Once the transformation was completed, Hrothgar's new form brought many cries and gasps from those watching the match. Instead of the statuesque physique of Hrothgar being on display, there was a monstrous figure, his body covered in many segmented plated that covered his entire body, which moved and shifted with his movements. Hrothgar rose to his feet, and the true extent of the transformation was apparent, his body was now covered in In plates of dark Iron, with numerous spikes and blades on the hand's, elbows, shoulders and back, which increase the monstrous nature of this form. His head was completely covered with a full helm that moved as if it was alive, connected to Hrothgar's face, but instead of resembling a man, it took the form of a wolfs head, with blood-red eyes and large fangs.
"What the fuck did you do to yourself Hrothgar!" Issei yelled, as he saw Hrothgar grab his axe
"If I lose this duel, I lose everything! I cannot let that happen no matter what it costs me!" Hrothgar cried as he charged Issei disappearing from view. Issei realising this, charged Hrothgar matching him in speed with Ascalon raised to intercept Hrthofthgars attack
"HRAAAAAAAAAA!" They cried as their weapons made contact, creating a flash of white light, as a powerful shockwave was released once they made contact, Hrothgar's axe head shattered on impact turning the master-crafted axe to nothing more than a few shards of metal. The force of which sent both combatants flying back towards the arena walls
"Ahhhhh" Issei screamed as he felt Ascalon being forced back into his gauntlet from the overwhelming force of the blow.
"Is that all you've got!" Hrothgar snarled as he jumped back to his feet.
"Shit! What happened Ddraig, Ascalon won't come out!" Issei yelled as he tried to release his sword, but with no success.
The force of the blow, must have been so strong it forced Ascalon back into your gauntlet, it will take some time to repair, so you're going to have to slug it out with him." Ddraig growled as he started to work on repairing the damage.
"Well, that's just great!"
Meanwhile in the stands the Rias the rest of the peerage was trying to figure out what had just happened.
"Now we know Horthgar had something up his sleeve, but I never expected it to be so powerful," Rias stated.
"He shattered his axe by hitting Ascalon...Why didn't he use it earlier? he could have won the match if had used it earlier, capitalising on Issei taking time to get to a higher power level" Akeno sighed in a worried tone.
"I'm not sure. Maybe it takes time to power up but we won't know until the match is over." Rias groaned, worried that Issei may be in a great deal of trouble.
Meanwhile, Thor, Odin and Gondul were in deep discussion about the fight and this new form, as they were talking Tyr who was sitting alone was watching, then turned to watch the fight and smiled in deep thought at the form Hrothgar had taken
" The War Wolf Armour. An artificial boosted Gear which I had commissioned by the dwarves Brokkr and Eitr, as payment for my protection. The armour was built from the finest metals available, but metal alone does not make it an armour of legend. I was told by the dwarves that weapons and armours of legend were enchanted with powerful runes imbued with the most powerful sources of magic being linked to strong emotions, anger and pain being some of the most powerful and feared sources that the dwarves work with. so what's more powerful than the rage and pain of a god? I poured all my pain and hatred into the armour, I lost my pride and my respect after losing my hand, and I was told that I would die during Ragnarok, so I made it my mission to make sure that my legacy and bloodline would survive the end of the universe. This armour is the key to my son surviving or defeating those who wish to bring about Ragnarok. The armour requires pain and anger to allow it to work, the more pain and anger the user feels the more the armour absorbs and the stronger the armour becomes. To make this work, the boosted gear links directly into the user's nervous system, so every hit every cut, every burst of rage is absorbed, even in the fully armoured form, the armour acts like the user's skin picking up every sensation. The armour will not stop until the threat has been neutralised, and my son is the perfect user, he has his title. His name and the woman he loves all on the line in this fight and he cannot and will not lose this fight, so he will give it everything even if he loses himself to the make his dreams a reality" Tyr stared at the match, watching as the Hrothgar to blow after blow, from Issei, only to return the favour with even greater force, as he watched this, Gondul watched him intently, noticing the grin on his face, only to turn and watch Hrothgar
"This was your plan all along, wasn't it Tyr? To test some sort of armour, using your son as the perfect test subject, you acted as if you cared about your son due to your infidelity, but you don't. you only care about him because of your bloodline to make up for your own failings so use your son as your outlet. How could Hrothgar not see that, I fact how did I not see who Hrothgar really was, he was hiding all this rage, and hatred... would he be like this if he was with Rossweisse, and would he treat her right?" Gondul worriedly thought.
