“INCREDIBLE! Yahweh lives up to his status as a creator, summoning not one, but TWO gigantic monsters to do his bidding! Humanity’s champion is in a rather constricting situation now!”

Trapped within The Leviathan's coils, Beowulf strained furiously, any sound he made was muffled by the scaly hide of the monster’s tail.

Atop The Behemoth’s head, Yahweh rested his head on his fist.

“Geez finally some peace and quiet around here. Levy shut you up real fast.”

The Monster Slayer grunted, freeing an arm and reaching for his blade that had been knocked out of his grasp when The Leviathan grabbed him. However, the serpent coils tightened around his body, dragging him away from Eotenbana and slamming him down into the dirt.

“Cute.” Yahweh chuckled. “But Levy ain’t gonna let that fly.” 

“Hruff!”

The One True God glanced down at his mount with an annoyed look.

“Oh shut it, Behey. You had your chance.”

With a seemingly triumphant sneer at the disgruntled Behemoth, The Leviathan lifted Beowulf upside down till he was face-to-face with Yahweh.

“I wonder…” The God muttered, pushing Beowulf’s head with a finger. “What inspires such… bravado in you?”

The Monster Slayer could only glare as Yahweh grabbed him by the scalp, turning his head from side to side, as though he were inspecting some kind of oddity.

“The faith your allies have poured into you? That is your power? How cliche, and… mistaken. You think you know of faith? You think you know its true weight and burden? How laughably… human. There is a saying where I come from: Gods Inspire. Humans Desire. It means your ilk—you are predisposed to long for something more, and it is the duty of us gods to answer. To mold that faith into something more—Yet as far as I can see, all you… ANIMALS do is take and take, bringing nothing but RUIN upon everything! So tell me… HUMAN!”

An ominous aura exploded atop The Behemoth’s skull, causing the audience, and even the two massive beasts to shudder.

In her booth, Brunhilde shielded herself with her arm, a bead of sweat rolled down her cheek as Yahweh let out an unearthly shriek

Such vitriol… it’s so strong it’s almost UNNATURAL!

“If your kind’s faith in me was all for naught, then what chance does yours have?! Do you think you’re somehow better than me? Do you fancy yourself some kind of GOD? YOU PIECE OF SHIT???!!!”

…

“SnOOORE—”

“Eh?” Brunhilde muttered, peering through a crack in his arms.

Still wrapped in The Leviathan’s coils, Beowulf’s hair had come undone and was now covering his face. A confused Yahweh reached out, pushing locks out of the way.

“SnOOOOOOOOOORE—!”

Beowulf, Humanity’s Greatest Monster Slayer, had conked out.

“NO WAY!!!” The entire audience facepalmed. “He—HE FELL ASLEEEEEEEP?!”

In the God’s VIP booth, Ares had collapsed in his chair, whilst Zeus belted out peals of laughter.

“BWAHAHAHAHA! I quite like that whippersnapper! Never thought I’d see the day that brat get all riled up like this.”

Said brat growled. A snot bubble had developed from one of Beowulf’s nostrils and was in a constant state of comically inflating and deflating. Yahweh gritted his teeth, popping the bubble with a start.

“Hey… I’M TALKING TO YOU!”

“SnOOO—Snrk! Wuh? Whazzat?!” Beowulf’s eyes burst open, his voice now somewhat audible.

“Guh… Oh crap, did I fall asleep or something?” Beowulf asked groggily. “Mah bad, I swear I was listening during the first part. But when you got into the whole ‘woe is me’ nonsense, I got kinda bored and dozed off—GYAHAHAHA!”

Yahweh sneered, “Oh haha. Laugh it up, big guy.” He turned, snapping his fingers.

“Because now you die.”

With a low trill, The Leviathan’s coils closed in, tightening against Beowulf’s body, sealing his mouth shut again. The serpent began to squeeze and constrict itself further around him, causing the hero’s bones to shift and crack as his arms were pushed up against his sides. 

CRUSHING ABYSS!

Beowulf struggled, his eyes seeming to roll back into his skull.
The Leviathan’s trill echoed into a triumphant shriek as it unwound its coils before wrapping around again in a final crushing hug just as Beowulf’s eyes burst opened and—

‘RIIIIIIIIIP!’

The serpent’s shriek transformed into a cry of agony! Its coils unfurled so fast it looked as though it had been stung. 

Dropping to the ground, Beowulf’s body was covered in splatterings of blood as his fellow man cheered for his freedom.

“What happened, Levy?!” Yahweh yelled, watching his creation recoil. The Leviathan’s body rippled, before stiffening as though that had caused it pain. Beside it The Behemoth let out a snort that sounded suspiciously like laughter, earning a sharp trill from its partner.

That little shit! Yahweh thought, facing Beowulf.

…

‘Beo! Are you alright? Oh no… You’re bleeding!’

“Itsh sho k, Goll.” Beowulf rumbled, his voice slurred like he had something in his mouth.

“Nyot… mah blud.”

In the Monster Slayer’s mouth was a piece of bloodied flesh. Following the trail of crimson splattered across the ground led to The Leviathan’s tail, which had a chunk taken out of it!
The Sin of Envy hadn’t been stung—it had been bitten!

“Ptoo—! Bleh… a bit too shrimpy for my taste, GYAHAHAHA!”

Beowulf’s eyes scanned the arena, lighting up as he spotted Eotenbana. In turn, Yahweh grimaced.

“BEHEY! LEVY! Don’t let him get that sword!”

Exchanging an almost competitive glance, the two creations surged forward.

“Oh? Tripping over yourselves to impress daddy? That’s cute!” 

With a burst of power, the Monster Slayer leapt high into the air, hovering above the beasts as they let out mighty battlecrys. 

The Behemoth dug its tusk into, and ripped up the earth, sending chunks of debris flying. Meanwhile, The Leviathan’s frills bloomed like a cobra’s hood as its long neck rose, readying to swallow him whole. 

Beowulf laughed.

“GOLL! Are you ready?”

‘Mhm! Let’s DO this!’

The hero inhaled, taking a deep breath as he drew his arm back, fingers straightening and pressing together till the edge of his hands aligned. With a loud roar he snapped it forward—

“COMET CHOOOOOOOP!!!”

A shockwave blasted down from the action, splitting every piece of the incoming debris clean in half, sending pieces crumbling down on top of the Leviathan.

Hissing as pebbles rained into its eyes, The Leviathan began to spam uncontrollably, trying to blink the debris out from its sight. And when it finally opened its eyes…

“GYAHAHAHA! Oi fish-face! Heads—UPPPPPPPP! COMET… STRIKE!!!!”

Beowulf’s elbow was already inches from its face!

…

Hlokk’s Waiting Rooms

Seated on their couch as usual, the duo of Hlokk and her Einherjar, Jack The Ripper were spectating the current round over a cup of tea.

“I must say that I was certainly concerned when God himself showed up to fight.” Jack commented as a tremendous boom echoed through the TV screen in front of them.

Beowulf’s elbow had just connected with The Leviathan’s head, sending it crashing head-first into the earth!
Its writhing coils soon followed, collapsing like cut pieces of rope that had lost their tension, and falling into a pile.

“To think one man is capable of matching him with such ease. Certainly a product of young Miss Goll’s power?”

There was a pause, prompting him to look over at his partner expectantly. Hlokk’s energetic personality was surprisingly absent.

“Oh? Do you disagree? You are not usually this reserved with praise for your sisters, my dear~”

“Oh shut it, you!” Hlokk snapped. “I mean—don’t take this the wrong way! Goll IS the youngest amongst us… So it's only natural her powers are…”

“Weaker?” 

“Hey, I didn’t say that! Goll’s powers are just… straightforward, that’s all. The louder her spirit and voice grows, the greater her strength! But with just how—well, ‘Goll’ she is—I never thought it would be this strong considering she’d always collapse when training under Hilde!”

“I see…” Jack mused. 

He pulled out a teapot and a small cup, placing the latter on the table as he began filling it with tea.

“Indulge me in a bit of speculation, my dear. Say this kettle represents Miss Goll’s power. With her youthful inexperience, the amount she is able to draw out by herself is insufficient to say the least before her body—“

He stopped pouring, gesturing to the cup that had already been filled to the brim.

“Is simply unable to handle it anymore. However say this bucket I add to the equation was Beowulf—“

Jack then produced a large bucket, ten times bigger than the cup, and positioning the kettle above its mouth.

“HEY! Don’t waste good tea!”

“Apologies.” He chuckled. “But I believe you see my point?” 

“Y-yeah…” Hlokk muttered. “Beowulf’s the bottomless bucket that can share and handle all the strength from her power that Goll by herself couldn’t!” 

Jack nodded. 

“A simple combination at first glance—pairing her inexperience with a boisterous veteran. But it works frighteningly well as we see.”

…

Valhalla Arena

Crashing back onto the ground, Beowulf had barely lifted himself off his knee before a shadow fell over him and he heard a familiar bellow.
Launching its foot down, The Behemoth unleashed another ‘Megatton Stomper’, sending a jolt down his spine as he barely caught the attack with his hands.

“This again? Alright big fella, if you insist! But if you’re gonna sneak up on me this time—“

With a yell, the Monster Slayer twisted his arm, forcing The Behemoth’s entire leg to turn as well. Bellowing in rage, the beast found itself thrown off balance and crashing down against the floor whilst Yahweh quickly leapt off its head.

“COMET DROP!”

‘Beo!’ Goll called out. ‘On you right!’

KEEL AMBUSH

Whipping around, Beowulf leapt just in time for The Leviathan’s fangs to barely miss him as its strike went wide, colliding against the earth.

“Good catch, Goll! You’re improving fast for a rookie!”

‘D-don’t mention it. But we gotta find a way to get Eotenbana back somehow!’

Beowulf grinned, cracking his knuckles. If looks could kill, he would have been dead a hundred times over from the glares both monsters were giving him as they rose from the ground. 

“Leave that to me!”

In an explosion of dust, the hero surged forward. His ascent met with the unearthly shrieks of the great beast as they charged to meet him in turn. 

First was The Behemoth. Clenching his fist and leaping into the air, Beowulf delivered a powerful strike meeting its swiveling horns head on! The impact sent both man and monster backwards. However, The Behemoth was quick to recover, digging its tusk into the ground and launching uprooted projectiles with a swing of its head again.

PRIMORDIAL DEBRIS

Shifting his leg, Beowulf responded with a series rapid-fire jabs one after another. Tearing through the rocks like paper, as The Behemoth continued its barrage. Soon enough, a massive crater formed at the monster’s feet, only growing larger as Beowulf’s arm met each attack without fail—steam pouring from his muscles.

“GYAHAHAHA! Keeping your distance now, are ya? What’s the matter, beastie, you scared?”

At that moment, The Behemoth sent another wave of rocks flying. However as Beowulf wound his arm back preparing to break these too, a luminescent streak darted between the corner of his eyes, moving swiftly between incoming projectiles and using them as cover.

What was that? Wait… Beowulf looked around, a certain something was missing from the battlefield! I see, so that’s how you two wanna play? Sneaky Bastards!

…

Landing on the ground, Yahweh brushed himself off as he turned to look at the battle raging behind him.

Tch…? That’s a first. Never seen Behey and Levi—

Like clockwork Beowulf tore through those rocks with ease. However, as one burst apart in a shower of pebbles, a familiar set of fangs and frills seemed to explode into existence, and The Leviathan’s gaping maw bore down on the Monster Slayer.

—working like this together! 

…

“WHOA!” Beowulf cried out, shifting back as the serpent’s fangs slammed shut just inches from his face. The Leviathan trilled, as its body coiled back to The Behemoth’s side.
Exchanged a sinister glint, The Behemoth’s tusk dipped back down and lifted a huge chunk out of the ground, smashing it into pieces before hurling them at Beowulf! Simultaneously, The Leviathan shot forward, its serpentine body shifting between and behind numerous projectiles so fast it soon became lost in the field of debris!

PRIMORDIAL DEBRIS + KEEL AMBUSH

“Tch…” Beowulf cocked his fists, jabbing and smashing rocks as they came near. “Looks like we’re in a tight spot here, Goll—WHOA!”

The Leviathan struck, sweeping around a boulder to strike! Beowulf barely dodged, returning with a swift chop. But the serpent had already slithered away as another projectile soared past his ear, refocusing Beowulf’s attention on the new wave of debris sent his way by The Behemoth.

This dangerous game continued: Beowulf breaking more chunks that came in never-ending waves, forcing him into a state of hyper-focus as his joints moved surgically to counter each and every single one without leaving so much as a scratch!
However, this left him vulnerable. As without warning, The Leviathan would emerge from nowhere and deliver a deadly blow! Leaving only a tiny window in between beats for the Monster Slayer to react and dodge.

