The moment the Frozen Lotus Domain activated, the entire arena transformed.
Ice covered every inch of the ground.
Frost climbed the arena walls.
Even the air itself seemed to crystallize.
Kael exhaled slowly, watching his breath turn into white mist.
Han Miren stood calmly at the center of the lotus formation.
"This is my strongest ability," she said.
"Within this domain, my techniques become twice as powerful."
Several ice petals rose around her like floating blades.
"And your movements will slow."
As if proving her point, Kael felt the cold resistance surrounding his body.
Each movement required slightly more effort.
Interesting.
Kael's eyes sharpened.
Inside his chest, the Origin Core began spinning faster.
Golden energy pulsed outward.
The cold resistance weakened.
Han Miren noticed immediately.
"So you can resist it."
She waved her hand.
The floating ice petals shot toward Kael at terrifying speed.
Kael moved.
His body blurred sideways, dodging the first attack.
But the domain strengthened the petals.
They curved mid-air, chasing him like guided blades.
Kael jumped backward.
One petal sliced across his sleeve.
Another struck the ground beside him, exploding into shards of ice.
The audience leaned forward nervously.
"This domain is overwhelming."
"Can Kael handle it?"
Han Miren extended her hand again.
"End it."
The remaining petals rushed toward him simultaneously.
Kael stopped moving.
For the first time in the match, he closed his eyes briefly.
Then
The Origin Core flared.
Golden energy erupted around him like a rising flame.
"Origin Body… Second Pulse."
The ground beneath his feet cracked.
The air trembled.
Kael opened his eyes.
They glowed faintly gold.
Han Miren felt the pressure immediately.
"What… is that?"
Kael stepped forward.
The cold resistance shattered completely.
Ice cracked beneath his feet.
He raised his fist again.
Origin Energy condensed around his arm, brighter than before.
"Origin Break."
Han Miren's eyes widened.
The energy surrounding him felt far stronger than earlier.
For the first time
She felt danger.
Real danger.
The golden fist surged forward.
And the Frozen Lotus Domain began to collapse.