Thor leapt down from the arena and strode back toward the competitors' seating area with relaxed, confident steps. Faint arcs of lightning still clung to his body, the lingering aftershock of his previous battle. His towering, broad-shouldered frame moved like a walking mountain, each step carrying an invisible pressure that drew countless gazes from the stands.
"Thor, that was a spectacular match," Rowan said with a smile, lifting his drink in greeting.
Thor grinned, flashing a row of white teeth. Every sharp line of his rugged face radiated raw confidence. "Nothing special. That guy wasn't worth the effort."
Seated nearby, Logan quietly observed the other contestants. As one of Earth's standout elites, his ambitions reached far beyond this stage. This tournament was as much about gaining experience as it was about victory. Hearing Thor's words, he allowed himself a faint smile.
Off to one side, Marcus sat in a relatively secluded corner, his eyes fixed on the battles unfolding in the arena, his expression calm and focused.
Thor walked over and dropped into the seat beside Marcus. He grabbed an energy drink, downed it in one gulp, then let out a long, satisfied breath. "Ah, that felt good."
Without turning his head, Marcus continued watching the match. "How was your opponent?"
"Too weak," Thor said dismissively, shaking his head. Veins stood out along his powerful arms. "I barely used any strength. I released just a bit of my lightning domain and he panicked immediately. I doubt the next few rounds will offer anything worth calling a challenge."
Marcus finally shifted his gaze to Thor. His eyes were deep and tranquil, like a vast starfield hiding endless wisdom. "Do not underestimate anyone. Everyone who makes it this far has something extraordinary."
Thor laughed and slapped Marcus on the shoulder. The force behind it could have shattered stone, yet Marcus did not budge an inch. "I know, I know. You're always careful. Still, the early rounds really are dull. What about you? Who's your first opponent?"
"Silverfeather, from the Silverblue Empire," Marcus replied calmly.
"Oh?" Logan interjected, interest flickering in his eyes. "The so-called Falling Leaf Swordsman? I've heard his six-layer domain integrates perfectly with the wood element. They say he once killed three opponents of the same rank with a single strike."
Marcus nodded. "That's him."
Thor burst out laughing. "He might have some reputation, but against you, he won't last long. Your seven-layer domain has reached an entirely new level. Add your mastery of the light element, and he won't even be able to block a single ray."
"One should never look down on an opponent," Marcus said evenly, though a sharp glint flashed briefly in his eyes. "I'm studying his fighting style."
The giant screen above the arena began playing footage of Silverfeather's previous match. He was tall and slender, with long silver hair that flowed like a living galaxy. He wore the distinctive combat attire of the Silverblue Empire, adorned with star-like patterns. Most striking of all were the blue energy wings on his back, gently trembling and emitting a soft glow.
In the footage, Silverfeather faced a formidable opponent with a hulking frame and dark, scale-like armor. Despite the intimidating sight, Silverfeather remained composed. He calmly drew a wooden sword from his waist. It looked plain, yet it radiated a frightening latent power.
"Watch his footwork," Marcus said, pointing at the screen. "Before every strike, he makes a subtle shift in his center of gravity. That's a defining trait of his six-layer domain."
Rowan leaned closer, studying carefully. "You're right. He's integrated a unique movement technique into his domain."
"And more than that," Marcus continued. "His wood element aligns seamlessly with his swordsmanship. He doesn't cut matter directly. He uses his sword to guide the wood element, altering the very nature of what it touches. That's a refined and dangerous approach."
On-screen, Silverfeather swung his sword lightly. The motion seemed casual, yet his opponent froze in place as thick green vines erupted from his body, binding him completely.
"This is his Vine Prison," Marcus explained. "A manifestation of the wood element. Once trapped, escaping is extremely difficult unless one possesses power that surpasses the wood element itself."
Thor waved a hand dismissively. "That trick won't work on you. Your light element can sever any structure."
"In theory," Marcus agreed. "But real combat is never that simple. Anyone who stands here as a stellar-level expert has more than one hidden card."
The match on the screen ended, and the referee announced the next battle.
"Marcus from Black Dragon Mountain versus Silverfeather of the Silverblue Empire."
"Your turn," Thor said, giving Marcus a firm pat on the shoulder. "Put on a good show. We'll be waiting to celebrate."
Logan nodded. "Be cautious. Don't rush."
Rowan smiled. "I trust your strength, Marcus."
Marcus rose and straightened his robe. "I'm going." In the next instant, his figure vanished. A heartbeat later, he appeared on the arena platform.
