Facing Tina's attack, T'Challa crossed his arms to block.
Boom!
Even with his arms raised and his vibranium suit protecting him, he was smashed flat onto the ground by Tina's downward punch. His body struck the alloy floor with a violent crash.
Before he could react, Tina hooked her leg under him and kicked upward. His body was lifted into the air, and when he reached eye level with her, she drove a fierce punch straight into his abdomen.
Bang!
The impact sent T'Challa flying like a cannonball.
Boom!
He sailed out of the arena, tumbling across the ground until he finally came to a stop.
It all happened in a flash. In the blink of an eye, the second match was decided. If the first fight was an even showcase, this one was pure domination—over in moments.
T'Challa slowly climbed to his feet. He had expected defeat, but not this quickly. The only consolation was that, thanks to the vibranium suit, he had not suffered any real injuries.
Smith Dole reappeared in the ring, raising Tina's arm.
"The winner of the second match—Tina!"
The crowd erupted in applause.
Tina, however, gave Smith Dole a surprised glance. His sudden reappearance had been just as fast as her own movements.
In the stands, Thor laughed.
"I knew Tina would win. No surprise there. That opponent was far too weak—she didn't even need a weapon."
Jane Foster clung to his arm, smiling.
"Exactly. And it ended quickly, which means it's almost your turn."
Thor twirled Mjolnir in his hand and declared,
"Victory will be mine!"
Tony muttered from nearby,
"Tina got lucky with that opponent. If I'd faced T'Challa, I could've beaten him too."
Pepper Potts looked at him worriedly.
"Tony, your armor's already damaged. Shouldn't you withdraw from the next round?"
Tony checked his wristwatch and smirked.
"No need. My equipment has arrived."
High above, a fiery-red device streaked toward him.
Some in the stands spotted it. Darcy pointed up.
"What's that?"
Tony stepped out into the open, arms wide. The device scanned his wrist and unfolded into a brand-new Iron Man suit, locking onto his body piece by piece. In seconds, he stood armored again.
Seeing this, the other contestants realized Tony had no intention of quitting. But one question remained in everyone's mind: his last suit couldn't withstand the attacks—would this new one fare any better?
Tony grinned at Pepper.
"The new suit's here."
Smith Dole did not stop him. After all, this wasn't against the rules. If Tony had pulled this trick in the last round, he wouldn't have lost.
Eddie Brock stepped onto the stage again.
"What a spectacular fight! Truly worthy of being mistaken for Athena herself."
"Now, let us begin the third match! Contestants: Thor, God of Thunder, versus the Great Sorcerer Karl Mordo!"
As Eddie spoke, a glowing circle appeared on the arena floor. Out stepped Baron Mordo, who announced:
"We are called Sorcerers. Thank you."
The portal closed behind him.
The crowd gasped, then erupted into cheers.
"My god, that's sorcery?"
"So cool!"
"Can that portal go anywhere?"
Thor saw their amazement and felt a twinge of annoyance. He couldn't put on such a flashy show. What was he supposed to do, summon lightning?
…Actually, that could work.
He raised Mjolnir, and thunder roared across the skies.
"For the glory of Asgard!"
He spun the hammer, flying into the ring. Upon landing, lightning flashed behind him, transforming his casual clothes into his full Asgardian battle armor.
Jane Foster's eyes sparkled with admiration, utterly smitten. Beside her, Darcy Lewis looked on enviously. She wanted a boyfriend that strong and handsome too.
"Thor!"
"Thor!"
"Thor!"
The crowd roared his name in wild cheers.
Kingge shook his head with a wry smile.
"Never thought Thor would turn into such a show-off."
Tina chuckled.
"At least it's entertaining, isn't it?"
The others nodded in agreement.
Eddie stepped back, leaving Smith Dole between the two fighters.
"Surrender, loss of combat ability, being down for more than ten seconds, or falling out of the ring—all count as defeat."
"The third Dragon Ball Contest match begins now!"
With that, Smith Dole vanished.
Mordo did not underestimate the God of Thunder. The archives of Kamar-Taj held detailed records on Asgard—and on Thor's family.
He raised his hand, conjuring a glowing orange shield of mystic energy.
Thor saw this and struck immediately, pointing Mjolnir at him. From the sky, a bolt of lightning descended.
Mordo braced his shield overhead, absorbing the strike just in time.
But Thor grinned, undeterred. While Mordo's shield held above, Thor slammed Mjolnir into the ground. From the floor surged a web of crackling currents, racing toward Mordo's feet.
You can guard above—but can you guard below?
In that moment, Thor pictured Mordo writhing on the ground in defeat. Victory, he thought, would belong to Asgard!
(End of Chapter)
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