Though Beowulf was moving along just fine, with each passing second it became clear to all—that this razor thin margin would only grow narrower!

‘Arggggh! This isn’t good!’ Goll cried. ‘Since when could such a big snake be so sneaky!’

Beowulf didn’t answer, preoccupied with parrying. A sudden lunge from the left caught him off guard, and the Leviathan’s fang grazed his left wrist, drawing blood as the creature sneered and dove back into its cover.

‘... Heheh—I know that look! Y-you’ve got one of your trademarks plans, don’t you Beo?’

“GYAHAHAHA! You’ve read my mind, partner! Gotta warn ya though, it’s gonna be risky!”

‘Guh—R-risky? Pfft–! Remember what you said, Beo? We can do ANYTHING together!’

“... You know I can tell you’re still scared out of your wits, right?”

‘S-sorry… I didn’t want to—’

Just teasing, partner! I don’t care how scared you are right now. Because what you just said—”

Beowulf raised his fist just as The Behemoth launched another barrage. His body buzzed with preparation as he watched The Leviathan slither and disappear once again into the crowd.

“IS. DAMN. FUCKING. RIGHT!”

…

Archangel’s Viewing Booth

“Odd.” Michael mused, watching the exchange below.

“What’s wrong, brother?” Raphael asked.

“I’ve seen both The Behemoth and The Leviathan working in tandem many times.” The Archistraegos explained. “But in all my years of combat, I have never known Lord Yahweh’s creations to fight so… reservedly.”

At that moment, two new angels entered the booth. Both sporting the same prismatic wings as Michael, and Raphael. The one on the right was skinny, dressed in yellow, with short spiky hair. Whilst the one on the left was considerably wizened than the rest, sporting a snowy white beard. There was a long scar running down his left eye, and he wore starry blue robes whilst resting a gloved hand on the scabbard by his hip.

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Archangel Gabriel
(Abrahamic Pantheon)
The Angelic Herald

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Lord Metatron
(Abrahamic Pantheon)
The Celestial Scribe

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“Brother Gabriel! And… Lord Metatron?!” Raphael greeted the duo. “What brings you here?”

“I was making my way down here myself when I ran into Lord Metatron.” Gabriel explained, caressing a golden horn in his hand not too different from Heimdall’s whom he regarded with a spiteful glare.

“Tch! So Zeus did get that Norse hack to act as commentator after all? That geezer has no sense of decorum…”

On the other hand, Metatron made his way to the edge of the balcony, scanning the arena as his eyes landed on Yahweh.

“Lord Metatron… It’s been a while.”

The angel silenced Michael with a flick of his palm. Stroking his beard as he mused deeply.

“Excellent observation, Michael…” His voice was soft yet reverberating. “Yes… it would have been expected for both beasts of old to sense that human’s growing exhaustion and go in for the decisive kill. Yet, they still cling to this strategy of chipping away at his strength? There can only be one explanation for such behaviour… FEAR.”

“?!” The younger angels tensed at that word.

“FEAR?” Michael spluttered. “The Primordial Beasts of Land and Sea are… afraid?”

Metatron’s eyes focused on Yahweh again, spotting him grimace.

“Yes… I’m sure that boy knows it too. To the rest of the arena, there are but only two monsters on the battlefield. But as far as The Behemoth and The Leviathan themselves are concerned—”

…

Valhalla Arena

Watching Beowulf destroying projectiles, The Leviathan laid in wait, instinctively targeting the hero’s bloodied left. Watching… waiting just for Beowulf's body to relax slightly after delivering a punch. It didn’t have to be a decisive blow… just enough to continue bleeding him like a pig!

The Leviathan lunged forward, unhinging its maw to deliver a quick cut. 

‘Ba-dum. BA-DUM! BA-DUM!’

“Dammit not again!” Yahweh cursed, clutching his chest. “Urgggggh—Forget that! Don’t tell me… he’s seriously going to—?!”

The moment the Leviathan had sprung, Beowulf’s eyes and its own locked together. The Hero’s body twisted sharply, his left arm veering into the path of its jaw. Unable to stop itself, the serpent’s fangs sunk into his flesh, lodging deep within as it instinctively bit down!

“OH NO! Beowulf has just taken a devastating strike from The Sin of Envy! What could Mankind’s champion possibly do now?!”

“... Oi, god.” 

Hearing Beowulf’s voice call out to him all the way across the arena, Yahweh felt his hair stand on end as he shifted unconsciously. 

‘BA-DUM! BA-DUM! BA-DUM!’ A-am I afraid? Of this human?! No… no, that isn’t it—that isn’t it at all! This was… this was the same thing when I watched every single one of those rounds—!

Beowulf took a step back and grinned. 

“Caught. You~”

I… I HATE FEELING THIS WAY!!!

…

Before the Leviathan could react, Beowulf swung his arm into the air! What a sight it was, to see the entire length of this massive serpent forced along, hanging midair as the hero began to spin it round and round like a whirlwind.

“COME ON. COME ON! Why do you now cower, oh god of the south? Did you not ask me what I was?” Beowulf called out as the centrifugal force from his spin began to draw in the air around him.

“Burn it in thine heart, for well you know my name! I am Ripper... Tearer... Slasher... Gouger. I am the Teeth in the Darkness, the Talons in the Night. Mine is Strength... and Lust... and Power! I AM BEOWULF!!!!”

…

‘BA-DUM! BA-DUM! BA-DUM!’ 

“Damn you, human—! Sorry Behey, you’re on your own!” Yahweh said before suddenly leaping away and leaving The Behemoth behind. 

I’m not falling for the same trick twice!

…

“COMET SPIN!!!”

With all his might, Beowulf dislodged the shrieking Leviathan with momentum alone, sending the massive serpent flying across the air towards The Behemoth as the great beast let out a bellow of surprise! Its ally had been turned against it, the heavy air denying either of them any chance of escape! 

The Beast of the Land, and The Serpent of the Seas. Their eyes locked onto each other for a picosecond, their savage minds in that instance shared but a single thought before they collided in a mighty ‘BOOOOOOM!’ that shook the entire arena to its foundations.

‘On that barren landscape of vitriol and ruin. There is only ONE monster amongst them all!’

The entire arena was in an uproar. Gods were groaning, yelling in disbelief, and some humans shared in that shock. 

“INCREDIBLE!” Heimdall howled. “D-despite Yahweh’s incredible skills of contortion and evasion… Beowulf’s gigantic greatsword has absolutely decimated the One True God in one strike, and blown him COMPLETELY away! Is the fight already over?!”

“No…” Raphael gasped, cupping his mouth. “That… can’t be right! Lord Yahweh… defeated so easily?!”

Next to him, Michael gripped his shoulders tightly as tics began to twitch across his forehead.

I knew it… You’ve let yourself go, you idiot. It was only a matter of time…

“DAMMIT!”

…

God’s VIP viewing booth

From his seat, Ares felt his jaw drop as he beheld Beowulf’s powerful pose.

“What is that human made of? An attack like that… should not be possible! He blew Yahweh right out of the arena itself!” 

Hermes stroked his chin thoughtfully. 

“That human… he got the gist of Yahweh’s abilities so quickly. I expected him to capitalize on the flaws in the techniques, but I certainly didn’t expect him to just… completely negate anything and everything with such a bombastic attack."

Zeus chuckled darkly. 

“Hoho! You have to respect the simplicity in such a response though. What’s the use in fancy movements if anywhere you go, you’d STILL just be blasted away!”

Ares grimaced. “How can you be so calm, father? We just… LOST! And badly too!” 

The War God’s words only made his fellow Olympians snicker.

“Oh I don’t know about that, my son.” Zeus said as his gaze panned to the smoking earth where Yahweh had just been standing—Just been? Nay… slowly Ares and the rest of the arena too came to realize that The One True God…

WAS. STILL. THERE. 

“I think you’ll be surprised by just how far the limits of that brat can go.”  

…

‘Ba-dum, Ba-dum, Ba-dum.’

‘Beo—!’ Goll’s voice called out urgently.

“Don’t worry, Goll.” He chuckled. “I know… Hey, god! You gonna keep the audience in suspense or what?” 

For a moment there was no response…

“Haiz… and here I thought I could get the jump on you too.” 

“EHHHHHHH?!”

The audience sprang to their feet, rushing to see what had happened. 

Sprawled on the ground at Beowulf’s feet was Yahweh, and at first, it might have seemed that he had simply just fallen to the ground? But then, they all saw, leaving them speechless, his ankles—

They were bent, at a full 90 degrees angle.

Even Heimdall couldn’t muster words for his commentary. Simply staring, with Gjallarhorn shaking in his grip.

I-I think I’m gonna be sick! J-joints… joints aren’t supposed to bend that way!!!

Unperturbed by their shock, Yahweh’s chest was rising and falling rapidly, a small grin slowly began to spread across his face.

““Gah—! My feet feel like jelly now.” He sighed, as his ankle joints slowly began to rotate upwards like a lever. 

‘Ba-dum, Ba-dum, Ba-dum.’

“… Heh…”

‘Ba-dum! Ba-dum! Ba-DUM! BA-DUM! BA-DUM! BA-DUM!’

“Heh… Aha—Hahaha… HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! WHOO! I didn’t… I didn’t think I could even pull off something like that! What a rush!” 

Yahweh hopped from one foot to the other, swiveling his joints freely as he planted them against the ground. For a moment he seemed happy? But his face quickly fell as he seemed to regain his wits, taking a deep breath and exhaling. 

‘Ba-dum, Ba-dum…’

“Hoo… Got carried away there.” He muttered, turning to Beowulf with a mirth-less smile. “Guess I was wrong, you reaaaal impressive swinging that sword around, like a maniac, aren’t you? Is that how you feel like a man?” 

Beowulf sneered in return. “GYAHAHA! Don’t get it twisted!” 

All of a sudden, he swung his sword carelessly over his shoulder, sending a massive shockwave barreling straight towards the audience!

“Wait, Beowulf is attacking us? Did he go crazy?!” 

Many humans cowered in their seats. However, a certain few sat still without a trace of worry.

“This guy…” Wiglaf sighed as the Geats watched the shockwave begin to dissipate the closer it got. Till no more than a gentle breeze blew through their hair. 

Beowulf then flicked his wrist casually, and the flat of Eotenbana’s blade appeared inches away from Yahweh’s cheek.

Though he did not flinch, The One True God could not stop his lips from twitching upwards, as his hands trembled in excitement.

Fuck me… I don’t know what it is about this human. Ha—HAHAHA! What the hell… is wrong with me?!

‘Ba-dum, BA-DUM! BA-DUM!…’

“This sword here… is a sign of trust from a warrior with a mighty spirit. I would never dream of using it so casually! So listen up well! You can bend and twist all you like, god! But with the faith that she and everyone else has for me—I CAN DO ANYTHING! Even if it is OVERCOMING GOD HIMSELF!” 

‘BA-dummmm…’

Suddenly, Yahweh’s smile disappeared instantly, and his face became shrouded in a sinister darkness as he closed his eyes. His hands curled tight, and beginning to shake.

“That so? Haiz. Now why did you have to go and say that, human?”

Ghk?!

Beowulf tensed, drawing his weapon back into a more defensive pose. 

“Goll…”

‘I felt it too! Like… something really dangerous is about to happen!’

At that moment, the pair noticed something clutched in Yahweh’s right fist. A clump of earth, ripped from the floor beneath them when the God was against the floor.

“Oh boy…” Michael sighed. “Here it comes.” 

The golden markings that lined Yahweh’s arms began to pulse and glow as he slowly rotated his fist.

“It’s a real shame too.” He sighed. “I gotta remind myself to stop getting worked up over nothing.”

‘CRACK!’

He shattered the rubble in his hands, and the texture and color of his forearm seemed to shift, resembling that of the ground as his thumb, index, and middle finger came together whilst his baleful eyes opened with a start.

“Ok. I don’t want to play with you anymore…” 

‘Snap!'

The ground beneath them rumbled, as streaks of light erupted from Yahweh’s fingertips, flying into the air. They skimmed the surface of the arena floor, whipping up Beowulf’s hair, and carrying away chunks of earth with them. Gathering in the empty space behind Yahweh, and coagulating in a swirling mass of creation.

“I don’t like where this is going!” Wiglaf grimaced, covering his face.

Beside him, Breca was blowing stray hair out of his face. “Hey… what on earth is that?”

“NEW GENESIS…”

The Book of Job 40:15-24: ‘Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. What strength it has in its loins, what power in the muscles of its belly!’

The mass was now taking shape. Layers of earth began folding over one another like muscle and hide. Forming a muscular torso, humped like a bull, suspended in the storm.

‘Its tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are close-knit. Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like rods of iron.’

Four pillars dropped from its corners, thickening into colossal elephantine legs that struck the ground with tremendous weight. Another column rose from its front, condensing into a thick neck and head, its eyes piercing through the wind as it towered over Beowulf.

