolish to think I could win like this... in this form. I would have preferred not to do this, it rattles my old bones rather badly, but it's the only way I can win this! Hmph!!!!
Enkidu's ultimate technique was one that struck awe in both the gods and mankind with the beauty and power it held within. On the other hand... Zeus's... was hideous. His muscles contorted and shrunk, wrinkles becoming more prevalent as his body became skinnier and skinnier. His once massive hulking mass condensed into a skeleton-like frame.
Zeus: AaaAAAAAaaaaaAAh!!!! Hmph!!!!
Smoke burst from his form and what was left... was something that could scarcely be called divine or a god. Zeus had taken the form of a horribly disfigured person, muscles and skin clinging to his old bones. This change had also allowed him freedom from the chains imprisoning him, as in the split moment his form had shrunk, it provided a gap for him to slip from and escape from the chains. This grotesque form was known as...
Zeus' Final Form: Adamas
But to this show of power, Enkidu only continued. Their indifferent expression was replaced with a gentle smile as nostalgic memories of his battle with Gilgamesh played out in his mind. Zeus in his new form approached, bones creaking from the pressure of all his muscles compressed to the utmost limit. But alas, this new form... would be just a bit too late in its arrival.
Enkidu: For I walk with humanity...
Zeus charged at Enkidu, preparing to let out a simple strike, yet imbued with all his power, it became one of the most dangerous he could use.
Zeus: I won't let you!
Enkidu: Therefore...
Enkidu simply remained in place in the face of the deadly attack. Suddenly, the once-still chains burst from the ground at incredible speeds, Enkidu leaping up with them and far into the sky, leaving Zeus punching at air and a stray chain, which to his surprise, ended up hurting him in the contact. This was a glimpse... of what was to come.
Zeus: What?!
As Zeus and everyone else in the arena looked to the sky, it seemed as if Enkidu had vanished. What was left was only innumerable golden chains that illuminated the Heavens themselves in their light. Right in the middle of it all was one far larger than the rest, leading ahead as the tip of a massive spear as the rest of the chains followed in its wake like a meteor falling to Earth.
Enkidu: Enuma...
Zeus: I see... so it comes to this... hohoho... then... I WON'T GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT!!!!
Zeus planted his feet firmly on the ground, and mustering every ounce of his strength from his old body, prepared to face the attack head-on. How much this would work against such power, that could only remain to be seen.
Enkidu: Elish!
As this last shout from Enkidu was made, the Divine Construct, channeling the power of the Counter Force too, in response to Zeus' and the Gods' wish to destroy Humanity, struck down on Zeus. To this, the God Father of the Cosmos made one last ditch attempt, punching and trying to deflect the chains or at least redirect some of its power... but it proved futile.
*Crash*
*Boom*
Dust flew everywhere, and it took some time for it to fade. But when the dust finally settled and the air cleared, silence filled the arena... the only one left standing was...
...
Enkidu.
Not even a scratch or speck of dirt to be found on their pristine white robes after all of that.
Zeus: Y-you...
Zeus on the other hand was... hopeless. Limbs missing, internal organs decimated, it was a wonder how his barely recognizable body was still hanging onto life.
Enkidu: Oh? Still alive? I see... I'll put you out of your misery then-
Zeus: Wait...
Enkidu: Hmm? What is it?
Zeus: Your eyes... I can't feel the flames of hatred towards us gods in those eyes of yours... t-this isn't for revenge... or out of hate...
Zeus managed to say with much struggle, those words. Enkidu briefly considered how that was wrong, considering their hate of Ishtar, but to these gods here... they couldn't say they truly hated them all things considered.
Zeus: S-so tell me... before I pass... what is the real reason you fought here?
Enkidu: Such a reason... it's truly simple. To protect all that is beautiful in this world...
Zeus: W-what?
Enkidu: I've decided to walk alongside humanity, so it is only natural I protect them too, as part of what is beautiful. Even if they may deny the planet, and nature, and see themselves as above it... they are still in the end part of the world. I seek to protect all that is in it.
Zeus: I see... a strange thing... to... the... end... but still... you won against... this old man...
With that, Zeus had died, the life leaving his eyes and his body crumbling into dust as it floated away in a light passing breeze.
Enkidu: ( But in the end... all I was really doing... was serving my purpose as a weapon... a tool... )
With this, Enkidu simply began walking back to the tunnel on the side of humanity, to reunite with the group and celebrate the victory. No longer with a small calm smile or neutral look, but a proud grin that would make even Gilgamesh proud. With this final act, the battle could come to only one conclusion...
Heimdall: T-the... the second battle of Ragnarok has ended! Another soul-crushing defeat for the gods! With Enkidu as the victor!!!! The Chains of Heaven have bound the gods to their path of loss after loss and come out on top!!!!
Zeus vs Enkidu
Deciding Move: Enuma Elish
Victor: Enkidu
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