With Round Eight now concluded, Brunhilde took a moment to seclude herself from everything. In the room that she's entered, holograms of all the deceased fighters are shown.
Thor, Adam, Poseidon, Heracles, Raiden, Lu Bu, and Shadow.
It only took a moment, but it was no problem for Brunhilde to add an image of Tesla.
She sighs to herself. This fight isn't getting any easier. Even with the help of all the people from outside the universe she lives in.
"They were truly wonderful fighters." She said to nobody. "I don't have a doubt in my mind that the ones who agreed to come here would disappoint. We have to come out on top. No matter the cost."
She then turned around and began to head back out. "Geirolul had just come back from a long trip… The one that she brought with her cannot fail."
Just like always, Heimdall began to announce the introduction of the new round. The audience clinging on to every word he's saying.
"Ragnarok! Round Nine! So far, both sides have won four matches each! God and man alike better keep their eyes wide open for this one! For this is the match that will set the tone for the remainder of the competition! And now… introducing the fighter for humanity!
This man is, without question, one of the greatest fighters who has ever lived in his world! Time and time again, he was able to defeat opponents much stronger than himself! He is truly the pride of the guild that he's called home!
Now… representing humanity… he has come all the way here to show the gods that as long as he's still standing… the people will have nothing to fear!
He is… NATSU DRAGNEEL!"
Looking down at the arena, Mash narrows his eyes at the fighter for humanity. "A man with pink hair… Now I've seen everything."
Throwing off the black cloak he's wearing, Natsu couldn't help but feel his ears twitch. "Just keep quiet for now, Natsu." He spoke to himself. "You'll have plenty of time to talk later."
Heimdall continues. "And… and now… facing off against the pride of the Fairy Tail mage guild… is this god!
It was then that Natsu found himself blinded by shimmering light from the opposite side of the arena. "AUGH! HEY! WHAT GIVES!?"
"How does this god give off such dazzling light!?" Yells Heimdall. "How is it that the gods adore him so much!? Is it because of his silver bow and arrow which slew the legendary python!?
Is it because of the enchanting melodies which he brought forth on the lyre!?
Nay. Nay! NAY!
It is because… of his overwhelming strength and beauty!"
As the light died down, Natsu couldn't believe what he was able to see. He's looking at what looks to be multiple women dressing down the guy he believes to be his opponent.
"Both God and man have honored this beautiful God of the Sun! Representing the Gods in Round Nine… APOLLO!"
Brunhilde lets out a sigh. "So the son of Zeus makes his appearance… Typical."
Heimdall yells. "Well let's start Ragnarok, Round Nine! Natsu representing humanity… and Apollo representing the gods… FIGHT!"
Not wasting a moment, Natsu leaps forward and closes in on Apollo. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Apollo, however, dodges Natsu's attack effortlessly. "Ah, fire. The product of heat and light. I'm very familiar with it. Do you wish to be acquainted with mine?"
"Shut up!" Natsu yells at him. "Don't change the subject on what this fight is about! All those who wish to wipe out humankind have to answer to me first!"
Apollo only grinned. "Such fury. Such passion. I can tell this is going to be fun."
Natsu took a deep breath. "How's this for fun?" He then breathed out a massive burst of fire from his mouth. Apollo simply dodged a second time. Still having that grin on his face.
Natsu then notices something. Apollo's hands appear to be shining. "Radiant Harp: Lyre of Phoebus." He hears him say.
"Eh?" He stood in confusion wondering what Apollo had just said. This decision cost him dearly as a second later, he felt Apollo punch him in the face.
"A CLEAN HIT!" Heimdall shouts out at the top of his lungs. "Apollo had just knocked Natsu off of his feet!"
"Hoh hoh hoh hoh hoh hoh!" Zeus laughed as he looked down. "That's my son for you. He didn't earn the title of 'God of Boxing' for nothing."
Feeling herself getting more angrier by the second, Brunhilde couldn't help but shout at Natsu, who at this point was lying face down in front of Apollo. "Come on, Natsu! Get up and FIGHT!"
Mash let out a sigh. "This doesn't look good. I wonder if everybody else in this Fairy Tail guild is as weak as he is."
"It's just as I thought." Apollo spoke while looking down on his downed opponent. "My fire simply outshone yours. But there's nothing to be humiliated about. I am the Great Lord Apollo and you… are simply just a man. I know you can hear me, so why don't you do us both a favor and stand up. I'll make sure you die on your feet."
It was then that Apollo noticed a growing amount of heat coming from Natsu's body. Within a second, he was back on his feet. "Oh? It looks like you still have some fight left in you."
"What was it that you said earlier?" Questioned Natsu. "Your fire has outshined mine? Don't get ahead of yourself."
Natsu's arms then ignited. "You may be the strongest opponent I've ever faced! But it'll just make it even more satisfying once I BEAT YOU!"