‘It ranks first among the works of God, yet its Maker can approach it with his sword.’

With its colossal form complete, the creature’s body shifted. Concrete and earth turned into a thick, leathery hide as it lowered its massive head—an amalgamation of hippo, elephant, bull, and countless terrestrial megafauna—allowing Yahweh to vault onto its back. Rising to its full height, it released a deafening bellow that rattled the arena to its very foundations. 

“Crush him… BEHEMOTH.”

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The Behemoth
(New Genesis)
The Great Beast

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The One True God took a seat on his creation’s forehead, looking down with an apathetic expression.

“Don’t mind me, just taking a break. You got any complaints, take it up with this fellow right here.” He said, gesturing down at The Behemoth as it pawed the ground aggressively.

I-impartial be damned! Heimdall gulped, feeling his knees shiver. “Y-yahweh… has summoned a massive JUGGERNAUT! W-what god could ever hope to stand up to such a thing, let alone ONE man?!”

‘Ulp! I-I’m scared out of my wits too!’ Goll muttered. ‘B-BUT! It’s no problem for the two of us as long as we have each other’s backs. R-right, Beowulf?”

“GYAHAHAHA! SPOT ON, PARTNER!” Beowulf rumbled, hoisting Eotenbana in front of him in a battle-ready stance.

“Oi, god! Didn’t ya hear the announcer at the start? Facing down big old pug-uglies like the one you’ve just subbed-in… IS MY SPECIALITY!" 

Letting out a bellow, The Behemoth answered with powerful trods, lowering its head and digging its tusk into the ground like a plow as it stampeded forward. Simultaneously, Beowulf raised his sword and thrusted, cutting through the air he met The Behemoth’s tusk with an ear-splitting ‘CLANG!’. 

Ivory and metal skidded against each other, sending sparks flying into the air so large that they looked like fireworks. Hero and Beast found their blades and gaze locked in combat as they battled for supremacy, and to Yahweh and everyone else’s shock, Beowulf was easily holding its own against a creature hundreds of times his size and weight!

“Ho? What’s wrong, big boy? Ain’t used to ants not being crushed? Well then you should also know what happens when we ants are pushed–!”

He grabbed Eotebana’s handle with both hands, every vein and muscle on Beowulf’s arms seemed to pulse as his waist began to twist—pushing against The Behemoth’s tusk with his sword till cracks began to form across the ivory.

“WE PUSH BACK A HUNDRED TIMES HARDER! EOTENBANA: SHATTERING SWINGER!”

With a trumpet of alarm, The Behemoth’s entire head was forced upwards as Beowulf overpowered it. The beast stumbled slightly, shaking in confusion as Yahweh struggled to keep his balance atop its head.

Tch! He actually managed to size up to Behey? 

Eyes exploding open with rage, The Behemoth shifted, swiveled wildly as it rose on its hind legs, stretched one enormous front foot out, and let out a great cry as it brought it crashing back down to earth upon Beowulf’s head! 

MEGATTON CRUSHER!

‘Beowulf!’

“ON IT!” 

The Monster Slayer stuck his sword into the ground and lifted both his arms above his head, catching the incoming strike!. 

“Idiot, you couldn’t possibly—!” Yahweh growled, before his eyes widened. 

“GYAHAHAHA! NOT BAD!” Beowulf rumbled, his arms standing strong even under all that weight, simply refusing to allow it to move any further down! “But us Geats—do our work best under pressure!”

“Tch! Bothersome! Alright, then we’ll just keep going till you can’t—!”

GIGATTON CRUSHER! 

A loud groan erupted as The Behemoth pressed down and exerted even more pressure.

‘This isn’t good! You can’t keep taking this! What should we do now?’ 

Beowulf huffed, his eyes darting as his mind formulated a plan. 

“Don’t worry, I got one.” He rumbled. “But it’s reaaal risky, and I gotta need you to trust me on this!”

‘Mhm! I-I’m not gonna get scared! I believe you!’ 

“GYAHAHAHA! That’s what I like to hear! Now—“ 

Against all logic, Beowulf removed his right hand from the support, instantly falling to a knee as his remaining arm trembled.

Ares leapt from his seat. “Don’t tell me that he’s actually going to—?!”

Clenching his right fist into a ball, Beowulf inhaled, and force began to gather around his fist like before into a singular point. With great effort he rose, letting loose a thunderous battlecry as he swung his arm upwards, and connected with the thick keratin of The Behemoth’s sole.

COMET UPPERCUT!

The Behemoth howled, pressing down even more. However, the Monster Slayer stood firm, straining every muscle in his body to follow through with the blow, breaking through layer after layer of skin.

“You seriously think you can punch your way out of this one?” Yahweh yelled.

“Big words from the one who can’t even fight his own battles!” Beowulf roared back. “Didn’t you hear?… As long as people believe… I… CAN SURPASS ANYTHING! ARGGGGGGGGH!”

“You piece of shit—!”

At last, with a shared howl of pain, Beowulf’s knuckles broke through the last layer of spongy skin, piercing into the flesh beneath, and striking a giant blood vessel.

The Behemoth reared back, bellowing angrily as it stomped its injured foot against the floor in a frenzy. Now freed, Beowulf fell to his knees in exhaustion, grimacing as he flexed his own bloodied knuckles.

‘Beo! You alright?’

“Yeah!” He answered, pulling Eotenbana free and getting back up. “Just a flesh wound, I wouldn’t have been able to pull that off without your help, HAHA!”

If the valkyrie face was visible, she most certainly would have been blushing.

“T-thanks! But really it was—BEHIND YOU!’

Whipping around, Beowulf was met with The Behemoth swinging its horns towards him. The Monster Slayer raised his sword, trying to catch the beast with the blade’s flat, only to be knocked off-balance.

“This idiot’s pissing you off too, huh?” Yahweh called. “Well then, Behey—Whaddya waiting for? Bash his brains out!”

Hearing its creator’s commands, The Behemoth’s eyes narrowed as it reared back, its massive head rising high above the battlefield as the muscles on its neck stretched. For a heartbeat, the hulking skull hung suspended like a mountain poised to fall—before cascading down in a crushing headbutt!

PRIMORDIAL LANDSLIDE! 

Beholding this incoming attack, Beowulf wasted no time—He leaned back, drawing in a deep breath as his shoulders rolled. For a brief moment, he held that coiled posture, chin raised and neck taut—

Brunhilde slammed her hands on the railing in a mixture of disbelief and rage.

“NO! That idiot better not be doing what I THINK he’s about to do!”

“GOLL!” Beowulf roared, every muscle in his frame tensing in anticipation

‘I-I’m ready for it! Just do what you have to do! RAAAAAAAAAH!’

“GYAHAHAHA! Don’t worry, I know you are! OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH!”

He exploded forward, driving off his feet and snapping his own head ahead like a striking ram, heading straight for The Behemoth’s cranium in an inevitable clash!

COMET BASH!

Head, and gigantic head clashed. The force produced was so great it slammed into the ground with catastrophic power, sending stone and earth erupting outward in a violent shockwave as the impact split the arena beneath it.

Wind sweeping across his face, Yahweh grimaced as he could barely make out Beowulf’s silhouette as streaks of light danced across his eyes. 

‘BA-DUM! BA-DUM! BA-DUM!…’

Fuck, not again! It just… keeps getting stronger, and I don’t know why! I hate feeling like this… I hate… not being… ARGH! So… ANNOYING! It makes me want to scream—Wait, scream?

His train of thoughts interrupted, Yahweh glanced down at Beowulf. Even though the clamour of the clash was ear-splittingly close, he could still hear Beowulf’s own mighty battlecry, unwavering as he once again pushed The Behemoth back through strength alone with each rising decibel.

Slowly the gears turned, and a grin stretched across The One True God’s face.

Ah… Gotcha.

…

‘AHHHHHHHHH—Ahhhhhh—Ack! Ugh… my head’s feeling a bit woozy…’

“OUUUUUH—Goll! You alright?” Beowulf rumbled. In his hesitation, a wave of pain suddenly crashed against his cranium, instantly causing him to stumble.

Ghk–! Got careless there…!

‘Beo!’ Goll gasped as she shared the pain. ‘Argh–I’m so sorry I made us lose focus!’

“Haaaah—! Don’t worry about it!” Beowulf replied, regaining his footing as blood poured from his forehead. “It's my fault for making YOU worry. So just focus on staying strong and let me—”

Raising his arm slowly, Beowulf grabbed at The Behemoth’s giant temples with his free hand, burrowing his fingers deep into its thick skin.

Its eyes widening in alarm, The Behemoth surged forward to try and crush him against the arena wall. However, even as his feet tore through the ground, Beowulf refused to let go.

“HANDLE THIS! Now as for you. Why don’t you—”

All of a sudden, Beowulf seemed to EXPLODE with energy, slamming his foot into the ground so abruptly The Behemoth nearly tipped over. Push as hard as it might, the Monster Slayer simply refused to budge!

Lifting his sword with his other hand, Beowulf held the monster’s head fast as he aimed down the length of the blade—eyes locking onto The Behemoth’s own while the great beast’s massive frame began to quake.

“GET. OUTTA. MY. SIGHHHHHHT!!!!!!!!!”

Thrusting Eotenbana forward, the swordtip slammed against The Behemoth’s thick skull and sent it flying across the field! The audience gaped seeing such bulk thrown like a paperweight, and flinching as The Behemoth landed with a shattering ‘BOOM!’.

EOTENBANA: DEAFENING LANCE!

…

“W-what POWER!” Heimdall yelled. “Beowulf has completely OUTMATCHED a monster tens of times his own size, TRULY HE IS THE MONSTER SLAYER!”

Collapsing to one knee, Beowulf’s massive chest was heaving up and down. Sweat dripped steadily off his pectorals as he exhaled slightly.

‘Y-you did it, Beowulf!’ Goll cheered.

“Nah, not yet.” Beowulf said, gesturing to The Behemoth which was now struggling to clamber back to its feet. “Not saying we didn’t do good, but that big lug’s still kicking. Plus—”

The Monster Slayer’s eyes swept across the field.

“It ain’t him we’re supposed to beat, remember?”

“—Interesting, so it was all that caterwauling. wasn’t it?”

A chill ran down Beowulf’s spine, immediately swinging his fist around and barely missing Yahweh’s jaw as the God contorted his spine to swerve out of harm’s way.

“I was reaaaaal puzzled at first. Goll… I assume it means screaming like a maniac? The louder you holler, the stronger you get. That’s how you were pushing Behey around, ain’t it?”

“GYAHAHAHA!” Beowulf rumbled. “I think you’re mistaken, god! Dealing with your little pet is a breeze. But yeah, with Goll as my partner? Heh… I’ve reached heights even I didn’t know of!”

The Monster Slayer rose to his full height. Trails of steam rose from his frame, adding to his unearthly silhouette as he dwarfed over Yahweh like an incoming storm.

“But now ain’t this just a pickle for you! Your little trump card’s off licking its wound, and I’m still fit as a flea! Are ya gonna start fighting your own battles now. god?”

Yahweh smirked unperturbed, scratching his chin with one hand.

“Hmm yeah, it does look pretty bad for me, doesn’t it? Left all alone facing a big strong warrior whose screams render him practically invincible. Just what am I gonna do now—? Oh wait, I know—NEW GENESIS…”

“?!”

At that moment, Beowulf noticed a tiny glint on the fingertips of Yahweh’s other hand. A small droplet of liquid… Nay, a bead of sweat? HIS sweat!

He must have swiped it offa my body just now. Damn, I didn’t even notice!

‘Careful, Beo!’ Goll’s disembodied voice echoed. ‘If he’s gonna do what I think he’s gonna do—’

The Valkyrie barely finished her sentence before another ‘Snap!’ was heard, and the lines across Yahweh’s body glowed again as the texture of his arms flashed momentarily with the transparent fluidity of water—

A massive serpentine form burst from the sweat between God's fingers, its broad coils lined with bioluminescent fins and spots as it wound itself around Beowulf, separating him from its creator. 

The Book of Job 41:25-34: ‘Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it.’

Rising high into the air, the creature revealed a crocodilian head bristling with spikes and spines that ran down the length of its back. Catfish-like barbels hung from its narrow snout, beside segmented frills along its neck. As it let out a piercing trill, rows upon rows of shark-like fangs glinted within its gaping maw.

‘When it rises up, the mighty are terrified; they retreat before its thrashing. The sword that reaches it has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin.’

“Oh nice, a sea monster.” Beowulf chuckled, grabbing Eotenbana. “My FAVOURITE sort of catch!”

The serpent’s coils closed in, wrapping itself around Beowulf’s body and squeezing tight.

“HA! As expected, but I’ll—Ghrk?!”