"You're worried about Rossweisse" Odin asked looking to Gondul
"How did you know?"
"I am the Allfather who has drank from the well of Gjallarhorn. reading emotions is easy, I can see the worry In your eyes."
"Is it that obvious" Gondul sighed, biting her cheek
"I know you want to do what you think is best for Rossweisse, but you must understand that she isn't a little girl anymore. I also know you do not think highly of Issei, given his unofficial title.
"He acts like a child, the title alone shows that!"
"But you know what he has achieved. he defeated Loki, he stole the dividing power from Albion when it was thought impossible, he gave his arm to Ddraig so he could free Rias from her betrothal to Riser Phoenix and more importantly, he would give his life if it meant his friends were safe. He may act as if he is immature but when the cards are on the table, he will give his all to do what he needs to, no matter what the cost is to him." Odin stated as he pointed to Issei showing issei taking a barrage of shots, his armour chipping away, only to fire back, no matter how many shots landed. Gondul meanwhile watched as he ate the shots.
"Odin isn't wrong, it takes heart to fight against such a vicious opponent. Issei seems to be taking this match seriously, just as he did against Riser, I guess he is more than a breast-obsessed devil." Gondul mumbled to herself.
As this was happening, the fight became an even more brutal affair, Issei had been boosting constantly to amp up his power, but Hrothgar had managed to match him,
"Go fucking down!" Issei yelled as he slipped a punch and landed a powerful head kick, knocking Hrothgar into the ground only for him to bounce straight back up.
"Fuck! He won't stay down!" Issei cried
"Then we hit him harder!" Dddraig roared as he boosted, even more, Issei meanwhile switched into his rook form, using the increased size and strength to hopefully bully Hrothgar.
"You may have gotten bigger but that isn't enough hrrraaaa" Hrothgar bellowed as he landing a looping left onto Isseis helmet followed a barrage of body blows, which tore into Isseis armour, causing blood to spill from his mouth and body
"ISSEI!" Rias cried, only to be followed by cries from the rest of the peerage, and in a matter of seconds, almost the entire crowd started screaming his name.
"You have the support of the audience Issei. You don't disappoint them!" Ddraig growled as Issei
"Issei Listen to their cries, focusing on the cries of Rias, only to catch the cries of Rossweisse, allowing him to activate his Crimson Cardinal Promotion. Allowing Issei to throw Hrothgar aside allowing him to fully embrace the new form, as he unveiled his dragon wings, with the wings shining brightly the colour of the Gremory family.
"You think that's enough..." Hrothgar boasted as he charged Issei only to receive a vicious strike to his chest dropping him to the floor, blood pouring from his mouth, as he saw that the armour around his chest had been caved in with an impression of Isseis fist in his chest.
"HES DOWN!" Harold Hardara cried from the top of his lungs as the crowded cheered.
"They're cheering...this BASTARD!" Hrothgar screamed as he felt another rush of power as the damaged armour pushed back into place and his eyes glowed even brighter, as the gaps between each plate began to glow bright red. Hrothgar trusted his hand out like a spear attempting to stab Issei with the claws on his hands, but Issei managed to evade and land a powerful kick to his body sending the Hrothgar flying, his waist crushed like a can, but the armour boosted gear just repaired the damage.
"Looks like I've got the power advantage Ddraig, time to end this!" Issei confidently stated as he charged Hrothgar who rose from the ground and charged, the pain and hate, causing him to lose control and fight on instinct, trying to tear at Issei like a rabid dog. Using his claws to try and dig into the armour, even resorting to biting into Isseis shoulder with his helm.
"He's lost control! " the crowd cried as they saw their once calm and collective commander turn into a berserker, disregarding all sense of self-restraint to try and win.
As they slugged it out Issei soon noticed that Hrothgar wasn't at his limit yet.
"Ddraig. Hrothgar's armours changing again!" Issei shouted as he saw that Hrothgsrs armour, was beginning to produce larger blades and spikes and was beginning to lose its refined design becoming more monstrous in appearance
"He must be reaching the full potential of his boosted gear. Issei look out!"" Ddriag bellowed as Issei realised the threat and managed to avoid a strike from a blade-like object.
