Thor threw back his head and laughed. "Then let's keep going. Let's see who the true master of lightning really is."
With that, he summoned his Ninefold Lightning Domain once more, preparing to unleash another wave of attacks. Mor refused to yield. Thunder Bastion surged at full power again, and the patterns on his twin hammers glowed with a dangerous brilliance.
The atmosphere in the stands reached its peak. No one dared to breathe as they awaited the outcome of this ultimate clash.
All nine layers of Thor's Lightning Domain unfolded completely. Nine colors of lightning spiraled around him, forming a magnificent and terrifying vortex of energy. At the same time, all nine gemstones on Thunder Severer ignited, shining with blinding radiance.
"Ninefold Lightning Domain. Convergence of Ten Thousand Thunders."
Thor raised Thunder Severer high. Nine-colored lightning condensed along the blade, forming a massive sphere of lightning energy. As he brought the blade down, the sphere detonated, releasing countless bolts that flooded the arena and surged toward Mor.
Mor knew his Thunder Bastion could not fully withstand an attack of this magnitude. Without hesitation, he activated his strongest defensive and counteroffensive technique.
"Twin Thunder Hammers. Heaven and Earth Reversal."
His hammers turned pure white in an instant. The patterns on their surfaces shifted to the same color, radiating energy nearly identical to Thor's ninth layer of white lightning. This was an advanced imitation technique that allowed him to temporarily replicate the opponent's energy attributes.
Mor crossed his hammers before his chest, forming a swirling vortex of lightning to resist the incoming assault. At the same time, a portion of the replicated white lightning erupted outward, transforming into a counterstrike that raced straight toward Thor.
The two colossal forces collided.
A shockwave of staggering intensity exploded outward. The entire arena was swallowed by light so bright that many spectators were forced to shut their eyes to avoid being blinded.
When the glare finally faded, the crowd gasped.
Both warriors were still standing, but neither looked well.
Thor's combat suit was in tatters, scorched skin visible beneath the ruined fabric. Several gemstones on Thunder Severer had dimmed completely, their energy exhausted. His Ninefold Domain had collapsed to only three or four remaining layers, the rest no longer sustainable.
Mor was in no better condition. His armor had shattered, cracks running across his metallic skin, some deep enough to expose flesh beneath. Thunder Bastion had vanished entirely, and the patterns on his twin hammers were dull and lifeless.
Separated by several hundred meters, the two men panted heavily. Yet their eyes still burned with unyielding resolve.
"You are formidable," Mor said between breaths, his voice filled with genuine respect. "Your Ninefold Lightning Domain deserves its name. Especially the final three layers. They go beyond ordinary lightning, carrying spatial distortion, devouring force, and energy interference."
Thor grinned, his fighting spirit undiminished. "You're no slouch either. That Heaven and Earth Reversal technique was impressive. Being able to imitate my white lightning is no small feat. If I had not been prepared, that counterstrike could have ended me."
Mor inclined his head slightly. "This has been an extraordinary duel. No matter the result, I am honored."
Thor laughed again. "Well said. Then let's decide the outcome."
Just as both prepared for a final exchange, the referee's voice rang out across the arena.
"Time limit reached. According to competition rules, when a match exceeds the allotted duration and both competitors are evenly matched, the outcome will be determined by technical scoring."
Only then did everyone realize that the battle had lasted nearly two hours, far beyond the usual limits.
The referee continued, "After technical evaluation, Thor receives a score of 9.8, while Mor receives 9.7. The winner of this match is Thor."
Thunderous applause erupted from the stands. Cheers and admiration echoed endlessly. This clash between two lightning specialists had far exceeded expectations.
Thor smiled when the result was announced, but he did not celebrate excessively. He knew how narrow the margin had been. Had the battle continued, the outcome could easily have shifted.
He walked toward Mor and extended his hand. "An incredible fight. Your strength commands my respect."
Mor clasped his hand, a rare smile appearing on his face. "Likewise. Your Ninefold Lightning Domain is truly astonishing. If the chance arises, I would welcome another battle."
Thor nodded. "Anytime. Next time, somewhere more open, without restrictions. We can fight freely."
Mor chuckled softly. "Agreed."
Both men were clearly exhausted and were escorted off the platform by medical staff. Though the match had ended, discussion and praise continued unabated. This lightning-filled spectacle would be talked about for a long time to come.
Back in the suite, Thor collapsed onto the sofa with a satisfied groan. "That fight nearly drained me. Mor was even stronger than I expected."
Luo Feng handed him an energy drink. "You were outstanding. Especially that final Convergence of Ten Thousand Thunders. The power was overwhelming."
Thor downed the drink in one go and let out a contented burp. "Of course. But honestly, if time had not run out, it could have gone either way. His reversal technique was terrifying. Copying my white lightning was no joke."
