After witnessing what transpired, the god; Hachiman gave his thoughts on the battle between Germain and Balor.
In a well-lit room somewhere in the arena, Hachiman sighs as he's about to give his explanation.
"I must admit I was particularly amazed at the events that occurred. As the god of war, I can pick up how strong the warrior is by how they carry themselves. For Balor, his weakness is that his overconfidence and ego sealed his fate. He chose to treat his match as a game instead of a fight for survival. His attacks were sloppy and left various weak points for any challenger to exploit. Not only that, but he also lost self-control. Therefore, Germain capitalizes and slays the demon."
Then when he was asked about Saint Germain's flaws, he grinned.
"Nothing at all."
In the arena, Heimdall goes over to check on Balor's corpse. As the audience anxiously waits, Heimdall makes the announcement.
"Balor is down! I repeat, he is down for the count. Despite the demon throwing attack after attack, Germain overwhelmed his opponent! What we just witnessed is a miracle beyond all of mankind!"
Humanity roared with pride as Germain stood over the fallen demon. Many of the gods still couldn't believe a human decimated a god. The cheers from humankind were nearly deafening.
"Haha, yeah! That's the way!"
"Knock those damn gods down a peg!"
"Wow, this Germain guy is fucking strong!"
"Hell yeah! Defeat doesn't feel great, huh!"
Meanwhile, Helena teared up in the joy of her master's supposed victory.
"Master Germain did it! Ah, his techniques are as flawless as always! How magnificent!"
Suddenly, Prometheus spoke to Helena in a heavy tone.
"Human, it's too early to celebrate, or that is what I should say."
As Prometheus spoke, his fiery hair glowed in flames.
"However, as I know that man and his capabilities. I won't lie when I say that I'm burning with pride!" Prometheus says with a grin on his face.
Adam smiled and said, "I couldn't agree more, Prometheus."
As all of humanity celebrated, they shuddered. For in this moment in all of human history. After millennia of struggle and strife, they have finally exceeded their creators!
As the celebration continued, Huitzilopochtli's body unleashed a blood-red steam, and he growled, demanding answers.
"What the hell just happened! That damn demon didn't even get one hit on that human! Not to mention how that human can keep evading those attacks. ARRRRRRRRGH! I NEED ANSWERS NOW!"
As Ītzpāpālōtl soothes the war god, Aphrodite giggles to herself.
This caught Ītzpāpālōtl's attention, and she glared at the love goddess, "What's so funny?"
"Oh dear, you haven't noticed, did you? Well, might as well educate you two," Aphrodite coos.
"And what is that," Huitzilopochtli growled.
Aphrodite smiled smugly, "Quite simple, really. He or his Volund stopped time."
Amaterasu, Huitzilopochtli, and Itzpaptotl were shocked at Aphrodite's statement.
"What do you mean by that?" Amaterasu questioned.
Hermes suddenly steps in to explain.
"I believe I can answer your question, Lady Amaterasu. You see when Saint Germain tapped his cane on the ground. Skuld alters time to benefit Germain. When Balor was sent flying during that attack, she could not only stop time but could also shift a person's own time. Also, I theorize that Germain can enhance the duration of Skuld's chronomancy."
Huitzilopochtli sighs, "So, with immortal sorcerer having a Volund that can mess with time...fuck."
Zeus strokes his beard as he looks on.
"Well, it's unfortunate, but I feel this isn't over. Almost, it's nice to see you ladies join us, ohohoho!"
As Zeus said this, the other gods looked behind and witnessed the shadows form into a portal as black as the void.
First to step out was a tall, pale woman. She has long blood-red hair with black ends, black eyes with violet irises, Gaelic symbols on her muscular arms, and a single dark wing on the right side of her back. She wears a blackened scale breastplate, metal-spiked manica on her right arm, bracer on the left, dark brown boots with serrated shinguards, and a torn kilt around her waist.
Goddess of War and Frenzy (Young Sister)
Nemain (Ireland)
The mysterious goddess growled as she began to speak.
"What is this cac did I just saw! That gobshite couldn't kill a fucking human?!"
Sudden, a mature feminine voice came from the abyssal portal.
"Nemain, cease your vulgarity. It's quite unwelcoming, sister."
Emerging out of the vortex is a pale yet attractive woman. She has long flowing midnight blue hair, purple lips, long talon-like nails, black eyes with steel blue irises, and a black wing on the left side of her back. She wears a deep v high split black and lavender dress, a multilayered choker necklace embellished with amethyst rhinestones, black lace-up heels, and a silver spear.
Goddess of War, Sovereignty, and Fate (Elder Sister)
Macha (Ireland)
Nemain huffs at her older sister, "Hmph, don't get coy with me, Macha! You should be mad just as I am."
Macha giggles to herself.
"Please, sister. We're superior to that old farce lying dead."
Finally, a young woman who would be about Amaterasu's age appearance. She has alabaster skin, black eyes with white irises, short grey hair with feathers forming at the end, a pair of black wings on her back, and a black mark horizontally across her face. She wears ashen black leather armor, pants with belts all over, boots, and on each side are pouch containing knives.
