Record of Ragnarok: Ouroboros

Chapter 26: Armed

His humanity restored, his battle satisfied.

"With 2 wins and 1 loss, the Gods have taken the lead for the first time since a millennium! The winner of the third round of Ragnarok is...LORD YU HUANG!" Heimdall's voice boomed across the arena, his announcement echoing in every corner. The gods roared in triumph, their voices merging into a deafening chorus of victory, while others chanted Yu Huang's name with overwhelming reverence.

On the other hand, humanity's side was eerily quiet. A second consecutive loss pressed down on them, casting a heavy gloom over their faces. Many lowered their heads, fists clenched in frustration, while others exhaled in disappointment. Yet, amidst the sorrow, their resilience stirred. Slowly, their gazes lifted, their eyes filled not with despair, but with hope. Nobunaga was still alive, still breathing. That alone was a small but crucial hope. It was two losses. But it was not the end. They could still recover.

From the entrance hall of humanity, a voice rang out, its echo carrying through the vast expanse. "Nobunaga!" Mitsuhide and the assembled retainers surged forward, their footsteps pounding against the stone floor as they rushed out of the hall and into the massive arena.

"Finally...I can rest now..." Yu Huang muttered, his weary eye swept over the daimyo's remaining supporters before he collapsed onto the bloodstained ground. Upon seeing this, the Chinese gods leaped from their seats, rushing toward the emperor.

"Uncle!" Erlang cried out in alarm, his hands trembling as he reached for his wrist. Pressing his fingers against the skin, he held his breath, desperately searching for any sign of life. A wave of relief washed over him when he finally detected a faint but steady pulse. "Thank goodness...He's still alive, he's just unconscious." The Chinese gods let out a collective sigh of relief. Erlang and Xiwangmu then moved swiftly as they bent down to lift him onto their shoulders.

From a distance, Mitsuhide observed the Chinese gods working together to aid Yu Huang. Meanwhile, Mitsuhide was occupied with carefully supporting Nobunaga, ensuring that the daimyo was safely handed over to the retainers. Only after Nobunaga was in capable hands from the retainers did Mitsuhide turn his attention back to the gods. Gathering his composure, he took a deep breath and began making his way toward them.

"Yu Huang..." Mitsuhide called out, immediately drawing the attention of the Chinese gods. His sharp eyes flickered with emotion as he hesitated for a moment, then, with great reverence, he stepped forward and bowed deeply before the emperor. "Thank you for sparing Nobunaga's life! Though we stand on opposite sides, I offer you my deepest thanks!" He declared, his voice filled with both relief and gratitude.

"Lord Mitsuhide...! What are you doing...!?" One of the retainers cried out, their voice filled with shock and disbelief as they tried to take a step forward. Before the retainer could say anything further, Yu Huang swiftly stepped in, his expression calm yet urgent.

"Lift your head. Please, provide Nobunaga with immediate medical care before it's too late," The Chinese gods moved as they carefully carried the wounded emperor away from the arena and made their way toward Lyfjaberg. As they ascended the steps, Yu Huang stole a final glance over his shoulder, his eye following Nobunaga's retainers as they carried their lord through the opposing entrance. Their figures grew smaller with each step, vanishing into the dimly lit corridors. A quiet sigh escaped his lip before muttering. "Farewell, for now." Without another word, he turned forward. They stepped into the Gods' entrance hall. The massive gates of both entrances groaned as they began to close.

As the Chinese gods strode down the entrance hall, a sudden disturbance caught their attention. From the shadows at the far end of the corridor, a lone figure emerged, stepping forward. The gods halted as the stranger advanced, positioning themselves directly in the center of the passageway.