Chapter 37

## Chapter Chronology

**The Top of India** is the 37th chapter of the "*Shuumatsu no Valkyrie: Record of Ragnarok*" manga series.

## Summary

As Shiva and Rudra began their journey to get to the peak of Svarga, many people laughed at them, scoffed at their hopes and ridiculed it.

Yet, they were left stunned when Shiva and Rudra successfully beat all the Asura at the bottom of the peak. As Shiva and Rudra continued to win, the grins thrown in their way transformed. Initially in admiration, then in support and finally people began to believe that the two could succeed in their goal.

While Shiva and Rudra kept advancing by bringing down famed opponents, the weight of the dreams they carried grew on their backs too. On top of that, following each encounter they had with a God, they would take that God's title after beating them. They ended up putting their lives on the line against some of the mightiest Gods of Hinduism, such as the God of Fire, Agni, the God of Water, Varuna and the God of Thunder, Indra. Eventually, they came across the final opponents before the peak – Brahma the Creator and Vishnu the Preserver. Once they had defeated those two, the world's first Veda was written and both Shiva and Rudra had defeated all 1115 Gods of India, which let them reach the peak of Svarga. At the peak, Shiva finds the view to be exquisite while Rudra remains quiet.

Shiva then notices the village they started out in, far away, and loudly shouts "Hello!" at it. Shiva recommends Rudra gives it a try too but Rudra stays still. When Rudra says Shiva's name, knowing what is coming, Shiva tries to change the subject by remarking on how no-one saw the two of them coming this far together and decides that means they're the ultimate tag team. Rudra says Shiva's name once more and as Shiva recalls how fun it was, Rudra states that they need to fight. Only one God has the right to stand at the peak of Svarga and lead the rest of the Hindu Gods, as that is what is best for both the Gods and Humanity.

He adds that the one at the top needs to be the strongest. Shiva asks what he means and Rudra says they need to find out who is stronger between the two. Rudra asks Shiva to fight him and Shiva notes that, now that he's said it, he won't listen to anything else. Crying, Shiva says he has no choice. As they prepare to fight, Shiva asks if Rudra is ready to see his greatest dance ever.

Rudra confirms he is and the two fistbump before beginning to exchange blows. The battle between Shiva and Rudra was said to be the fiercest battle in the history of India since its start. The sounds of their fists striking each other's flesh echoed throughout the land. As if to mimic their sweat, a torrential downpour occured. For Shiva and Rudra, this moment was the happiest yet saddest moment of their entire lives. Until they finally reached the end. With both huffing and wounded, Shiva punches Rudra's face and knocks him down. He inwardly pleads for Rudra to stay down but the God of Storms gets back up.

Rudra charges in but Shiva punches him away again, once more inwardly pleading for Rudra to stop making him do this. Not finished, Rudra gets back up once more and Shiva starts to inwardly beg for him to surrender already. After punching Rudra down, Shiva inwardly tells Rudra to not get up again because he'll die at this rate.

Swaying, Rudra gets up regardless, insisting he can keep going. Recalling how Rudra described his dream and the first time they met, Shiva says he has no choice and falls back. Calling Rudra strong, Shiva attempts to surrender, only for Rudra to be the one to surrender. Shiva questions why and Rudra asserts to Shiva that when one is giving it their all, he has to respond in kind because holding back against someone willing to risk their life, is a fate far worse than death. Crying, Shiva insists he only did it because this is Rudra's dream but Rudra points out that Shiva's at the peak of all 1116 Hindu Gods.

Rudra wants to know if he can leave Svarga to Shiva and while crying, Shiva says he just has no choice. They fistbump one last time, with Rudra transferring his tattoos onto Shiva. Sighing, Rudra remarks on how that was a fun dream and bids farewell to Shiva.

From that day on, Rudra left Svarga while Shiva stood at its peak, having lost his greatest friend in exchange for that position. In the present, Shiva headbutts Raiden back as the Hindu Gods keep cheering. Noting he carries the hope of all 1116 Gods of his pantheon, Shiva declares that he isn't going to lose to anyone. As the Gods all cheer, Rudra silently watches from a higher viewing point. Agni, Varuna, Indra, Brahma and Vishnu all find him, with Brahma asking why Rudra is watching from the shadows. Rudra playfully replies that they're doing the same and Vishnu sighs about how Shiva hasn't changed at all. Rudra states he's nicer than any other but when a fight starts, he enjoys talking with his fists more than any other.

Varuna calls him a pain and recalls how Shiva kept laughing, no matter how many times he hit him. Agni agrees, calling him an idiot who knows no restraint. Indra says that, even so, they owe it to their leader to see things through until the end. Rudra inwardly cheers on Shiva, telling him to show his opponent the result of all his battles. As Shiva asks Raiden Tameemon if he wants to see his greatest dance, it's revealed his 1116th title and the person he fights for, is Rudra, the God of Storms.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Shiva
* Raiden Tameemon (No lines)
* Rudra
* Brahma
* Indra
* Varuna
* Vishnu
* Agni