Goddess of War and Death (Eldest Sister)
Badb (Ireland)
As Badb steps out and closes the portal, she sees her sisters bickering with the chief gods watching.
Badb said in a monotone voice, "Sisters, your bickering is embarrassing us. Stop."
Both looked at Badb and moaned in annoyance, "We're sorry, big sister."
Zeus continues to chuckle.
"Ohohoho, well, if it isn't The Morrigan sisters? Glad that you could join us."
Badb then summons three bonelike thrones for her and her sisters.
"We came to see if Balor is dead," Badb stated as she sat down.
Nemain plopped down on her seat and growled, "I still can't believe that old bastard got his arse kicked...by a human no less."
Macha gingerly sat on her throne and sighed, "At last, this fight was humiliating for our pantheon, but it's not over."
Huitzilopochtli scoffs coldly, "In what way."
Macha smirks, "Because we have yet to see Balor's true power."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the arena, Goll questions about Saint Germain.
"Wow, this guy is on a whole new level! I get he's a powerful mage, but how did he get to be this strong?"
Hera giggles at Goll's query, "Oh valkyrie, the answer should've been obvious."
Brunhilde looked at Hera and asked sarcastically, "Oh, and what would that be wise Hera."
Hera, not heeding Brunhilde's snark, answered.
...
Power.
The life of Saint Germain is that of mystery. Many historians debated about his existence. Regardless, he has a diplomat to kings and travels the world for further knowledge. Assumedly, he died on February 27, 1784, in his workshop, but sightings of the count continue to this day.
This is one of the accounts...
Victorian England, Liverpool, 1904
It was a dark, cold night in Liverpool. Darkness falls onto the city, only lit by the gaslights of the lamp posts. Nearly all of the civilians slumber in their homes except for a foolish few.
A young woman walks along the dimly lit streets in a simple blue dress and glasses. She looks around anxiously as she hopes to get home as quickly as possible. Her mother warned her of a demon stalking all of England. The creature's name is Spring-heeled Jack, and she was prepared. With a Bible in her hand, if she encounters the entity, she can read the sacred book and dispel it from her.
Suddenly, a blue, ghostly fog began the envelope every corner of every building. Then every lamp post went out one by one. The woman felt her heart race as she may know what or who is causing this. She began to walk faster in hopes of not being spotted by that thing. What's worse is that she can hear big, heavy sounds coming from the rooves above her. Then she ran as fast as she can, just wanting to get out of here. Unfortunately, something landed in front of the frightened woman.
The creature was a bloated, hulking beast. It had dark blue skin, black-matted hair, crimson eyes, sharp needle teeth, and razor-sharp claws.
The monstrosity wears a stitched-up suit and top hat, most likely made from the clothing of its victims.
Demon of England
Spring-heeled Jack (United Kingdom)
The demon smiled wickedly but tipped its messy hat.
"Good day, love," Jack spoke in a raspy voice.
The woman wasted no time and tried to go for her Bible, only to be smacked away by the demon.
The woman raised her hands and begged, "Please...I came back from the church, and I only wish to return home."
Jack roared in laughter at the female's little plead.
"Home? No, no, no, You'll not return home, my dear. You, instead, will be my snack!"
Then she realizes that Spring-heeled grabbed her by the neck in a vice grip. She struggles against the monster only to hear the demon's insidious laughter.
Jack's mouth unhinged his mouth and showed rows of needle teeth to skewer the defenseless woman. The woman embraces her demise and hopes to wake up next to God.
However, a blue orb of magical energy hit square into the chest of Spring-heeled Jack. The blast knocked the creature back and forced him to release the damsel.
The demon coughed and snarled, "Who...DID THIS! Come out so I can kill you and the girl!"
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew away the fog, revealing Saint Germain sipping tea.
As the count finished his sip, he looked at the demon and smiled, "Why hello, there."
Spring-heeled Jack instead sneered, "You foolish human. Do you have any idea who I am!"
Saint Germain ponders for a moment and says, "No."
Spring-heeled was furious at the answer. How can this human not hear of his name?
Spring-heeled breathed blue flames from his mouth, and he yelled, "I don't know who you are, but your insolency will be paid with your life!"
The Spring-heeled Jack made a rush towards Germain. The corners of its mouth let out large azure flames, and his claws poised to strike.
However, Germain just stood there without a care in the world.
The woman saw this and thought, 'What is he doing? He needs to run!'
As the demon comes closer, Jack sees that his prey doesn't fear him; in fact, he's not paying any heed to Jack.
Jack was livid and jumped high into the air, then descended their Germain.
Jack roared, "YOU WILL FEAR ME!"
Germain looks up and points his finger.
After being confused by the human's odd gesture, Jack felt his body becoming heavy and unable to move.
'I...I can't move! Every part of my body is frozen like ice. No, no, no,nonononono! NO! I'm falling too fast!', The demon panicked in his mind.