Hong spoke calmly. "Your strengths were evenly matched. However, your Lightning Domain has greater versatility and adaptability. That difference likely decided the outcome."
Rowan looked at Thor with undisguised admiration. "Your Ninefold Lightning Domain is incredible. That white lightning that tears space itself is unbelievable."
Thor grinned, then suddenly turned toward Rowan. "By the way, kid, you did well yesterday too. That Starfall Collapse was creative. How about a spar?"
Rowan blinked in surprise. "Now? You just finished an exhausting match. You should rest."
Thor waved a hand dismissively. "It's just a spar, nothing serious. Besides, I'm curious about your Starshard Riftblade. I want to see how it compares to Thunder Severer."
Luo Feng nodded. "It's a good idea. Sparring helps reveal weaknesses and improve future performance."
Hong considered for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But keep it controlled. No excessive exertion."
With all three agreeing, Rowan could only accept. "Alright. I'd be honored to learn from you."
The suite's training room was spacious, designed for practice and friendly matches. Thor and Rowan took their places at the center, while Hong and Luo Feng observed from the side.
Thor loosened his shoulders and summoned Thunder Severer, leaving the gemstones dormant. "Let's keep it simple. No domains, no laws. Just pure technique."
Rowan nodded and summoned the Starshard Riftblade. It shimmered with starlight but remained unactivated. Even so, the weapon, formed entirely from mental force, radiated a quiet intensity.
"Begin," Hong announced.
Thor moved first. Thunder Severer traced a smooth arc, aiming straight for Rowan's throat. The strike looked simple, yet its speed and angle revealed a master's precision.
Rowan reacted instantly, angling the Starshard Riftblade to deflect. The weapons met with a crisp metallic ring.
"Not bad," Thor praised, launching into a flurry of strikes. His blade alternated between violent surges and subtle feints, unpredictable and relentless.
Rowan focused completely, adjusting angles, blocking, evading, and countering as best he could. It was difficult, but he held on.
"Your fundamentals are solid," Thor said as he attacked. "But you're too defensive. Remember, offense can be the best defense."
He abruptly changed tactics, sweeping his blade horizontally and forcing Rowan back several steps.
Rowan inhaled deeply and nodded. "Understood. Please guide me."
He counterattacked, Starshard Riftblade carving a graceful arc toward Thor's right shoulder. The move was simple, yet refined, the foundational form of the Starflow Blade technique.
Thor blocked easily, but his eyes lit up. "Better. But your attack patterns are too regular. Easy to predict. Try this."
Thunder Severer twisted mid-swing, striking from an impossible angle. This irregular trajectory was the product of countless battles.
Rowan narrowed his eyes and adjusted instantly. His mental force surged, and the Starshard Riftblade responded with an equally unconventional path. Sparks flew as the blades crossed.
"Oh?" Thor raised an eyebrow. "Good reaction. Your control over mental force is impressive."
Rowan smiled modestly. "I still have a long way to go."
Thor laughed. "Confidence matters. You've earned it."
The exchange continued, Thor's attacks growing increasingly devious. Rowan responded with intense focus, his blade moving as if alive.
From the sidelines, Luo Feng commented quietly, "Rowan has improved a lot, especially his mental control."
Hong nodded. "Yes. But in instinct and experience, he still trails Thor."
That difference showed. Despite Rowan's skill, he remained mostly on the defensive as Thor's attacks came from every imaginable angle.
"You rely too much on preset techniques," Thor instructed mid-fight. "Real combat has no fixed forms. You must adapt and improvise."
Rowan listened carefully and adjusted. Gradually, his movements became more fluid, less rigid. He began experimenting, creating attacks on the fly.
"That's it," Thor said approvingly. "Combat is alive. Techniques are not. A true master creates the right move in the moment."
The spar grew more intense. Rowan still lagged behind in mastery, but his rapid learning allowed him to keep pace.
"Let's raise it slightly," Thor suggested, eyes gleaming. "A little law and domain power, kept minimal."
Rowan glanced at Hong, who gave a small nod. "Alright."
Thor activated only the first pale blue layer of his Lightning Domain. The first gemstone on Thunder Severer glowed softly.
Rowan responded by activating the Fire Law. Faint flames coiled around the Starshard Riftblade, while his mental force expanded into an invisible field.
"Come on," Thor called, slashing forward with lightning-infused power.
Rowan advanced instead of retreating, meeting the strike head-on. The collision triggered a small energy storm.
"Well done," Thor praised, following up with rapid, lightning-charged attacks, each one heavier than before.
The training room echoed with the sound of clashing steel and crackling energy as Rowan continued to adapt, step by step, forging his own path in battle.