Chapter 092: Ashiya Dōman vs. Zerofuku
A look of astonishment crossed Brunhilde's delicate face as she, too, was stunned.
Who the hell was that guy who came out from the human side? She didn't recognize him—he wasn't one of the thirteen human representatives she had chosen, Sakata Kintoki.
This human was a famous figure from the Heian period, renowned for participating in the subjugation of the great demon Shuten-dōji.
Though Shuten-dōji was referred to as a demon, he was also part of the divine lineage and no ordinary being.
The fact that Sakata Kintoki could repel him proved he was an extraordinary existence among humans, which was why Brunhilde had taken notice of him.
Yet, the one who emerged from the human side's exit wasn't Sakata Kintoki, but an unfamiliar onmyōji?
Moreover, her younger sister was also on the palanquin, sweetly feeding this onmyōji.
What the hell was going on? Had her sister mistaken him for someone else?
That couldn't be—Brunhilde had even shown her sister the recorded images of the person she was supposed to assist.
Upon closer inspection, Brunhilde realized her sister didn't seem to be acting of her own will. It was as if she was being controlled.
She picked up her terminal and scanned the guy. Just who was he?
Locked on. Searching Akashic Records database for matching figures.
In less than a second, an information window popped up. The other party was—
"Wh—what the hell?!"
Brunhilde's voice came out slightly disarrayed.
This person was indeed human, also a figure from the Heian period, and equally famous.
No—correction, he was infamous. A monk and onmyōji, also known as Dōma Hōshi—his name was Ashiya Dōman.
This guy wasn't even within her selection pool. How had he come out on his own?
Speaking of which, what the hell was wrong with this Akashic Records system? People kept popping out on their own.
Could it be because she had summoned Sakata Kintoki, which attracted this guy to appear?
After all, Sakata Kintoki was somewhat connected to Ashiya Dōman.
However, according to records, the one who truly defeated Ashiya Dōman was the renowned onmyōji Abe-no-Seimei.
As for Abe-no-Seimei, he had originally been one of Brunhilde's initial candidates.
But back to the question—where was Sakata Kintoki?
Instead of him emerging from the human side's exit, Ashiya Dōman had appeared?
Had he been killed?
Given that this was an infamous figure, it wasn't impossible.
Hmm? Ah, now she understood. Watching the surveillance feed from the Akashic Records chamber, Brunhilde realized why her sister, who had initially been waiting for her there, had disappeared after she arrived.
Ashiya Dōman had slipped out on his own and taken her sister with him.
No wonder her sister's tone had sounded off earlier—she had clearly been under his control.
So, should she let him proceed now?
Hmm?
The Seven Lucky Gods—no, correction, the god now known as Zerofuku—seemed to be acting strangely. Upon seeing Ashiya Dōman, his reaction appeared unusually agitated.
It felt like meeting Abe-no-Seimei, and perhaps they really did know each other.
After all, so-called onmyōji were said to borrow the power of gods.
But the excitement here didn't seem like the joy of reuniting with an old friend—more like enemies locking eyes, their hatred flaring up instantly.
"Uh… you're not Sakata Kintoki, are you?"
The announcer, Heimdall, asked cautiously, not daring to sound too confrontational.
Who knew what kind of terrifying existence this human might be? One wrong move, and he might get wrecked.
More importantly, this person gave off an eerie vibe—like the textbook definition of a villain.
Ah, well, he was a villain. His phone already had information on this guy.
"And what makes you think this monk is that brat?"
The man's seemingly gentle gaze felt razor-sharp, making sweat bead on Heimdall's forehead.
"As for him, this monk made sure he stayed quiet."
He casually pointed behind him, and Heimdall squinted down the corridor to see someone tied up and dangling at the end.
Heimdall's lips twitched involuntarily.
What kind of artistic bondage was that? And a gag ball too?
Then, Ashiya Dōman hopped down from his palanquin and waved it off the arena.
"Alright, you can announce the start now."
"Huh?"
"This monk said you can announce the start."
"Start…?"
Wait, was he the one fighting now?
A last-minute change of fighters? It definitely didn't seem like Brunhilde's doing—this human had taken matters into his own hands. That put Heimdall in a tough spot.
"B-but—"
"But what? Hurry up and announce it already, damn iiiiiit!!!"
The sudden roar made Heimdall flinch. He turned to see Zerofuku, the representative of the gods, screaming in fury.
Zerofuku was practically foaming at the mouth, glaring at Ashiya Dōman with a look that could flay him alive.
"Never thought you'd still be alive, that your soul wasn't obliterated. Perfect!"
Zerofuku's next words dripped with murderous intent.
So they did know each other? From the Heian period?
Then, Zerofuku reached behind his back, gripping his own flesh, and yanked—as if trying to tear it off. It was horrifying.
But the flesh stretched like clay, longer and longer, until he finally pulled out a massive black axe from within his body.
"I'll slaughter you. Chop you into pieces. Gut you. Mince you to bits!!!"
After that, Zerofuku shot Heimdall another glare, making him shudder.
The look in his eyes said it all—Announce the fight now, or else.
But—
Hmm?
The Valkyries sent a message saying they're switching to Ashiya Dōman for the battle.
But—
Hmm?
The gods' side also sent a message—since the fight hasn't started yet, they don't mind the change.
Since neither side has any objections, Heimdall certainly has no reason to object either.
Then let the battle begin.
"The final battle between man and gods, Round Three—it seems this is yet another fated clash! So which side will victory favor? Will the gods reclaim a win, or will humanity secure a third consecutive victory? Now then—BEGIN!!!"
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