The Battle of Julu annihilated the main forces of the Qin army, toppled the Qin dynasty, and established the Western Chu regime.
One could say that most people of that era believed this Hegemon-King would once again pacify the warring states and become the second emperor to unify the realm.
However, historical records state that this Hegemon-King was somewhat obstinate and self-willed. Repeated strategic blunders ultimately led to his encirclement by the King of Han at Gaixia.
In the end, ashamed to face his people back home, the Hegemon-King took his own life by the Wu River.
Thus, the curtain fell on the hero of an era.
But is this truly the reality of history?
Later generations often praised the Hegemon-King as a warrior of unparalleled might, yet lacking in military acumen. But is this really the case?
If he were truly such a man, could he have turned the tide at the Battle of Julu despite overwhelming odds?
With twenty thousand soldiers against an army of four hundred thousand, he still emerged victorious.
Is this something achievable by mere brute strength alone?
"Absolutely not!!!"
Heimdall, who was introducing the Hegemon-King, denied this vehemently, his eyes widening as he stared at a piece of parchment in his hand.
This was no ordinary parchment—perhaps it could be described as a tablet with the appearance of parchment, connected to the Akashic Records system.
"The reason the Hegemon-King lost was simply because he obeyed the First Emperor's command to withdraw from that era!!!"
With this shocking declaration, the entire venue fell into stunned silence.
Those unfamiliar with the Hegemon-King's past were bewildered, while those who knew his history were utterly shocked.
"Wait, wasn't the Hegemon-King Xiang Yu's greatest achievement in history the overthrow of the Qin dynasty? How could it be the First Emperor's command to withdraw from that era?"
"Weren't the two of them enemies?"
"This makes it sound like Xiang Yu was the First Emperor's subordinate."
"What nonsense is this?"
Thus, the perspective shifted to a corner of the spectator stands, where a certain emperor sat—the second founding emperor, Emperor Gaozu of Han.
"He's right. The empire I gained was indeed yielded by the Hegemon-King. I never truly defeated him."
Emperor Gaozu smiled bitterly as he spoke.
"No, I should say—the empire I gained was bestowed by that man!"
He corrected himself, his expression turning solemn with reverence.
Only later did he come to understand certain truths—just how shocking that man's plans had been, and the immense burden he had carried.
"That man?"
"Your Majesty, who are you referring to?"
"Could it be—"
The ministers beside him were puzzled, while some seemed to realize something and gasped in astonishment.
A few individuals, however, clearly understood what was being said, as they had been planted there from the beginning by that very person.
"The First Emperor—Qin Shi Huang, the peerless ruler of all ages!"
Thus declared Emperor Gaozu of Han.
"In that era, when the gods did not interfere, he could have unified the entire world and ruled over all of humanity!"
This revelation left those who heard it utterly stunned.
"Your Majesty, you—"
"Just watch and see. Qin Shi Huang must also be observing this place. I truly look forward to the moment he makes his appearance and the surprise he will bring."
Not only would humans be shocked, but even the gods would be left in awe.
No doubt Qin Shi Huang had foreseen that humanity would eventually face such a situation, which was why he had prepared—why he had withdrawn from history and from the sight of the gods.
"Oh? If the gods do not interfere, one could rule the entire world? All of humanity?"
In the divine spectator seats of the arena, Zeus, seated in one of the spots, overheard the emperor's words and couldn't help but stroke his beard in amusement.
"Lord Zeus, perhaps we should pay attention to the human representatives from that region."
Beside him, Hermes, dressed in a very gentlemanly manner, felt it necessary to offer a reminder.
The mythological system of that region, after the large-scale interference in the mortal realm thousands of years ago, had since closed itself off like a secluded nation, rarely visiting or interacting with other pantheons.
They had not participated in the subsequent millennial meetings until this one, and even then, they had sent only new gods—and agreed so readily?
So casually? It was somewhat suspicious.
After all, that mythology had long maintained deep ties with the humans of the mortal realm. Logically, they should not have agreed.
Yet they had consented so easily, making it seem as though there was some hidden scheme.
Coupled with Emperor Gaozu of Han's words, it only deepened the suspicion that the representative chosen from that region might truly be extraordinary.
"Pay attention to what? Isn't it better if the opponents are more interesting? It would be so dull if they were instantly defeated."
Zeus responded with a benevolent smile that somehow gave off an impression of extreme brutality.
However, the Overlord Xiang Yu on the arena stage was, by all appearances, just a human.
"That's a human, right? Odin?"
Better to confirm with this guy.
"Indeed, it is a human. I sense no divine bloodline within them."
Odin, the supreme god of Norse mythology, replied impassively.
He, too, couldn't fathom where the Valkyries had found the courage to pit these humans against the gods, believing they could win—or even slay a god?
Speaking of which, would Brunhilde summon that guy? After all, he was a dragon-slayer.
Though the dragon in question was something Odin could obliterate with a mere wave of his hand, for a human to slay one was still a remarkable feat.
And with whatever Brunhilde had prepared, they might actually stand a chance against a god.
As for what Brunhilde had prepared, Odin knew full well—but he chose not to reveal it.
In his view, Brunhilde's preparations might barely suffice against some lesser gods, but against someone like Thor, it would be nothing more than a futile struggle.
Brunhilde likely didn't yet understand Thor's true power.
Let her witness true despair—the futility of resistance.
Let her watch in despair as her chosen champion is reduced to ashes, as her sisters vanish into nothingness.
This is the end she has chosen for herself.
So, with a faintly raised corner of his mouth, Odin decided to let himself savor the despair of the betrayer.
"Woooooooooooooo!"
The horn of Ragnarök was sounded!
The first battle of [Ragnarök]—begins!
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