Iron, it treats like straw and bronze like rotten wood. Arrows do not make it flee; slingstones are like chaff to it. A club seems to it but a piece of straw; it laughs at the rattling of the lance.’

Just as the Monster Slayer attempted to unleash his mighty battlecry, the creature’s tail slammed against his mouth, immediately stifling his voice and preventing even a whisper from being uttered!

"On earth there is nothing like him, which is made without fear. He beholds every high thing; He is king over all the children of pride.'

“Rend him…” Yahweh commanded, having returned to his perch upon The Behemoth’s forehead. “LEVIATHAN!’

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The Leviathan
(New Genesis)
The Sin of Envy

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“Welcome back everybody” Heimdall yelled. The Valhalla Coliseum arena had been remodeled into a wide square arena, with two tall rectangular doors resembling boxes that had the words 神 (Gods), and 人類 (Mankind), emblazoned on the doors’ paper-thin screens.

A massive holographic screen above the VIP viewing booths displayed the current score in the tournaments

• O Thor VS Lu Bu X
• O Zeus VS Adam X
• X Poseidon VS Sasaki Kojiro O
• X Heracles VS Jack The Ripper O
• O Shiva VS Raiden Tameemon X

“With the gods now as three wins, and humanity at two! After seven million years… mankind has taken a step closer—TO ITS END!”

Humanity shuddered at the Watchmen of The Apocalypse’s words. Standing in Humanity’s VIP viewing booth, noticeably alone, Brunhilde gripped her shoulders tightly as the screen flickered out of existence.

“Now get ready… for the Sixth Round of Ragnarok!”

The lights in the arena went dim hushing the excitable clamour of the crowd.

“Amongst the legends of mankind—there exists that of ‘The King Asleep in the Mountain’! a hero who lays dormant, waiting to answer the call of their people in their greatest times of needs! From Britain, KING ARTHUR! In Ireland, FINN MCCOOL! But further up north in the deep forests of southern Sweden, the Geats await ANOTHER legendary hero!”

A harsh light shone from behind the doors as numerous Geatish warriors in the stands rose from their seats, smashing their axes and swords against their shields as their hoarse chants were heard all across the arena.

The doors burst open, and a large wooden warship reared its head out into the arena, carrying more Geats whose chants melted into the overall cheer. 

Below the keel was Beowulf, his sword strapped to his back as he carried the entire structure along easily with just one hand!

“When the Jotun, Grendel savaged the halls of the Danes. Only HE was brave enough to answer the call! When the Sea Hag came for vengeance, it was HE who ventured to her lair alone! And when a dragon ravaged his homeland, HE, in his twilight years slew it in a blaze of glory! Is it no wonder his people look to him for aid even in death?! Without further ado, I give you, The King of The Geats! The Warrior of a Century! Humanity’s Greatest Monster-Slayer!...”

BEOWULF!!!!

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Beowulf
(Sweden)
Humanity’s Representative for Round 6

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“GYAHAHAHA! Thanks for the workout boys! My shoulders were feeling a bit stiff!” Beowulf laughed boisterously as he set the massive ship on the ground. “But I’m afraid it's time for you to disembark!”

As the Geats descended, their voices dripping with confidence was heard.

“Knock’ em dead, my lord!”

“Show them gods how we do it back in Geatland!”

“We’ve all got your back, cousin.”

Beowulf smiled at the last one, placing his free hand firmly on his faithful kinsman’s shoulder.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wiglaf
(Sweden)
Beowulf’s cousin, and heir

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I know you do, Wiglaf. Now watch closely. I’m going to knock that god right out of their boots!”

“Heh—You go and give them hell!”

As Wiglaf left the battlefield, hundreds of angels descended with ropes to carry the boat off Beowulf’s shoulders.

“You lot can manage it alright?”

“Y-yup!” The lead angel said, sweating buckets as they hoisted the massive frame into the air. “N-no worries here!”

‘Who do you think the gods are going to send out now?’ Goll’s disembodied voice rang out in Beowulf’s ear. ‘Ooooh… I’m getting all jittery just thinking about it!’

“Perish those worries, Goll!” Beowulf replied to the confusion of some. “Fret not about what you cannot control. As long as we have each other’s backs, no god is a match for us!”

‘M-mhm! Got it!’

Returning to Heimdall, The Watchman of the Apocalypse spun around to the God’s side of the arena. Just as the lights dimmed again, and low gregorian chanting was heard as a heavenly glow bathed the battlefield

“On to the representative of the Heavens! BELIEF! To the mighty gods of Valhalla, this word is NOTHING. However, to mankind, it is EVERYTHING! For it is through belief that a Gorgon becomes the victim! A Monkey cultivated into a sage! The Devil martyred into a rebel! If power and status were determined through belief alone, THIS GOD! Would be NIGH OMNIPOTENT!”

The doors opened, and Yahweh strutted casually out of the darkness, hands resting behind his back as his cloud-like hair floated carelessly in the wind.

At first, his entrance was met with mild interest. But slowly that soon morphed into sounds of recognition—especially for the humans.

“W-wait… that guy. Doesn’t his face look a bit… familiar?”

“What are you—Wait! You’re right! I can’t help but feel like I’ve seen him before. But… from where?”

“I-it can’t be!” The men turned around to see a priest falling to his knees, his hands clasped tightly in prayer.

“Hey! What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you recognize that god?”

Get on your knees, you fool!” The priest sobbed. “And look closer at his face!”

The humans turned back, squinting their eyes closely, and promptly recoiled.

“N-no way… his face! It’s the absolute spiffing image of… of… OF ADAM!”

“No you fool. Adam’s face… was built in HIS image!”

With those words, realization dawned on humanity’s faces. Many pious folks dropped to their knees, as others felt a horrible chill run down their spine. The god who the First Man’s image was based on, that could only be—

“N-no! A-are you saying that god is…?!”

“ ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me... You shall not bow down to them or serve them’! That bold claim to his followers earned him the vitriol of every other pantheon! Yet to billions of humans around earth, only HE is to be known by the words: G-O-D! Despair, mankind! For your faith has been met with indifference! HE. Alone is the almighty! He. Alone is the creator! And HE. Now stands before you. The so-called: One True God…!”

YAHWEH!!!

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Yahweh
(Abhramic Pantheon)
Heaven’s Representative for Round 6

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“Geez keep it down, Heimdall.”  Yahweh sighed, picking his nose. “Really laying it on thick, aren’t you?”

Heimdall flashed him a poisonous look. “I don’t like you either, ‘True God’!” He growled. “But being an impartial referee comes first, so I’ll give you the spotlight like every other fighter.”

“How kind of you.” The God drawled, flicking a booger at him much to Heimdall’s dismay. Meanwhile the dismay that had gripped humanity turned into confusion as from holy men, to the average joe, they all shared the same thought.

This scruffy fellow…. Is God?

…

‘WHAT? WHAT? WHAT?’ Goll squealed in Beowulf’s subconscious. ‘O-our opponent is THE God??? I didn’t even think he was real!!!’

“Course he’s real!” Beowulf laughed. “If all the other gods exist, why wouldn’t he?”

‘Well… I…’

“GYAHAHAHA! Calm your nerves, Goll. You’re making us look real silly right now! Like I said, it doesn't matter which god comes at us. We’re just gonna send them flying!”

Yahweh smirked, taking a step forward.

“Goll, huh? So you got the runt of the litter now did you?” 

“GYAHA–! I’m sorry…” Beowulf answered, hoisting his sword over his shoulders and bringing it smashing onto the ground next to the God as his grin turned sinister. “What didja just say about my partner?”

“Settle down now!” Heimdall yelled. “Wait for my signal! Which is right about… NOW! BEGIN!”

At Heimdall’s call, Beowulf suddenly pulled his blade back, burying it deep into the earth as he then began taking slow, thundering steps forward whilst cracking his knuckles.

‘Beowulf? What are you doing?’

“Sorry Goll. I know I said we’re in this together. But from what I see, this little shrimp is a real piece of shit—GYAHAHAHA! Let me go test the waters. I would hate to put you in harm’s way if it turned out all I needed was one punch to win this whole she-bang!”

‘Uh?... OH! Right, yeah! Samavadhana, and by extension, Volund, makes it so that it's not just my Divine Weapon that’s capable of hurting a god, but your body is too!’

“Now ya got it! Hey… god!” Beowulf rumbled, towering over Yahweh as the latter scratched his armpit unceremoniously whilst looking up at him without the slightest trace of fear.

“I don’t like the way you talked to my friend! So if you don’t mind…” He swung one huge fist back. “I’m gonna knock your teeth in!”

“Go ahead. No complaints from me.” Yahweh smirked.

Beowulf let rip one meaty right hook. It sailed through the air, right towards Yahweh's face at near point-blank range!

COMET STRAIGHT!

The air seemed to explode in a violent burst as his fist made contact! All of a sudden, The One True God… was left without a head!

‘Y-you did it?!’ Goll gasped.

“Nah, not quite.” Beowulf answered, his smile tightening. 

In front of the Monster Slayer, Yahweh did in fact appear to have lost his head… But gazing past Beowulf’s outstretched arm revealed the truth. The God’s neck was in fact—

“—BENT TO THE EXTREME. WHAT AN UNNATURAL WAY TO DODGE!” Heimdall screamed, as gods and humans alike gasped in amazement. Beowulf slowly retracted his fist, and as he did, Yahweh’s neck moved back into place without so much a joint snapping.

“Heh… always funny seeing folks freak out over that.” Yahweh smirked. “So, how does it feel looking like a fool in front of everyone? Don’t answer, I already know a fellow like you’s got too much spunk to spare.”

“Gyahaha! Pretty interesting thing you got going on!” Beowulf said, locking and loading both his fists. “Well then, I guess I’ll just have to up the ante! Get ready…”

COMET STRAIGHT! COMET LEFT! COMET HOOK! COMET JAB! COMET CROSS! COMET RIGHT!

The Monster Slayer unleashed a barrage of heavy blows in close combat! Sending each of them hurtling forward with a shower of bullets!

In response, Yahweh began to move, his feet planted firmly in the ground as his upper-body, heads, and arms swiveling independently, weaving in and out of the way of every punch and strike!

Changing strategies, Beowulf’s left leg shifted to the back, now perpendicular with his right. With that, he focused all his strength and concentration to his right arm that began shooting to and fro so efficiently it was like a well-oiled machine!

Not to be outdone, Yahweh’s hips joined the fray, twisting masterfully like its own well-oiled machine as his torso spun out of harm’s way with the skill of a belly-dancer.

“Can this thing go any faster?” The God taunted. “I’m barely breaking a sweat out here.”

“GYAHAHA! SURE THING!” Beowulf roared. All of a sudden something hurtled from out of the corner of Yahweh’s left eye! The Monster Slayer’s muscular forearm had reentered the battlefield!

COMET LARIAT! 

Yahweh’s eyes widened, and his spine quickly went limp as his torso curved forward evading Beowulf swing which went wide overhead. The God scoffed to himself:

Too easy—?!

With Yahweh now eye-level with Beowulf’s knee, the Monster Slayer’s left foot swung forward with terrifying force! Alarm bells blared in Yahweh’s mind as he twisted his body so fast it coiled up like a spring as Beowulf’s foot sent a rush of wind into his face as it blew right past. 

He had barely caught his breath, when a shadow was cast above his head, that being Beowulf’s right fist following through by hurtling straight down! 

Releasing his compressed body, Yahweh’s upper body barely spun out of harm’s way just as Beowulf’s fist crashed into the ground and splintered the concrete below. 

… 

Spectator’s Stands 

“What on earth…” Breca muttered to himself. “I wouldn't say I’m on the level of the Einherjars, but I spar regularly with Beowulf and can only dodge one or two of his strikes before they inevitably hit me… Meanwhile this god!” 

Wiglaf narrows his eyes, “Beowulf always has a plan. Plus that god’s already feeling the pressure, I’m sure of it! I just want to know… how on earth he can do that with his body!”

…

Humanity’s VIP viewing booth 

“There it is…” Brunhilde muttered to herself. “That asshole’s weird body! It isn’t just his hair that's care-free like a cloud—it’s every damn bone and joint! After all—“

GOD MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS

https://preview.redd.it/jc7zg0zlc36h1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=0e7aa6fa7dd89c97ad40a15e60323956f4f12da1

“With that ability, he’s practically Heaven's perfect contortionist! What is that moron doing just throwing his fist around and wasting energy…”

The eldest valkyrie paused, looking around the booth for a moment.

“…Oh right, Goll isn’t here. Feels awkward just talking to myself… who does that?”

…

Beowulf and Yahweh stood in front of one another, their cheats heaving up and down from exertion. 

Tch… He’s a bit more on the extreme side than I thought. Doesn’t matter though…

Yahweh glanced down, seeing Beowulf ball his left fist and winding it back.