As for Germain, he stepped out of the way as the glass vestige of Spring-heeled Jack shattered onto the stone-paved streets.
As Germain looks down at the broken remains of Spring-heeled Jack, he chuckles to himself.
"Who knew demons can fall for reverse psychology."
Suddenly, he sees the poor girl crying. He picked up her Bible and headed toward her.
"Excuse me, madam, are you going to be alright?" Germain said sincerely.
The girl wiped away some of the tears and said, "Yes, and thank you, sir!"
Germain helped the girl to her feet and smiled, "Of course, it was my pleasure. Now, I'll walk you home."
In response to that experience, the count offered the girl the opportunity to learn the art of mysticism to protect herself as he had done for many others throughout history.
Valhalla Arena, Present Day
The crowd of humanity continued to cheer for their supposed victory.
In the viewpoint, Hera has a wicked grin on her face,
"~Oh~, I wonder what face my husband is making as we speak? Anger? Shame? Hopelessness?"
Brunhilde answers with a sinister smirk of her own.
"Oh, who cares! I'm just glad to see those bastards get what they deserve!"
Then the two women laugh in sadistic glee while Goll is terrified of their mindset.
Back at the arena, Germain sighed, "Demons, gods, they're all the same. They never learn. Auf Wiedersehen, Balor."
As Germain walks away from the slain demon, Skuld voices her joy over her love's victory.
"My love, you were wonderful!"
Germain chuckles at the flattery.
"Quite the opposite, my dear. You were the true star of our bout with that fiend. Now, to our date! You'll love Monte Carlo."
As the lovebirds talk about their dinner plans, Heimdall goes to call the result.
"Welp, time to wrap it up. So concludes Ragnarok Round two, ladies and gentlemen! Your winner, representing humanity! The Count of Saint..."
"...heh...heh...heh... Not bad..."
The laugh of Balor shook Heimdall to the core. Hera, Brunhilde, and all of humanity stopped their celebration as Balor seemingly rose from the dead and got to his feet. His body was badly burned, but he is alive.
Goll gasped in horror, "No way! H-he's suppose to be dead?! How did Balor even survive that!"
The gods quickly behind Balor as they knew they can still win.
Memphisto laughed in glee, "I knew my partner in crime wouldn't let me down!"
Germain looks at Balor and was pleasantly surprised.
"Well I'll be, you're still alive? I tip my hat to you, sir."
Balor laughs, "Heh, you know in our little skirmish. There was one thing I never understood about you."
Germain looks mildly confused.
Balor continued, "I sense no hatred, greed, pride, or anything I can exploit. So tell me why you're fighting for them despite being an immortal being?"
A pause fell upon the arena then Germain sighed.
"Huh. Of course, you would ask that. Many people throughout the eon would ask me that question. Why would I, an immortal, would help humanity? Isn't it to show my superiority? No. Perhaps to become a god? Laughable. Or maybe for the wealth of the world? Utter nonsense."
Germain then at Balor with conviction in his eyes.
"I am a humble teacher who wishes to see his students have a brighter future!"
The moment the words left out of the count's mouth, all of humanity wept. The words from their benevolent teacher rang through their souls, and they prayed. Because of Germain, the human race achieved harmony. Every religion, race, status, caste, and so on put aside their differences to pray for Saint Germain's victory.
The gods were perplexed by the humans being united!
Zeus stroked his beard, amused by the display.
"Oho, that boy knows how to work the crowd."
Huitzilopochtli smiled with murderous glee.
"That should be me down there."
Heimdall looks at humanity standing together and comments, "It seems humanity has finally achieved world peace?!"
Balor darkly chuckles, "Wow, who knew such prissy could sway those idiots to peace. Hmph, good for you."
Germain moaned in irritation, "Of course, a demon wouldn't understand. Alright, let's end this."
Balor chuckled, then started to laugh insanely.
Germain questions, "What's so funny?"
Balor spoke in a demonic tone, "Because I won't you get that opportunity again. At first, I thought you were just a pest that I would grind beneath my foot. But it turns out you're more of a problem than I thought. So..."
Balor put his hand over the right side of his face, where the eyepatch is.
"Wither away!"
Then Balor rips the eyepatch from his face, and a massive pressure of energy is felt through the arena. The humans felt a fear unlike anything to felt before.
Goll's body began to tremble, and she doesn't know why.
"M...my body?! Why is it shaking?"
Brunhilde has the same reaction as Goll, and her body begins to shake.
"I don't know! It's like if it's telling us that we're in grave trouble."
As for Hera, she only stood there speechless as she knew this was the beginning of the end.
Back at the arena, Germain instinctively puts his cane up in a fencer's stance. His face is read of determination yet fear.
Balor opened the right eye and revealed a blue eye with white iris and occultic symbols.
Balor's Unholy Eye of Calamity
Balor sighed in relief, "Aww, much better."
Finally, he glared down at Germain and said, "Now, Germain. Time to meet the aether."
Next Time: Farewell, My Students