The arena was a circular platform roughly a thousand meters across, suspended amid endless stars. Its surface looked ordinary, but it was forged from special materials capable of withstanding the full power of stellar-level combatants. Above it, holographic projections displayed real-time data for both fighters.
Marcus stood calmly at one end, his presence restrained and composed. Across from him, Silverfeather waited, blue energy wings gently quivering.
"Marcus of Black Dragon Mountain," Silverfeather said, his voice like a breeze through leaves. "I've long heard of your seven-layer domain. Today, I finally get to witness it."
Marcus inclined his head slightly. "Silverfeather of the Silverblue Empire. The title Falling Leaf Swordsman suits you. Your fusion of domain and wood element is impressive. I look forward to this match."
Silverfeather smiled faintly and drew his wooden sword. Though it appeared simple, everyone present could sense the terrifying power within.
"Prepare yourselves," the referee announced. "The match is about to begin."
Marcus took a slow breath. A golden glimmer flashed in his eyes as the light element stirred. A faint radiance spread around him as his domain began to unfold.
Silverfeather responded instantly. His six-layer domain expanded outward, flooding the arena with surging wood-element energy. His blue wings grew more solid, almost lifelike.
"Three."
"Two."
"One."
"Begin!"
The instant the signal ended, Silverfeather vanished. In a blink, he appeared behind Marcus, wooden sword aimed straight at his back.
Marcus did not turn. He simply lifted a hand. A thin golden beam shot from his fingertips, intercepting the blade with perfect precision.
A dull impact echoed through the arena.
Silverfeather smiled. "As expected of a seven-layer domain. Your reactions are exceptional."
His sword thrust again, this time wrapped in vivid green energy, the wood element made manifest.
Marcus turned, bringing his index and middle fingers together like an invisible blade. Golden light condensed at his fingertips, forming a razor-sharp sword of light.
Their attacks collided once more, sending ripples of energy across the platform.
"Interesting," Marcus said softly. "Your control over the wood element is exquisite. You can alter the properties of your sword instantly."
"High praise," Silverfeather replied. His tone sharpened. "But this is still not my full strength."
His domain surged outward. Thick vines burst from the arena floor, racing toward Marcus from every direction.
"Vine Prison?" Marcus raised an eyebrow. "A clever technique."
Golden light flared as Marcus's seven-layer domain fully expanded. Within it, light obeyed his will absolutely.
"Light Severance," he said calmly.
Blades of light shot out, slicing through the vines. Yet instead of withering, the severed vines sprouted new branches, multiplying rapidly.
Silverfeather laughed. "These are my Undying Vines. They feed on light. The more you cut them, the faster they grow."
Marcus frowned slightly. "That is intriguing."
Soon, the vines wrapped around him completely, forming a massive green cocoon.
In the stands, Thor straightened. "That guy's no joke. He actually pushed Marcus this far."
Logan shook his head. "Not yet. Marcus is still testing him."
Rowan nodded. "Agreed. He's analyzing Silverfeather's limits."
On the arena floor, Silverfeather approached the cocoon, sword leveled. "Yield, Marcus. Your light only feeds my vines. They'll drain you dry."
From within, Marcus's voice remained calm. "Your mastery of life through the wood element is remarkable. But you've overlooked something."
A blinding golden radiance erupted outward, vaporizing every vine instantly. Marcus stepped free, wreathed in luminous light, almost divine in appearance.
"Light does more than cut," he continued. "It burns."
Silverfeather's expression tightened, then steadied. "Impressive. But this battle is far from over."
His domain expanded again, and his wooden sword transformed into a translucent green crystal.
"This is my Life Blade," Silverfeather said. "It cuts not only matter, but vitality itself. Any wound it leaves will continue to drain life."
Marcus regarded it with clear approval. "A formidable weapon. But tell me, can it cut something without life?"
Silverfeather hesitated, then grinned. "So you intend to fight me with pure light? Very well. Show me its power."
He lunged forward, Life Blade arcing toward Marcus's head.
Marcus did not dodge. He extended his right hand, fingers spread, and caught the blade barehanded.
Gasps rang out from the audience.
"Is he insane?"
"Catching a sword with his hand?"
Yet the blade stopped in midair. A thin membrane of interwoven light surrounded Marcus's palm, holding the weapon immobile.
Silverfeather stared in disbelief.
"This is a basic application of the light element," Marcus said evenly. "A light shield. By controlling the density and arrangement of light, one can form a barrier nearly impossible to penetrate. No matter how sharp your blade is, it cannot cut light itself."
Silverfeather tried to pull back, but the sword would not move.
"Now," Marcus said calmly, confidence radiating from him, "it's my turn."