"This is my Ninefold Lightning Domain," Thor said proudly. His voice carried a faint electric hum, as though thunder itself resonated in his chest. "Each layer represents a different aspect of lightning. The outermost white lightning can even tear through space itself."
Rowan stared in amazement. "That is incredible. A domain like this must be almost unheard of across the universe."
Thor nodded with satisfaction. "Naturally. It took countless hardships to comprehend all nine layers. Most people can only master three or four. Anyone who reaches five is already exceptional. As for nine," he laughed, "you would be hard pressed to find a second one like it."
Hong remained calm as ever. "Do not become overconfident. Mor's Thunder Bastion may not be as complex as your Ninefold Domain, but it has its own strengths. Combined with his combat experience and tactical thinking, it could still cause you serious trouble."
Thor clicked his tongue but nodded. "Fine. I will stay alert. That said, my Thunder Severer is no ordinary weapon either."
He extended his right hand, summoning a massive blade from thin air.
The saber was nearly two meters long and over thirty centimeters wide. Its dark metallic body gleamed faintly, while pale blue lightning flowed along the edge. Most striking of all were the nine grooves along the spine, each embedded with a gemstone of a different color, perfectly matching the hues of the Ninefold Lightning Domain.
"This is my Thunder Severer," Thor said proudly, resting the massive blade on his shoulder. "It amplifies my lightning power and allows precise control over each domain layer. Most importantly, it can compress all nine layers into a single point, unleashing an almost unstoppable strike."
Rowan's eyes sparkled. "That is amazing. Did you forge it yourself?"
Thor shook his head. "No. I discovered it long ago on an abandoned ancient battlefield. It supposedly belonged to a lightning deity from a forgotten era. When I found it, it was nearly destroyed. Only the framework remained. I spent centuries restoring it to its current form."
Luo Feng nodded thoughtfully. "So it is not just a weapon. It is an extension of your strength."
"Exactly," Thor replied. "My Lightning Law, the Ninefold Domain, and Thunder Severer are fully integrated. Together, they define my fighting style."
Hong glanced at the saber. "That is enough admiration. Your match with Mor is tomorrow. Focus on preparation."
Thor dismissed the blade and grew serious. "Alright. Let us analyze Mor properly."
Over the next several hours, the four of them studied Mor's combat records and past matches.
The footage revealed a fighter who was calm, precise, and ruthless. Every movement was calculated. His Thunder Bastion formed a defensive field of lightning around him, capable of blocking attacks and absorbing lightning-based energy to reinforce itself.
"That is troublesome," Luo Feng said with a frown. "Your Lightning Law might be ineffective, or even turned against you."
Thor considered it. "Then I will rely on raw physical force. Thunder Severer is lethal even without lightning."
Hong shook his head. "Do not oversimplify it. Mor's battlefield experience is vast. If you fight predictably, he will read you easily."
Rowan suddenly spoke up. "Thor, each layer of your Ninefold Domain has different properties, correct?"
"Yes."
"Then you should use the unconventional layers. The white lightning that tears space, or the silver and black lightning. Those might not be absorbable."
Thor's eyes lit up. "That makes sense. The silver lightning disrupts energy flow, and the black lightning devours and corrodes. Those could interfere with Thunder Bastion directly."
Hong nodded. "A good approach. But consider this. If Mor is truly a strategist, he may already be prepared for such variations."
Thor rubbed his chin. "Then I need to surprise him."
Luo Feng suggested, "Test his defenses with standard attacks first. Observe how Thunder Bastion functions, then adapt."
Thor laughed loudly. "Perfect. I will probe him first, then finish it decisively."
At that moment, the suite's communicator activated. Rowan answered, and a formally dressed staff member appeared on the screen.
"Esteemed competitors," the man said respectfully. "Due to scheduling adjustments, Thor's match has been moved to the first bout tomorrow morning. Please prepare accordingly."
Thor raised an eyebrow. "Moved up?"
"I apologize," the staff member replied. "The decision was made by the organizers. The match has drawn significant attention."
Thor shrugged. "Works for me."
After the call ended, Luo Feng frowned slightly. "Schedule changes like this are rare."
Hong remained composed. "Regardless of the reason, we prepare as planned. Thor, rest well tonight."
Thor waved his hand. "I will. Since it is early, I might as well sleep."
That night, Rowan and Luo Feng continued reviewing Mor's data. Hong meditated, refining his cultivation. Thor lay on his bed, casually spinning a small lightning sphere in his hand while contemplating strategy. Though relaxed on the surface, he clearly took the upcoming match seriously.
Morning arrived swiftly.
Thor was already warming up in the training room, swinging Thunder Severer with precision and force.
Hong entered and observed quietly. "You are taking this seriously. That is rare."
Thor grinned. "A worthy opponent deserves respect."
Luo Feng and Rowan joined them with fresh intel.
"Mor's Thunder Bastion can convert absorbed lightning into enhanced attack power," Luo Feng said.
"And his twin thunder hammers resonate together," Rowan added. "When used simultaneously, they create a storm-like amplification effect."
Thor nodded. "Good. The more I know, the better."
Hong warned calmly. "Do not underestimate him. Experience can outweigh raw power."
Thor smiled confidently. "I understand."
After breakfast, they headed to the arena.
The atmosphere was electric. The duel between two lightning specialists had drawn massive attention.
In the contestant tunnel, Thor adjusted his combat suit. Dark fabric woven with gold patterns shimmered under the lights. Thunder Severer floated silently behind him.
"Remember the plan," Hong said. "Test his defenses first."
Thor nodded. "Understood."
Luo Feng placed a hand on his shoulder. "Trust yourself."
Rowan smiled. "We are all behind you."
Thor stretched and strode toward the arena.
The stands were packed.
Chants echoed from all sides as the holographic displays presented the competitors.
Thor, master of the Lightning Law and Ninefold Lightning Domain, wielder of Thunder Severer.
Mor, renowned military commander, master of the Lightning Law and Thunder Bastion, wielder of the Twin Thunder Hammers.
"This is the first match of the second round," the announcer declared. "A clash of lightning specialists. Let the storm begin."
Thunderous cheers followed.
Thor stepped onto the platform, each footfall resonating like thunder.
Across from him stood Mor. Towering, armored, silver-eyed. Twin hammers crackled with power.
They locked eyes.
"Thor," Mor said in a deep, steady voice. "I have heard much about you. Crossing blades with you today is truly an honor."
Thor grinned. "The feeling is mutual."
Mor inclined his head slightly. "Is it true that you command a Ninefold Lightning Domain?"
"Of course," Thor replied. "You will experience it soon enough."
Mor's eyes gleamed with interest. "Then I look forward to it."
The referee's voice rang out. "Prepare."
Thor inhaled deeply. Pale blue lightning began to coil around him.
Behind him, Thunder Severer resonated.
One by one, the nine gemstones ignited, each glowing with a different hue.
The storm was about to break.