“Heh, you humans really are funny. I can’t think of any other species who knows what they’re doing is wrong, and still does it anyway.”

Beowulf chuckled. “We can be stupid, that’s true.” He rumbled. “But the same thing? Assuming only makes an ass out of yourself!” 

“?!”

At that moment, Yahweh realized something. The sheer force and pressure that was being exerted from the charge-up of Beowulf’s attack alone! It was so powerful, it was so hypnotising! It was so strong that his entire body felt like… No, it WAS being drawn straight in like a blackhole!!!

COMET UPPERCUT! 

Are you kidding me?! 

Yahweh’s body went limp so fast he got whiplash, like a marionette who had his strings cut. His tousled hair grew even more unruly as Beowulf’s strike soared high into the sky, sending gales of winds blasting straight into his face! 

Though he’d managed to evade once again, he still felt the tip of the Monster Slayer’s knuckle graze the skin of his nose! 

How did he?!

No time to think, the moment Yahweh lifted his head, he saw another attack coming straight for him! Beowulf’s right foot swung in a sweeping arc, aimed straight for his feet that had not moved even a single inch.

Don’t tell me—! 

Yahweh tendons roared with effort as he pushed off against the ground with leg strength alone. Leaping straight into the air, and seemingly hopping slightly on nothing.

“GYAHA! Now time to test my theory!” Beowulf roared. The Monster Slayer raised his fist and shot a gust of wind forward with one punch! 

“But that won’t do a thing!” Ares cried from his booth.”Yahweh will just contort his body to avoid it!” 

“Fufufu~ Dear brother, didn’t you hear?” Hermes mused. “Assumptions—why they can be quite dangerous indeed.” 

Like Ares predicted, Yahweh’s body did turn, but with one glaring difference. The One True God’s body was not as flexible as it had been before! 

And so the compressed air from Beowulf’s punch slammed straight into his stomach with such force, that the wind was knocked straight out of Yahweh’s lungs right before it sent him crashing back down!  

…

Spectator’s stand

Michael and Raphael stood in a room just below Zeus’ VIP booth. Watching the events transpire with folded arms.

“Impressive…” The former muttered. “That human figured it out so quickly?”

…

‘W-whoa! How did you do that?!’ Goll gushed excitedly.

“EASY! I noticed that god really liked standing in one place, his feet didn't leave the ground even when he was dodging all my attacks! I wager that he can only contort his body effectively when his legs are pressing against solid ground! GYAHAHA! Ain’t that a laugh? This god doesn’t like being above the rest of us!” 

Beowulf turned, grabbing ahold of his sword. 

“And with that, Goll. Testing has concluded. Now it’s time for you to start pulling your own weight here! You ready for this?”

‘Y-yeah !’

“Nuh-uh! What did I tell you? You gotta yell it straight from your soul! So loud even the Heaven’s are gonna shake!”

‘YEAH!!!’ 

“THAT’S MORE LIKE IT!” He roared. “OOOOOOOOUUUUUUHHHHHHHH!!!!” 

‘OOOOOOOUHHHHH!!’

As the two of them let out their mighty battlecry, Beowulf’s great sword began to pulse with a warm light that grew stronger with each rising decibel! 

The ground beneath them began to rumble as the Monster Slayer slowly began to pull his blade out from the ground. He kept pulling and pulling. And the sword just kept growing and growing! Until at last, Beowulf ripped it from out of the earth and spun the now easily ten-foot blade over his head! 

Brunhilde grinned. “Guess I really underestimated the two of them, huh? So that is what the mighty sword used to slay Grendel’s Mother looked like.”

CLAMORING BLADE: EOTENBANA

Heroforge Pro kitbashing by u/Craftex101

…

“… GAH!” 

Yahweh gasped, instinctively placing both his feet on the ground, shaking debris out from his hair.  

“Man… I was hoping I could get a clean win. Although… technically he didn’t actually hit me. So, it doesn’t count! Pfft! Hey, why am I getting worked up over something so trivial like—?” 

“Psst! Is that really God?”

“It can’t be right? This has to be some sort of joke. God isn’t so… imperfect.” 

The God pursed his lips hearing those words. 

Ah… now that’s a familiar feeling. Doubt. Meanwhile…

He looked at Beowulf, ignoring the appearance of the massive sword that towered over the both of them.

Yeah. Of course HE would be shot up with the stuff…

Yahweh sighed, twisting himself upright. 

“That’s a mighty big sword, you got there.” He called out. “You sure you’re up for it? It’d look really stupid if you just up and fell over.” 

Beowulf grinned, dispelling any doubts by drawing the giant blade behind his shoulders with ease. 

“I don’t know? What do you think, god?” 

“… Heh. I think playtime is going to be reeeeeeal interesting with you, human.” 

The Monster Slayer swung his massive blade forward and suddenly the entire horizon ahead of Yahweh was eclipsed with nothing but the edge of Eotenbana!

Moving to the side was useless. Jumping into the air would leave one leg-less. Every fighter worth their salt in the arena that day quickly realized that this was an attack that the ordinary human or god simply—

COULD. NOT. DODGE. 

And Yahweh was now about to take it—

HEAD. ON. 

EOTENBANA: THUNDEROUS SPLITTER! 

There was a clamorous ‘BOOM!’, soon followed by an explosion of smoke and dust kicking into the air as Beowulf guided Eotenbana in a breath-taking follow through. And as the dust settled, all that seemed to remain in the arena was the mighty Monster-Slayer himself, his giant sword held parallel to his arm. 

As for God… 

He was nowhere to be found.

cover by u/Ocelot1216

“Til’ the very end… you stood firm on your feet.”

Like a streak of fire, Shiva’s kick sliced through the air, silencing the roar of the arena as the world went black forever for one incredible human. Then a soft thud was heard as something fell to the ground.

“The pleasure’s all mine, human. No… Raiden Tameemon.”

The Peak of Svarga turned, walking away as his opponent’s body crumbled into dust.

“With your help, this was… The best match of my life.”

…

“Struggle after struggle… and turn-around after turn-around!” Heimdall roared into his Gjallarhorn as the god erupted into cheer.

“At the end of a fierce clash, the one left standing is this man… Th-the winner of Raganrok, Round 5 is The Mighty Destroyer of Svarga… SHIVAAAAAAAAA!”

...

God’s VIP Viewing Booth

“Phew…” Ares sighed, collapsing on his chair. “Shiva may have won, but he lost three arms doing so. That ending was as close a call as could be!”

“Indeed.” Hermes concurred. “It was his ‘sumo’ honed through a daunting amount of discipline that allowed Raiden Tameemon to drive Shiva that far against the wall.”

The two Olympians turned around. Zeus was sitting on his throne, his face shadowed, and his verdict on the match unclear.

“F-father?” Ares started tentatively.

“That round… That fight…” Zeus muttered, his fists curling around his armrests and shattering them into pieces. The King of the Gods raised his head, eyes bulging in excitement while his wizened features wrinkled from the sheer glee and battlelust he felt in his soul.

“WAS THE BEST THING I’VE WITNESS THUS FAR, AHAHAHAHAHA!”

Ah, we were worried for nothing. Both Ares and Hermes sighed, seeing their father’s usual childish excitement return.

“I can’t wait, can’t wait!” Zeus hollered, leaping off his throne. “Watching those two brats fight… It's like a fire has been lit under these old bones of mine! Oooooh, how I wish I could go in again for seconds! Nevermind that, let’s get the next one started soon as possible!”

“N-next one?” Ares stammered as he chased after his father. “Don’t tell me you already picked out our next representative so quickly?”

“Of course we have, dear brother.” Hermes chuckled. “Didn’t you know?”

“Why does nobody ever tell me these things?!”

Left alone in the booth, Hermes returned his gaze to the arena below rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Should I follow them? It will be a bit before the next round can commence…” 

Just then, something caught the Olympian’s eye in the sea of godly spectators and made his brow raise.

Oh? Isn’t that…?

…

Spectator’s Stands

‘Ba-dum…Ba-dum…’

“Geez everyone is so loud today…”

Amongst the sea of pumping hands and celebratory cries, one God instead lay on his back, eyes gazing into the vast and empty blue sky.

‘Ba-dum, Ba-dum…’

“What’s the big deal? Just a couple of knuckleheads fighting themselves to death.”

‘Ba-dum, Ba-dum, BA-DUM… Ba-dum, Ba-dum, BA-DUM…’

“Giving it their all… Fighting with everything on the line, their hearts… their souls… Not just these two, but everyone of them…”

‘BA-DUM BA-DUM BA-DUM! BA-DUM BA-DUM BA-DUM!’

He exhaled, one hand resting on his chest, whilst the other inserted a finger into his nostril and rotated it idly as he rolled over in his spot.

‘BA-DUM BA-DUM BA-DUM!... BADUM… Ba-dum…Ba-dum…’

“Tch–Why did I even come here? I hate… feeling like this…”

He extracted his finger from his nose, inspected the dried mucus crusted on its tip, and promptly flicked the debris away.

“Gods fighting against humans… Pah! Just a huge waste of time is what it is.”

He had barely finished that sentence before someone flung a book at him somewhere off-screen and caught him on the forehead with a rough thump.

“OI! Watch where you flick your boogers you disgusting piece of shit!”

“Tch, oh it's just him.”

“Wonder what he’s even doing here… Hey, who’d you think he was rooting for? Us or them?”

“Why don’t you just ask him?

“You kidding me? No way am I approaching that loser, HAHAHA!”

As his fellow spectators around him began to disperse, the God groaned, sitting upright and rubbing his bruise.

He was a strange looking fellow with skin the color of copper, accented by golden lines and markings that were etched into it like tattoos. He wore clothes akin to a toga, with one side of his bare chest exposed, as they seem to flow freely like water and smoke. A hood was pulled way over his head, covering it and his face entirely.

“Yeah that’s right.” He mumbled under his breath. “You better run, cause I’m the one, true—Yadda yadda, you get the gist of all that bullshit… Geez, didja have to be so rough, though?”

“My, my. I thought it was you~”

The God looked up, finding Hermes had made his way down from the booth and now stood right next to him in the spectator’s stands.

“...Hermes, right? Whassup?” The God muttered, flashing a peace sign with another hand, much to the Olympian’s amusement.

“Sigh… to think that you of all gods decided to come down and watch Ragnarok in person.” Hermes tutted as he fished his phone out from his pocket. “Lord Zeus won’t be pleased…”

The God snorted, leaning back against his seat. “Tell your daddy he better start getting used to disappointment then.”

…

Valhalla’s Garden of the Gods

Goll was barely holding back tears as she slowly trailed behind Brunhilde. The youngest valkyries’ mind was filled with dear memories of her time spent with her deceased sister.

“S-sister Thrud… was happy wasn’t she?” She asked, tears dripping down her cheeks. “To be able to be with the man she loved for the rest of her life… She was happy wasn’t she?”

Unable to hold it back any longer, Goll burst into tears.

“WAAAAAAH! I know… I know I shouldn’t be crying since this is about saving humanity… B-but—WAAAAAAH!”

Brunhilde paused, stoic,  silent and offering no sympathy. “Goll…”

“Why big sis… Why are you going so far to save humanity?”

The eldest valkyrie sighed, balling her fist with determination.

“Remember, Goll. What the first man Adam, said: ‘Is there any man who needs a reason, to protect what is dear to him?’”

Seeing her sister’s resolve, Goll’s eyes lit up with hope and inspiration. Rubbing the tears from her eyes she nodded and quickened her pace with renewed vigor to keep up with Brunhilde.

“M-mhm! I… I understand, big sis! I won’t let you down… B-but mind telling me… what are we doing—back here?”

In stark contrast to the valkyries somber mood, they now trailed along the picturesque scenery that was their homeland in the Norse pantheon. More specifically the beautiful Garden of the Gods where numerous deities had gathered as usual for recreation below the canopy of the lush forest and beside the babble of the river.

The place was familiar to Goll, after all she and her sisters had visited the garden frequently during a more innocent time. It was a place of many happy and nostalgic memories… though now there were just as many sad ones.

“Tch!” Brunhilde’s expression suddenly morphed into displeasure. “It’s because HE wasn’t in his waiting room like instructed! I swear none of these guys demonstrate even a bit of restraint… Wiglaf told me that he was heading here, it’s only a matter of time until—”

“Waiting room? He? Hold on—you’re not saying one of the Einherjar made his way into Asgard are you?!”

Before Brunhilde could reply, sounds of outrage were heard from the lakeside. The two valkyries exchanged nervous glances before hurrying over.

…

“U-unbelievable! This is simply outrageous!”

“Get out of there right now! Humans aren’t allowed in the Garden of the Gods, much less Asgard!”

“Somebody call the guards! That human is ruining the tranquility of Valhalla!”