"What was that?
"He. Pulled the blade from his armour" Ddraig mumbled. As he saw that one of the blades on Hrothgar elbow was missing, he had drawn the blade like a sword sheathed In its scabbard.
"He's like a living weapon!"
"It must be part of how this boosted gear works, all we can do is weather the storm!" Ddraig yelled as Issei dodged a lunge from Hrothgar.
The fight continued to be fast-paced, Issei's Crimson Cardinal Promotion constantly boosting and causing significant damage to Hrthgars War Wolf Armour, but Hrothgar kept on coming, running on pure instinct after losing his control due to the rage of hearing the crowd cheer his rival. No matter the blow, he kept on coming, even when blood poured from the gas in his armour, he hardly felt a thing.
"Issei, I've got enough power stored for a Crimson Blaster, I think this should be enough to overwhelm him, what do you think?" Ddraig stated once Issei had created enough space between him and Hrothgar,
"As you said we have to hit him with everything we have, let's do it!"
"I like your thinking Issei," Ddraoig stated proudly as the Dragons wings locked into place on Isseis back as the blasters emerged from the wings and began to charge up.
As this was happening Hrpthgar managed to regain his composure and realised that Issei was charging up for a powerful attack.
"I have to take him down but charging head-on may be too risky...unless..." Hrothgar mumbled as he planned his next move, at which point he crossed his arms holding the, close to his chest
Alright here goes...CRIMSON BALSTER!" Issei and Ddraig yelled in unison as a beam of demonic and draconic energy was fired from both barrels hurtling towards Hrtoghar. However, Hrthogar rather than dodging stood his ground, as a glow of blood red and orange was seen coming from his chest, as the armour around there began to fold away, overlapping on the plates behind.
"HRAAAAAA!" Hrothgar screamed as released the energy from his chest, intercepting the crimson blaster beam In the centre of the arena.
"He's got a ranged attack! Fuck!
"Stay calm, Issei," Ddraig stated, as he tried to figure out their next move.
"If we decrease the distance we can increase the intensity of the beam, which could overpower Hrothgar's attack," Ddraig explained as Issei nodded and started walking towards Hrothgar, as he did so he saw Hrothars beam beginning to be pushed back.
"NOOOOO!" Hrothgar yelled when he saw this saw, charged tards Issei while still releasing his attack
As soon as the pair were within 5 feet of each other their attacks generated so much energy, that it explodes like a supernova, blinding the audience with the sheer brightness, tearing the ground of the arena apart, sending Issei and Hrothgar flying in different directions, a large cloud of debris was generated blind the view of the audience, with only the crimson of Isseis armour and the blood-red of Hrothgar's armour barely visible from the dust. The force of the explosion was such that it shook the foundations of Asgard itself, shattering windows across the entire realm.
"ISSEI!" Rias and the rest of the peerage cried as they rushed towards the front of the stands only to be blocked by a magical force field which protected the audience.
"Issei! Rossweisse screamed as she jumped into the arena, heading towards Issei, thanks to her being the viewing participant she was not blocked by the barrier.
As the dust began to settle, at the edges of the arena Issei and Hrothgar were both visible to the crowd, both were lying on the remains of the arena walls, slumped over, both their armours were torn apart, with the left side of Isseis face being visible on his broken helm, while Horthgars right side was visible.
Hrothgar was the first to recover from the blast, looking up to see Rossweisse rush into the arena.
"She's... rushing in to check... on me." Hrothgar groaned trying to smile as he tried to move, his anger had started to fade away, and the pain he felt was coming back
"Issei! Issei! Are you okay!" Rossweisse cried as she sprinted towards Issei, seeing the blood dripping from his scalp. And took his face in her hands checking him over.
Rossweisse? You need... to get out of here...the duels still happening." Issei mumbled as he tried to move, hissing when he moved.
" its okay, Hthroager and you were stunned by the attack, both of you won't be fighting any time soon," Rossweisse whispered
"I don't even remember what happened. I saw him charge at me and next thing I know I woke up to hear you scream my name."
"I was worried, about. I thought you had died, I. I couldn't live with my self if someone I loved died because of me." Rossweisse whispered, as tears formed in her eyes. As Issei sat they're silently unsure with how to answer.