Pushing past scandalized maidens and nymphs, Brunhilde and Goll made their way to the water’s edge. In front of them was the usually still and calm lake, but today that stillness was broken as powerful limbs dived in and out of the water’s surface, making noisy splashes as two men swam through the waves with powerful strokes!

“Dammit.” Brunhilde snarled. “Just what does that knucklehead think he is doing?!”

“GYAHAHAHA! What’s the matter, Breca? Losing steam already?” Cried the one in front.

The man known as Breca let out a hearty laugh.

“Keep laughing, I’m just warming up here! ”

“HA! And I welcome YOU to keep dreaming, old friend!”

“Dreaming?” Breca roared. “Oh it is ON! HRAAAAAAAAH!!!”

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!”

In a few strokes, Breca was now neck and neck with his companion. Not to be outdone, the latter answered with arms that seemed to cut through the water surface like butter as he reclaimed the lead! Steam poured off their muscles as neither man refused to lose!

A nymph gasped. “Wait, stop! If they keep this up, they surely would awaken—“

Just as she had said this, the two men swam past an islet in the middle of the lake… Then, a rumble was heard across the water, as large ripples appeared across its surface. All of a sudden the ‘islet’ began to rise from the depths of the lake, revealing itself to be a giant monster that now towered over both men with a vengeance for interrupting its peace.

“OH NO!” Goll squawked in terror. “T-they… THEY’VE DISTURBED THE LYNGBAKR!!!”

https://preview.redd.it/euup6owvtg5h1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=64f779cb72f81ccc286fa476f285ca1bd592aa17

The Lyngbakr lowered its massive head, glaring balefully down at the men who had paused their race to stare back up at it. It opened its massive maw and roared furiously as it swung its head downwards to smash them to pieces! However, neither Breca nor his friend betrayed the slightest trace of fear? 

“Oi. You got this one?”

“GYAHAHA! You know it! Keep on swimming, it’s the only way you’ll ever beat me after all!”

Rolling his eyes, Breca continued swimming onwards. “Show off…”

“HUUUUUH?! Big sis—He’s just abandoning his friend?!” 

Brunhilde smirked. “I’d be more worried about the Lyngbakr if I were you, Goll.”

“?!” 

“Hey beastie…” The man rumbled, curling his fist tightly beneath the waves. “Usually I’m all for a good old brawl—But interrupting a race with a dear friend of mine?” 

Goll gasped as the Lyngbakr let out a snort, not out of anger, but… Fear? 

“UNFORGIVABLE! So why don’t you—!”

He threw his arm backwards, and held it there for a split second—Before hurling it right back forwards, colliding fist-first with the Lyngbakr’s leathery head, and sending it soaring out of the water and into the sky!

“GET. OUT. OF. MY. SIGHHHHHHT!” 

Goll, the nymphs, and other gods in the garden felt their eyes pop out of their sockets at this incredible sight, “NO WAAAAAAY?!” 

“Geh—Looks like I lost again, huh?” The man grunted, flexing his arm without so much a trace of injury. Seeing that Breca has already made it out of the water, he too began wading his way back to shore.

“Ah well, looks like you take this one too Breca—GYAHAHAHA!”

“B-big sis… Just who is that man?” Goll shuddered. Just then, the Lyngbakr’s heavy body came crashing back down into the lake and sent water splashing all over the spectators.

“That Goll—“ Brunhilde grumbled, blowing a strand of wet hair out of her soaked face as they watched him rise from the water to greet them. He was a large muscular man in his forties, with a chest so broad it looked as though it were stretched over his scarred muscles. He wore an infectious grin underneath a well-groomed moustache with matching long blonde locks.

“Is Humanity’s Strongest Monster-Slayer. Meet…BEOWULF!”

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Beowulf
(Sweden)
Humanity's Strongest Monster-Slayer

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…

“Ahh! Brunhilde, what brings you here today!” Beowulf said, as he and Breca toweled off by the shore. 

“Tch! As if you don’t know why!” Brunhilde fumed. “You were supposed to stay in your waiting room like everyone else till I called you!”

“Gyahahaha! Apologies, apologies.” Beowulf laughed, fist-bumping Breca. “But when an old friend challenged me to a little competition, I simply could not refuse!” 

The eldest valkyrie sighed. “Well at least we’ve got you now… you’re to be humanity’s next representative in Ragnarok.”

“No complaints from me! And I assume that little girl is meant to be my partner?”

“H-huh?!”  Brunhilde and Goll were left baffled, seeing the Monster-Slayer’s finger directly pointing at the youngest valkyrie.

“W-wait—ME?!” Goll squeaked, her arms moving frantically. “N-no way! I-I’m just t-tagging along, that’s all I do. I probably won’t be much use to you, Mr Beowulf!”

“But you are a valkyrie, no?” Beowulf rumbled, kneeling down so that they were face to face. “And last I checked there were 13 rounds and 13 valkyries, so clearly your sisters believe you’re just as capable as them.”

“I-uh-uhmm…”

“Beowulf!” Brunhilde stepped forward. “I have six other sisters who are more than willing to fight by your side. You don’t need—”

“GYAHAHAHA! I’m sure each of them are strong in their own right, Brunhilde!” Beowulf interrupted. “But I find that I work best with younglings who still haven’t grown a backbone! Sorry to break it to you, but I’ve decided I’m not fighting unless this little squirt is my partner for the match”

“...!”

He turned back around to face Goll. “Now tell me, squirt. Are you afraid of fighting?”

“I… Well, I mean… Maybe a little…”

“Well that’s only natural considering the nature of Ragnarok. I was watching the fourth match, that valkyrie girl, she's probably only a few years older than you, yeah? But she had to fight against one of the most beloved beings in the Heavens alongside a pretty awful human. Do you think she was afraid, squirt? Do you think any of your sisters were afraid?”

“P-probably, I guess…?”

“Indeed. Fear’s a real pain in the ass. So how’d you reckon they were able to pull it off? If you ask me, squirt, it’s because they had faith!”

“F-faith?”

“The faith to trust their partners. Faith that even if they lose, they are fighting for something bigger and better. Now I don’t need you to be fearless, but what I do need is a partner, one that has faith in me, AND herself. So… DO YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN SAVE HUMANITY?!”

Those last words made Goll shudder. “I-I’ll try my best!”

“TRY?” Beowulf bellowed, pumping his fist forward. “I don’t like that word! It’s either DO, or DIE! So answer me again from your very soul! DO YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN SAVE HUMANITY!”

The youngest valkyrie squeezed her eyes shut, her fist trembling by her side. “I… I…!”

The meaning of our name, ‘Valkyrie’, is ‘Chooser of the Slain’. In order to save humanity… we just need to ensure the lives we choose succeed. Success… is all that matters.

Her eyes opened, filled with resolve as she thrusted her own arm forward, took a deep breath and:

“I DOOOOOOO! I-I believe! That I can be a strong valkyrie, just like big sis Hildeeeeee! I… I’m gonna help you WINNNNNNNNNN!”

“YEAH! You CAN do it!” Beowulf howled. “You KNOW you can! So—SCREAM IT OUT AGAIN! Come on! LET ME HEAR YOUR BATTLECRY!"

"Aah!”

"You call that a battlecry?! AGAIN!"

"Aaaaaah!" 

"NO! LIKE THIS! AAAAHHHHHH!!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!"

“GYAHAHAHA! THAT’S RIGHT! NOW YOU GOT IT—PARTNER!!”

Valkyrie and Man’s fist met in the middle, their hearts resonating, filling the garden with a brilliant flash of light! The unmistakable sign of: VOLUNDR!

Brunhilde could only watch on in awe and fear as the glow subsided, revealing Beowulf now wielding a gigantic great sword that towered over even his impressive height. The Monster Slayer admired his new weapon, his lips curling into a smile.

https://preview.redd.it/u0f4ep3ttg5h1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=f63fbd4983c8fc3e4e8ec7c7e6096ca038946b3c

“Heh… I knew she had a big spirit after all!”

“G-goll…”

“It means ‘to make noise’.” Beowulf said, effortlessly swinging it over his shoulders. “Fitting. Cause me and your sister? We’re gonna raise one HELL of a racket those gods won’t soon forget! Hey… Brunhilde!”

The eldest valkyrie looked up and instantly felt an intense wave of aura crash into the very core of her soul as she beheld Beowulf’s figure!

Gguhk?! T-this feeling… She thought to herself, staggering slightly. It… it makes me feel… like everything is going to be fine! I can see why even a scaredy-cat like Goll would—!

“Now I got something to ask of you as well, you hear me?! I need you to put your faith… in me.”

“H-huh?”

She faced Beowulf again. The hero’s face was now stern, like a solemn promise!

“I swear to you. That I’ll get your dear little sister back to you, safe and sound. A person can only go through so many heartbreaks in one lifetime.”

The Monster-Slayer turned and made his way out of the garden with Breca following close behind. Brunhilde’s breaths were shallow, feeling light-headed as she fell to her knees.

“Ha… Haaah—Those two idiots… I should have… Goll isn’t…!”

But then she sighed. “Yet… I believe. I believe those two might be a far stronger pairing that I ever could have imagined.”

…

The Temple of Holy Light

The headquarters of the Abhrahamic Pantheon was truly something to behold, a magnificent, glistening white church with tall marble pillars that stretched high towards the ceiling, riddled with various marble figures so well sculpted they looked as though they could leap off the walls at any moment.

Large stained-glass windows were decorated with mosaics hung above the entrance archway, bathing visitors in an opulent glowing light.

Inside the temple, various angels of differing ranks bustled about the different levels and rooms: guardians, healers, clerics, paladins—Each of them going about their day, tending to their various duties. However, today, all was not so peaceful in this temple of sacred tranquility

“WHAAAAT? What is the meaning of this, Michael? You can’t find him?!”

Zeus’ angry cries echoed across the hallowed halls, causing angels in every direction to flinch as they hurried away from the receptionist desk where Zeus and Ares had just arrived, and were now in the midst of an argument with a certain Archistrategos.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Archangel Michael
(Abrahamic Pantheon)
Taxiarch of The Heavenly Hosts

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archangel Michael fumed, his prismatic wings flapping as he butted heads with the King of the Gods.

“I already told you, you old coot! We looked all over the temple, but he just isn’t here!”

“Ooooooh! I can’t trust you angels with anything!” Zeus hollered, getting all up in Micahel’s face. “What sort of shoddy business are you running? Lemme speak to the manager right this instant!”.

Michael slammed both hands on the table, glaring at Zeus as they pushed against each other for dominance.

“LOOK AT THESE EYES!” He screeched, gesturing to his baggy panda eyes. “ I AM the manager you dunderhead, and I’ve barely gotten a wink’s sleep in millenia thanks to that slacker!”

Behind them Ares, and another angel, frantically waved their hands trying to dissuade the heated confrontation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Archangel Raphael
(Abrahamic Pantheon)
The Divine Healer

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“Now, now, brother.” Raphael said, “Let’s all just keep calm over here, Gabriel and her corps are already all over the place looking for him.”

“F-father! Let’s not make such a big deal out of this!”

“You two stay out of this!” Michael roared, drawing out a flaming sword. “This has been a long-time coming, Zeus. Someone ought to teach you that the Heavens aren’t your playground!”

In response, Zeus’ muscles swelled to abnormal sizes, ripping the bandages around his body.

“Oh ho ho! It is a fight you want? You uppity angels are finally speaking my Langua—Ring! Ring!—Oop. Scuse me, gotta take this, you don’t mind?”

“No, not at all. Please do.”

“Thank you, now let’s see… What do I press~”

“That button over there.” Michael said helpfully gesturing to the call button.

“Oh, much obliged, Mikey~ Hello? Hello?”

Ares and Raphael exchanged a sigh of relief, the cordialness between them now was a baffling contrast from mere moments ago!

‘Lord Zeus, father. I imagine you and brother Ares are already at the Temple?’ Hermes' tinny voice came from Zeus’ phone.

“Indeed Hermes.” Zeus bemoaned dramatically. “But that little rascal is nowhere to be found! That Brunhilde better not start going around saying we're chicken!” 

‘Ahaha. Allow me to take care of that problem for you. You see… our representative was actually right here in the arena this whole time.’

“WHAT?! Hermes! Put him on the phone right this instant!”  

Back in the Valhalla Coliseum, Hermes chuckled lightly as he turned to the unidentified God and handed him his phone.

“It’s for you~”

The God sighed, plucking it from his grasp, and had barely uttered “Hello—?” Before Zeus’ fuming voice blasted into his ear.

‘YOU WHIPPERSNAPPER PUNK!’ He cried, hopping comically on one foot to another. ‘MAKING AN OLD MAN LIKE ME TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES FOR NOTHING?! MY FEEBLE BONES AREN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE Y’KNOW! OOOOH, YOU MAKE ME SO MAD! JUST WAIT TILL I GET MY HANDS ON YOU LITTLE—!’

Raphael and Ares deadpanned: Old man? Sure. Feeble? Hardly. 

The God heard a rustling noise on the other end of the line as Michael wrestled the phone out of Zeus’ grip.

‘Lord Zeus! Please! Exercise some restraint. You have an image to uphold.’

‘Yes… Yes. Whew! Hoho! Got a tad bit winded back there.’

‘May I?’

‘Be my guest.’

“Hello? Is anyone still there?” The God questioned, leaning his ear further into the phone—-

‘YOU USELESS PIECE OF SLACKING CRAP!’ This time it was Michael’s shrill voice that sent the God recoiling. ‘HOW DARE YOU RUN OFF WITHOUT TELLING ANYONE! MY PATIENCE WITH YOU WEAR THINNER EVERYDAY! OOOOOH, YOU MAKE ME SO MAD! JUST WAIT TILL I GET MY HANDS ON YOU LITTLE—!’ 

“Geez Michael.” The God groaned, rolling his eyes. “If you’re done with your aneurysm, put Zeusie back on the line.” 

‘ANUERYSM?! MY BLOOD PRESSURE ALONE IS ENOUGH TO KILL—!’ 

Raphael and Ares barely managed to wrestle the phone away from Michael’s grasp as Zeus' voice came back online.

‘Ahem! Well, now that’s all over… I’ll simply cut to the chase. You are going to be Heaven's representative for the sixth round of Ragnarok.’ 

“Tch! Bothersome as always. Are you going senile, old man? What makes you think I’ll waste my time with this nonsense?”

‘Ohohoho! True enough—Yet for you of all people to head down to watch Ragnarok in person… Perhaps something about it has caught your pretty little eye~? A… fire? Lit up in your soul?’

The God went silent. Hermes grinned eerily watching his grip on the phone was tightening as he gritted his teeth. 

My, that old man certainly knows how to push a person’s buttons, doesn’t he? 

“Bloody codger…” Images began to flash through the God’s mind: 

Loneliness banished with a brilliant clash—

‘Ba-dum’

A father’s love toppling the sky—

‘Ba-Dum’

The weakling’s sword shattering perfection—

‘Ba-DUM’

Sinful hands piercing indomitable justice—

‘BA-DUM’

Fire and passion giving it their all, and now…

‘BA-DUM!’ 

‘Weeeeeell? What is your answer?’ 

“Fuck you… I’ll play your stupid little game…”

He could practically hear Zeus grinning over the phone as he said that. 

‘Well isn’t that a surprise! I thought I would have to strong-arm you a little more than that! Haha, I expect a veeeery interesting round if your agreeing to be in it—‘

The God drew his hood back, revealing hair that was the closest thing one could find to a disheveled cloud. Voluminous, flowing, and pale, but extremely tousled with a bad case of bedhead. His soft, androgynous face wore a sharp and baleful expression. His eyes, a brilliant kaleidoscope of colors, were weary and glazed over. 

‘YAHWEH.’

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Yahweh
(Abrahamic Pantheon)
The One True God?

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“W-What is going on?!” Heimdall roared. “Unbelievable as it may be, Caligula… has survived Amaterasu’s fast-paced ONSLAUGHT with sheer endurance alone! His opponent’s incredible speed seems to have dulled for the moment, and the Mad Emperor has activated some sort of mechanism that's pouring smoke into the arena?”

The Watchman of the Apocalypse discreetly turned as the crowd bristled with amazement. 

EHHHH? What’s this?! Could it be a special change to the arena? I don’t remember ever approving such a—No… it wouldn’t be good if I revealed that the wool was pulled over my eyes. The show can only go on!

Multiple screens materialized around the stands to allow spectators a better view of the battle. Caligula raised his hand, beckoning Amaterasu as the fog around him obscured his lower half. 

“Come then, my Little Star! Let us put on a spectacle the Heavens won’t soon forget!”

“I don’t know what trickery you’re trying to pull, human. But it won’t work!” Amaterasu replied, shooting forward with a thrust. 

Letting out a chuckle, Caligula twisted his body, spinning out of the way and brought his spear down to crush her. Amaterasu responded with a swift turn of her own, their weapons clashing against one another, and pushing Caligula back, his legs skidding across the floor as though it were ice.

Hm… Her speed is definitely more manageable now, He mused, leaping back to dodge a follow-through cut by Amaterasu. but I didn’t expect her strength to be that formidable. I had assumed it was only thanks to her increased agility, but I see now it was a slight error in judgement—

His thoughts were cut off, as was his jump. Caligula landed on his feet with a heavy thud.

?! Oh right… the greaves.

The Sun Kami swooped low, pushing her offence and launching herself upwards to strike at his abdomen. Caligula attempted to move out of the way, but his heavy legwear slowed the attempt, allowing the blade to graze his stomach. 

“Looks like I’m due for a quick change!” He laughed. “So why don’t we just… TAKE FIVE!”

One hand grasping the end of his spear, Caligula launched five piercing jabs towards Amaterasu without even moving forward. Each strike came after the previous one so fast, they left afterimages surged forward like serpents ready to strike! 

Faced with the first strike of this incoming wave, Amaterasu braced its impact with a gauntlet and then parrying the next with her sword. She tilted her head just as the third took a lock of her golden hair, before shifting Kusanagi and knocking the last two strikes away with it.

“I told you, it won’t work!” Amaterasu roared, as she lifted Kusanagi above her head and cleaved downwards. However, Caligula had already vanished by then, and the Sun Kami just barely got a glimpse of his grin disappearing into the thick smoke around them. 

“I see. Well then I suppose I’ll just have to up my cover then~”

As his voice was lost in the shroud, even more smoke began to pour out. Amaterasu followed it and began launching attack after attack while her target only grew more obscured. Can’t lose him now! There’s no telling what sort of trickery he will get up to within this shroud.

“Tsk tsk!” Caligula’s voice called out again, sounding close, and yet deeper within the fog at the same time. “Now that’s no way to tackle the unexpected. I’d expect my Little Star to be capable of a little improvising!”

“Be quiet!” Amaterasu growled, leaping back into the center as something swiped at her out from the shroud. 

The Sun Kami glanced around herself and realized that the fog had grown so thick that nearly the entire battlefield was covered in it save the patch where she stood in the middle of the grounds.

As her eyes swiveled from side to side, a dark shape began to circle the ring of smoke, darting within the shroud and making it hard to keep track, oftentimes seeming as though there were more than one. 

“Tch!” Amaterasu grumbled. “I’ll be having a word with Heimdall after this… Now this shroud—it seems to be ordinary smoke, merely cover? If he was able to sneak such a trick into our match there’s no telling what else that human is hiding!“

“Oh? Do I have you on the defensive then? Don’t mind if I do~”

The mist behind her burst apart as Caligula’s spear flew at her in a sneak attack! Amaterasu swerved to the side as the polearm shot past, her legs already twisting around as it retracted back into the shroud. 

The Sun Kami gave chase, one foot stepping into the smoke as she swung Kusanagi at Caligula’s murky silhouette. However out of the corner of her eye, she spied another dark shape within the smoke accompanied by a sharp noise.

There’s two of them?!

Caught off guard, Amaterasu's attack went wide and just barely missed the first silhouette, the shadow slipping away further into the mist and disappeared from view. 

Was that him? She thought as she spun around to face the second silhouette, and brought her sword down in a cleave.

However, unlike the first shadow, this one did not move. Instead there was a loud, harsh screeching, and sparks flew off Kusanagi’s blade as Amaterasu sliced through the mysterious object as though it were butter. 

The mist around her dissolved in an instant, and in front of Amaterasu was a life-sized statue of Caligula modelled and posed, now broken in half by her attack.

“What sort of ridiculous joke is this?!”

“Why, the kind that made you look, of course~” 

Caligula burst out from the mist in full, his spear held aloft above his head, and the crowd gasped at what they saw on the screens.

Gone was the heavy imperial armor that Caligula wore into the arena. He now wore a white chiton with purple accents and golden trimmings, exposing his surprisingly muscular frame, paired alongside caligae sandals adorned with soft white wings that seemed to flutter carelessly in the wind.

Heaving his spear down with his shoulders, Caligula slammed the entire length of the polearm against the ground, sending debris flying in all directions as Amaterasu leapt into the air, proceeding to use gravity to strike down.

But with the end of his spear pressing into his palm, Caligula pushed against the floor and lifted himself up, vaulting into the air as Kusanagi missed its mark.

He’s that fast even with his injuries? Just how heavy was that armor?! 

As he landed, Caligula darted back into the cover of the fog laughing, far reedier than his previously bombastic persona. 

“HAHAHA! Hither and see, Little Star! In the last act you faced the Indomitable Emperor, unrelenting and standing even under the fury of a thousand blades! But now in this theater of misdirection! Allow me, the Fleet-footed Trickster, this dance!”

“You will not get away that easily!” Amaterasu yelled, giving chase. However countless shapes had emerged within the smoke, statues similar to the previous one obscured by the shroud whilst the true Caligula hid between them waiting to strike.

Amaterasu growled, walking up to one that appeared right on the edge. It was certainly life-like. 

Where did these even come from? It’s barely been minutes but I can’t stand to see his face, let alone multiple! Best stay in the clear for now and re-think my strategy. 

The Sun Kami lifted the pommel of Kusanagi and broke the statue head-first before moving back to the center of the arena. She glanced up, the sun’s rays were hardly penetrating through the thick cloud that had formed overhead. 

…

“What do you mean by that?” Ra yawned, as Huitzilopochtli stood by his side looking concerned. 

“I mean that—Well, isn’t it obvious?” The Aztec God said. “Every move that guy made may look like he blundered into some serious damage, but I just know those are the choices of someone who knows who he is up against!” 

Before Ra could respond, a gust of wind sent the doors to the booth bursting open as two bundles of energy darted across the interior, ricocheting off walls like bullets, excitably repeating: “NEE-SAN’S FIGHTING! NEE-SAN’S FIGHTING!”

“Huitzilopochtli—“ Ra started, but the Aztec God was already up on his feet.

“I got it, I got it. Please don’t kill them.” 

Reaching out, he caught both under either arm revealing Raijin and Fujin. The young Thunder and Wind Kami were nearly identical with tiny horns, and sharp underbites. But Raijin’s red skin, stockier build and orange hair, easily distinguished him from Fujin’s blue skin, and green wind-swept locks. 

The twins looked up, slightly abashed as they flashed big toothy grins. “Oh. Hi, Huitzy-san!” 

“Staying out of trouble?” Huitzilopochtli chuckled, setting them down. 

“Uhmm—maaaaaaybe?” 

Izanami floated in after them, beaming sweetly, “Hello again, you two. I do hope it’s no trouble if we watch from here too? My little babies are just dying to see their beloved Nee-san fight~” 

Ra sighed, contemplating whether torching her was worth the trouble. “I see… no issue with that. Huitzilopochtli, continue.” 

“R-right! We all know about Amy’s power right?”

“Yeah! She uses the sun and goes super fast, it's crazy!” Fujin gushed.

“Not as fast as me though!” Raijin pouted. 

“Not just fast.” Huitzilopochtli corrected. “But as fast as light, literal light-speed! Amaterasu’s HIKARIRYUU: LIGHT STYLE draws power from the sun, channeling it through her Divine Diadem: Yasakani no Magatama, and merging her body with light to strike almost instantaneously.”

“That’s so COOL! Nee-san is unbeatable!” 

Izanami sat down, placing the twins on her lap “Of course not, my dears. There are always limitations to such power, and your sister cannot sustain that amount of strength forever. After unleashing a limited burst, Yasakani needs time to recharge itself with the sun’s rays.”

“Exactly.” Huitzilopochtli said, “It’s like that human knows this! Everything he’s pulled off: heavy armor to keep himself rooted to the spot, superhuman levels of endurance to wait out the limit, and now covering the arena in smoke to hide himself and block out the sun? You can’t tell me his strategy wasn’t built around countering Amy’s ability!”

…

Amaterasu exhaled, I see… so that’s his game. 

The Sun Kami held Kusanagi in one hand, drawing the blade back and holding it there as her stance tightened and her breath steadied. Dust stirred at her feet, lifting as though drawn to the motion. 

Alright then, you have played an impressive hand thus far, but power or not I’ll tear through your guise without fail!

In Japanese legends, the Divine Blade Ame-no-Tsurugi was said to have come into the hands of Prince Yamato Takeru. During a hunting expedition with a treacherous warlord, the young prince found himself ambushed in a field of grass set alight by fiery arrows that would surely burn him to ash! 