"As this conversation was going on Hrthogar lay there waiting.
"Where is Rossweisse? I saw her jumping into the arena?
"Issei!" Issei! " Hrhtgoar heard as his eyes focused on a faint glow of crimson, as the dust began to settle, revealing Rossweisse running towards is only to kneel to Issei's side, and cupped his face in her hands.
"Why is she crying his name, holding him close!" Hrhtgoqr screamed in his head, trying to stand, but the pain he felt was too much to overcome
"I was worried about you..."
"She was worried about him and not me. I gave it my all and it wasn't enough... no matter what I do I will not win her heart...
"I could live with myself if someone I loved died because of me"
"I would die for her if it meant she was safe because I love her but she never loved me back..." Hthrogar whispered as tears streamed down the unarmed side of his face, only for an intense hatred began to wash over him.
"If I have lost Rossweisse, then I must make sure no one can have her love," Hrothgar growled as he slowly rose to his feet his armour moulding to creat large claws on his hands.
"I...Love you to Rossweisse" Issei whispered, but Hrothgar heard it loud and clear, as he focused his gaze of Issei, his visible eyes pupil narrowed till it was a thin and a needle, as he felt his pain fade away, as she charged towards Issei and Rossweisse, his control leaving him, instead his hatred guided his decision.
"Ddraig. Are you okay?" Rosweissse asked.
"I am. A little dazed, but I'm fine, give me some time and I will have the armour repaired.
"Great." Issei sighed as he rose to his knees looking at Rossweisse.
"I wonder how this will be decided given the double knockout," Rossweisse asked,
"Who knows, as long as I keep you with me then I'm, ROSWEISSE, RUN!" issei cheeky statement turned in a frightened scream, as he saw Hrhtgarm his broken armour jump into the air, escaping the dust cloud, his claws at their maximum length like small sword blades and he aimed his powerful stabbing strike at Rossweisse.
"Issei!" Rosswiesse screamed as Issei jumped towards her, grabbing her and turning her to avoid the strike, taking the claws through his side, the blades piercing the weakened armour, and penetrating out the other side of his body.
"ROSSWEISSE!" Gondul cried as he flew towards the barrier to protect her granddaughter, from Hrothgar's attack
"now that she's gone, I am free from her...wait, she's still screaming?" Hrhtogar growl turned to a sombre whimper as he looked at his claws to see that the blood on them was not from Rossweisse but Issei.
"Issei, speak to me! Come on Issei keep your eyes on me!" Rossweisse, cried as Isseis armour broke away as Isseis turned pale, as blood poured from his wounds and his mouth.
"Issei!" Rias cried, summoning a powerful spell, breaking the barrier which had been weakened by the combined attacks of Hrothgar and Issei as she and the rest of the team rushed to Issei's side, Asia using her magic to heal the wounds, but it was quick, Issei was exhausted by the battle, and wasn't responding quickly to Asia's healing, meanwhile Gondul broke through the barrier and Rushed over to Rossweisse
"You bastard! You coward! attacking Issei when he wasn't looking! How could...you" Rossweisse screamed at Hrothgae as started slamming her fists on his armour, till she dropped to her knees tears streaming down her face, bring a wave of realisation to come to Hrothgar's mind.
"He put himself in the way of my attack, to make sure Rossweisse wasn't injured... He risked his own life to save her. " Hrothgar mumbled as the dust settled and the crowd were able to see what had happened, hearing Rossweisse screams, realising what had happened and starting booing and yelling at Hrothgar
"COWARD!"
"FRAUD!"
Hrothgar watched as the crowed hurled their insults at him, as he turned to where his father was seated he saw him stand up and walk away, not even turning to see his son before he left.
"By Odin how could I have done this! I said I loved her and when I realised she wasn't in love with me, rather than respecting her decision I thought it better to end her life than see he be with someone else, what a fool I am!" Hrothgar screamed in his head as he dropped to his knees as he was overcome by guilt, his armour receding into the Bracelets
"You're a monster Hrothgar, trying to attack my Grandaughter like a rabid dog...Rossweisse are you okay? Are you hurt?" Gondul growled at Hrothgar as she took Rosswiese into her arms and held her close,
"Calm down!" Harold Hardrada yelled to the booing crowed who slowly but surely quietened down.
"It seems we have a winner Issei is unable to continue the bout. Hrothgar Lothbrok has won the duel and he shall wed Rossweisse!" Harald bellowed only for the crowd to drown him out with their cries.
After another bout of booing, the crowd quietened down once they saw that Issei was okay, Asia had managed to heal his wounds but he was still weak from the battle and the healing, Harald Hardrada left his perch to congratulate the winner standing in the centre of the arena, Issei Rosseisse, Gomdul and the rest of the peerage walked to the centre of the arena, with Hothtgar walking far away from them, not making eye contact and keeping his eyes fixed on the ground.
I must say gentlemen, this was one of the most entertaining matches I have seen in this arena in a very long time!" Harald proudly stated.
Neither Issei nor Hrothgar answered back.
"Today we saw a match between to very powerful opponents over the hand a Rossweisse, and after a long-fought out battle, Hrothgar Lodbrok, commander of the Einherjar came out victorious, as such he shall Marry Rossweisse." Harald proclaimed to the crowd who again booed, once he finished speaking Gondul was about to jump in to protest the decision, but to everyone's surprise, Hrothgar decided to speak.
"I forfeit the fight." Hrothgar sternly stated
"What! You're forfeiting the fight after such a hard-fought win!" Harald asked shocked by such an answer.
"Yes, I am. I fought like a savage beast, who would have killed anyone who got in my path and I cannot be rewarded for fighting like that. I lost control of my anger and nearly killed Rossweisse. I took this fight so I could prove to Rossweisse that I loved her, instead of when I heard her say she loved Issei, I lost control, and Issei put himself in danger to protect her. I was blinded by my hate and jealousy that I never realised that Rossweisse already loved someone else. Issei gave it his all to protect her, even if it cost him his life. How could I compete with that? I forfeit the duel, and I resign as commander of the Einherjar, I do not deserve such a title." Hrothgar stated as he turned to look at Issei and Rossweisse, tears beginning to well in his eyes as he spoke from the heart.
"Is that allowed!" Harold yelled at which moment Odin came done to the arena accompanied by Thor.
"Yes. While it has never happened in the history of the arena, there are no rule which state the winner cannot forfeit the match. If that is your decision Hrothgar then I hereby declare Issei the winner and by your own request, I remove the title of Commander of the Einherjar from you." Odin stated in his raspy voice, as the crowd erupted into cries of joy as cheers could be heard all across Asgard. As they cheered, Hrothgar walked away to lick his wounds, and find a way to overcome the shame he felt and had brought upon himself, removing the bracelets from his wrists and threw them aside.
"You did!" The peerage cried as the congratulated Issei for his win.
"I did... id be jumping around if I wasn't so sore, ouch" Issei smiled only to cry out in pain as he moved too much.
"When we're home its bed rest for you," Rias stated as she leaned in and gave Issei a peck on the cheek,
"Always looking out for everyone as always Rias." Issei gave a small smile as Rias blushed at his comment as she went over to talk to Odinm as she did so Rossweisse rushed over and pulled issei into a tight hug
"Thank Issei, you saved me." Rossweisse happily cried
"Your...very welcome...Rossweisse" Issei hissed.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"You hugged me... a bit too tight" Issei groaned only to sigh in relief once ROssweisse let go
I'm so sorry!"
"It's okay, I don't mind feeling like this if it means your free."
"Rossweisse blushed at Isseis comment.
"If everyone is ready lets head home, Isseis got to get some rest," RIas stated loudly as the peerage showed they were okay with the decision.
"Okay. Rossweisee your ready to...gooooo" Issei started walking, only to be stopped by a surprise passionate kiss from ROssweisse cutting him off mid-sentence which seemed to numb the pain he felt, brining a surprised gasp from the Peerage, and Gondul, who had never expected her little Wiesse to act so bold. The crowd were up on their feet cheering the kiss, as Thor and Odin watched and smiled.
"You're a lucky lad Issei." Odin thought.
"GET IN THEIR ISSEI!" Thor bellowed with such force that lighting shot from the sky and thunder rumbled all across Asgard, breaking the moment.
"You took that to far Thor!" Rossweisse growled blushing as she went over and smacked Thor who just burst out laughing at Rossweisses reaction, with Issei following on with a hearty laugh still numb from the kiss.