However, Yamato Takeru learnt of the true potential of the divine blade in his desperate attempt to extinguish the flames: the ability to control the winds with one powerful swing! An ability that would lead to the renaming of the sword to— 

“KUSANAGI-NO-TSURUGI: GRASS-CUTTING SWORD!”

In the blink of an eye, Amaterasu stepped forward and swung Kusanagi in a single, decisive strike. The release was heralded by a sharp crack as her cut sliced through the air, and a compressed gust burst outwards from the edge and scattered the first layer of smoke closest to her. 

The space ahead was now barren, exposing a dozen statues to the world—but was the true Caligula amongst them?

Sniff~ The Sun Kami felt her nostril prickle as she took in the acrid odour of the persistent shroud. Yet… there was something else. Metallic, almost coppery and sickly sweet. The smell of… 

Her head whipped around, and she surged towards two statues located not far from her right. Between them was Caligula crouched surreptitiously, eyes widening as his element of surprise disappeared.

I’d expected her to use Kusanagi to clear some of the fog. But how did she still spot me so quickly?

He then looked down at himself, positively reeking of the smell of blood from his previously inflicted wounds.

“Ohh—Impressive~”

Caligula barely leapt out of the way as Amaterasu obliterated the statue on his left. 

Flanking her from the side, he bit back with his spear. However, Amaterasu somersaulted through the air, evading his blows as she landed behind him. The Mad Emperor turned on his heels and ran, seemingly to duck into the cover of his smoke again, but Amaterasu flanked him again, preventing any such attempts.

“What’s the matter? You suddenly don’t want to be in the spotlight anymore?”

The chase began as Caligula began weaving in and out of the statues that littered the way in front of him. 

Amaterasu followed, fuming and confident as she kept pace, forcing him to move erratically in hopes of throwing her off. 

So annoying… Amaterasu grumbled, as she pushed off against a statue to build up speed. But it doesn’t matter so long as I know where you’re headed!

At that moment, she caught sight of Caligula’s feet twisting to the right, where the rim of smoke still brewed.

She immediately rushed up to his side, cutting with her sword and forcing him away from the shroud. The Mad Emperor sneered, dashing off again as the chase resumed.

“Man this is getting boring…”

“Even without her powers and his tricks—Lady Amaterasu has that human on the run, as expected!”

“Come on Caligula! Don’t you dare run out of steam now!”

“Just kill him and get this over with already!”

Amaterasu fumed, fury sharpened her gaze. The Sun Kami skidded to a halt, feet grinding against the stone as she drew her blade back once more, gathering herself to unleash another devastating gust.

Caligula paled, quickly scanning the battlefield. Where did I… Ah, over there.

Kusanagi cleaved through the air, and a gale erupted from the swing of the blade with enough force to send the closest statues toppling over. 

At that exact moment, the Mad Emperor threw himself to the side, the winds plucking his body from the ground and tossed around in the air like a rag doll.

Caligula’s limbs flailed as the gale dragged him on. He crashed violently into a row of his own statues, shattering them on impact as stone exploded into fragments—before he slammed into the ground a heartbeat later. 

The Mad Emperor’s body skidded to a halt, his breath husky. Through the wreckage, his disorientated sight saw Amaterasu slowly walking up towards him, her movements deliberate, knowing that she already won. 

“My goodness, Little Star! I assume if you were still at full power those winds would have blown all my smoke away?”

Amaterasu rolled her eyes. “Do not act so familiar, you are but another nameless fool I’ll silence with Kusanagi.” 

Caligula grinned, using his elbows to prop his body up. “Au Contraire, my Little Star! I dare say I am unlike any man you will meet.” 

“Delusional, I’ve met many like you working in the council. All that glamour, yet beneath it all is nothing but subpar strength. Putting on airs, trying to drive away the darkness of his inadequacies with the glamor of spectacle. All style no substance—Pathetic.”

The Sun Kami was upon him, raising her sword above her head to deliver the killing blow. Caligula's arm stretched out, reaching for his spear, but Amaterasu made no attempts to stop him—he wouldn’t get it in time. 

“Any last words?”

The Mad Emperor’s head whipped around to face her and she felt a chill run down her spine. 

“I do.” He smiled without a single trace of fear. “Now is what we call… the Twist.”

Suddenly, swift whistles were heard as something fired up from the ground and pricked Amaterasu on the neck.

W-what?

She stumbled, groping the numbness and removing two tiny needles from her skin. Looking down at her feet she noticed a fine trip wire, leading to a dart trap, activated as her movements had broken the line in two. 

More needles had buried themselves along the back of her hand and legs through her hakama. And even more tripwires littered the floor behind her when chasing Caligula down… 

Confusion soon turned to disbelief as Amaterasu felt the prickling numbness slowly spread across her body. 

Some sort of slow-acting sedative?! D-did I not feel them hit me before because of the chase?

In that instant, Caligula’s fingers tightened around his spear. He surged to his feet, dragging the weapon in a low, sweeping arc that caught Amaterasu at the legs and sent her crashing to the ground. 

The Sun Kami barely had time to process the strike before his silhouette loomed above her, the spear blotting out the light as it came crashing down.

Acting on instinct, she raised Kusanagi and caught the blow, her back slamming against the floor. But the numbness had already crept into her limbs—her arms trembled, strength failing—as Caligula leaned into the strike, forcing the spear down harder, driving her inch by inch toward collapse.

“Did that human just—?!” Ares gaped while Hera and Pandora covered their mouths in shock.

“AMATERASU!” Huitzilopochtli, Izanami, and the twins cried.

Caligula leaned closer, breathing heavily on Amaterasu’s forehead making her skin coil. 

“Tracking me by the scent of my blood alone? You're a clever little goddess, Little Star—all the more reason to employ these underhanded tactics~ Welcome… to my TYRANT’S TRAP!”

Ok, so new chapter of Apoc R6, lore drop on Death/Grim Reaper, and some more drama again. Nice, cool, cool. 

I’m sure everyone else is tired of this back and forth, so I promise this will be my last post regarding the matter before I leave it alone. But first and foremost:

Disclaimer:

Nakimov, the head of Illiterate Scans, recently reached out to me, admitting that Grim Reaper was right but still thinks Death is clunky to use, and thus chooses to continue using TGoD.

I accidentally pressed ignore message, so I couldn't reply back.

While I still feel TGoD is the clunkiest option out of the lot, though after reading the latest chapter, I would now choose to use Grim Reaper more. I still stand by the fact that Death is in no way inaccurate

Now, whether I feel her words are sincere or not doesn’t matter. She has said what she wanted to say and admitted she was wrong, thus this post is not targeted towards her or her team specifically.

I will still, however, go over the latest chapter because I still see other folks insisting he is not Death/Grim Reaper and I just want to lay it all bare once and for all. 

The Chapter Itself

So the current biggest evidence right now that Death/Grim Reaper isn’t The Grim Reaper comes from these pages below:

https://preview.redd.it/b0ly5evngxxg1.png?width=1069&format=png&auto=webp&s=3d43d967c26476362d172d5399dac461a1605c72

Ignoring the butt-ton of Grim Reaper visuals, the chapter title and his signature attack being called: ‘Faux de la Mort’ The Grim Reaper’s Scythe—What this tells us is that the term 死神 in Record of Ragnarok is a shared term used for gods in the Underworld who guide humans to Heaven. 

‘But since there is so many 死神, that means that he can’t be The Grim Reaper and has to be an OC? How can he be The Grim Reaper, famously the universal omnipresent personification of death if the term is shared by so many others like him?’

Except, and just a reminder. It was established in the previous chapter, and emphasized in this one that he became the only one synonymous with the name. Meaning that out of all these 死神, he has somehow risen to become THE definitive 死神.

https://preview.redd.it/tthjotaqgxxg1.png?width=1069&format=png&auto=webp&s=872443657c3c4639b18c7a9bd24e9027e6319365

https://preview.redd.it/fof697ltgxxg1.png?width=1069&format=png&auto=webp&s=6afadf84f40184e62c6b8cf10aa428917044919e

I would also like to point out that in RoR and Apocalypse of the Gods as series, we have had:

• A Buddha whose take on the teachings of Buddhism in this universe allows for him to feel great hatred in his heart and indulge himself in excess with candy.
• A Nezha who did not reincarnate from a Lotus flower, fight the Dragon Kings, or have Daddy issues. But is instead a God-Droid created to hunt down Outer Gods.
• A Zhuque who is not a guardian of the cardinal directions. But is instead some dude from the slums who became an assassin.
• A Shiva who is not an all-powerful being who destroys universes by opening his third eye, and instead used to be a lazy bum before rising to lead his pantheon in a series of brawls and turf wars.
• The Seven Lucky Gods are actually split from one singular being, and are not seven individual gods hailing from various cultures that have been gathered together in one group under Japanese beliefs. 
• A Thor who carries a Mjolnir which he has been shown to be able to hold with both hands.
• Apollo who in fact, did not slay Python, and was actually good friends with him.
• A Heracles who is not the illegitimate son of Zeus, and was not driven to madness by Hera to kill his own family, but is instead some random human who drank Zeus’ blood.
• Round 12 where KINTOKI, The JAPANESE Folk Hero shares a connection and ties to ODIN, The Supreme God of The NORSE Pantheon. 
• HADES, The GREEK God of the Underworld, plays a MAJOR role in BEEZLEBUB, the ABRAHAMIC Demon Prince of Gluttony’s backstory.

Knowing all that, it isn’t out of place that The Grim Reaper in this universe used to be one of MANY other grim reapers serving under Enma, before becoming THE Grim Reaper gods and humanity thinks of. 

The Grim Reaper in other media

Another argument I’ve seen is that Apoc’s Death/Grim Reaper looks nothing like the traditional Grim Reaper. And to that I have to say… seriously? A character not looking like their myth counterpart in RoR? 

Even then, Death being a gaunt man in a business suit is probably the second most common portrayal of the figure. 

Meet Joe Black, Supernatural, Have A Nice Death

His weapons and kits also have a lot of references to The Grim Reaper specifically. 

There is, of course, his fighting style’s name. Contrary to a certain user’s rebuttal about the scythe being a symbol of many other Death Gods, Death/The Grim Reaper is the only one in mythology who is mainly associated with it. 

Thanatos from the Hades games was given a scythe and hooded cloak to make him look more like The Grim Reaper, while traditionally he wields a sword and has wings

https://preview.redd.it/p5rrklzahxxg1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=56cca3d71081fd77c31b6fec3ba0c75f8dc795ca

His fighting style which incorporates strange and unsettling contorted poses may also be a reference to the Danse Macabre from Late Middle Ages, which primarily depicts the personification of Death summoning representatives from all walks of life to dance along to the grave. 

https://preview.redd.it/n2bv1w99hxxg1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=3e72c1c815ecc9487e3f464117ebdb44b2c414fd

And finally there is his coffin, specifically a toe-pincher coffin, which comes from Europe where the Grim Reaper hails from as well. 

https://preview.redd.it/0m5j6alchxxg1.png?width=478&format=png&auto=webp&s=9a34596cd1f1c9881edcbd2443b77362e00ea5c4

Reiterating from last month

Again, the term 死神 is the Japanese localization for Death/Grim Reaper. Similar to how La Mort also means Grim Reaper/Personification of Death in France. Many other countries have similar examples, some even portraying Death as more feminine. 

Shinigami is how a Japanese person would pronounce 死神, The God of Death is the literal translation of 死神, and Death/Grim Reaper is the actual localization when it is translated to English. 

If we just took the literal translation: ‘The God of Death’ at face value, that would make these two the brand new OCs for The Garden of Gods anime: “The God of Lightning and The God of Wind”.

https://preview.redd.it/738zbn9hhxxg1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=2f74320816a779e650a399ba96ebb1f081e3386d

Because by that logic: 雷神 and 风神 should also be literally translated at face value same as 死神. Without regard that there are multiple examples in other media where the term is localised as something else (Raijin and Fujin in this case) 

The End

To conclude all of this. Yes I know most people with lives feel this two-month long drama was petty and a nothing burger, and it was. All this argument and ego over the name of someone who would likely get folded by Enma by the end of R6, is inconsequential to the grand scheme of things.

If you wish to call him Shinigami, Death, The Grim Reaper, or TGOD, go ahead nothing wrong with that.

....

Anyways, I will just leave you all with these screenshots provided by my friend who asked Otsuhiuko Naruse, author of Apocalypse of The Gods himself, who surprisingly took the time to actually reply and answer the definitive English translation of the character 死神’s name in his story. 

https://preview.redd.it/tv46t2dmhxxg1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=4fd62a57f9be39e9f1a7f1ff32080b227c7d1339

https://preview.redd.it/20in2w3ohxxg1.png?width=1144&format=png&auto=webp&s=b04366fa6bd9d3bca81914b3df33b5137c1d12e2

Thank you and that’s all for me on this subject.