Marvel: A Portal to the World of Swallowed Star

Chapter 326 326: A Talent Worth Cultivating

The third person in the room appeared to be a young man, yet the aura he carried was anything but ordinary. His presence was sharp and commanding, like a storm waiting to break.

"The Heavenly Thunder Sect has always had a keen interest in lightning-based prodigies," he said calmly. "If this Thunder God performs well enough, we can consider extending him an invitation."

In another private viewing room, several officers dressed in military uniforms were discussing the same topic.

"According to intelligence from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's military, these Earth warriors all show promising potential," a middle-aged officer remarked. "Especially this Thunder God. His combat style is highly compatible with military operations."

"But they currently represent the Black Dragon Mountain Empire," another officer pointed out. "If our Thunder Legion wants to recruit them, we need to take political factors into account."

"Politics can be handled later. What matters now is confirming their strength," the first officer replied without hesitation. "If they are truly valuable, any price is worth paying."

At the same time, within the VIP viewing area, senior executives from the Virtual Universe Company were also paying close attention to the upcoming match.

"Zhenwu, what do you think of this Thunder God's abilities?" the inspector asked.

Zhenwu observed carefully as Thunder God adjusted his condition in the preparation area.

"Judging from his aura, his mastery of the Lightning Laws is indeed impressive," he said. "His mental fluctuations are steady as well, which suggests strong psychological resilience. But his true strength will only be revealed in actual combat."

"The mechanical warrior, Cybertron, is no easy opponent either," another executive added. "His lightning attack systems are the latest technology of the Machine Race. Their power should not be underestimated."

In the preparation area, Thunder God was going through his final warm-up.

He removed his shirt, revealing a body forged like steel. With each breath, faint blue arcs of electricity flickered across his skin, making him look like a living incarnation of lightning.

"How are you feeling?" Hong asked.

"Better than ever," Thunder God replied with a grin, rolling his shoulders as his joints cracked loudly. "I can't wait to fight that metal guy."

Rowan reminded him, "Stick to the strategy we discussed last night. Don't let him drag you into a battle of attrition. The Machine Race has incredible endurance. You need to end this quickly."

"Relax. I'll finish it fast," Thunder God said confidently. "I'll show them what true lightning power looks like."

Luo Feng added with a smile, "Believe in yourself, Brother Thunder. Among the four of us, your lightning is the purest. You will win."

A system announcement echoed through the area:

"All participants, please take note. The match between Thunder God and Cybertron is about to begin. Both contestants, proceed to the teleportation zone."

Thunder God took a deep breath and nodded to his teammates.

"I'm going."

"Good luck!" the three of them said in unison.

He strode toward the teleportation zone, every step radiating power. Lightning flickered around him, and his golden hair lifted slightly in the electric current. He looked wild, unstoppable.

The audience erupted as soon as he appeared.

"What intense lightning energy!" a lightning cultivator exclaimed. "I've only seen this level of purity in master-level experts!"

"And look at his physique. That body is built for battle!" another spectator said.

"Earth humans have impressive physical qualities," a giant race observer commented. "Not quite at our level, but exceptional among ordinary humans."

At the teleportation zone, Thunder God finally saw his opponent.

Cybertron stood over three meters tall, his entire body composed of metal. Silver armor covered him from head to toe. His eyes glowed red, and a blue energy core pulsed in his chest.

"You are Thunder God from Earth?" Cybertron's voice sounded cold, like metal grinding against metal. "My combat system indicates your lightning energy level is B+. Within manageable parameters."

Thunder God grinned.

"Don't be so sure, metalhead. I'll show you what real lightning looks like."

"Data analysis complete. Estimated probability of victory: 78.3%," Cybertron replied.

Thunder God burst out laughing.

"Seventy-eight point three percent? Then I'll use the remaining twenty-one point seven percent to beat you."

The audience was instantly captivated.

"This guy is fearless. Not intimidated at all by the Machine Race's calculations."

"Machines calculate everything, but they ignore things like willpower and explosive potential."

"Exactly. Real combat isn't just numbers. There are too many variables."

"Teleportation begins. Battlefield: Lightning Canyon."

A flash of white light.

The next moment, both fighters stood in a canyon filled with crackling electricity. Strange rock formations surrounded them, and lightning constantly streaked across the sky. The air itself hummed with energy.

Thunder God inhaled deeply, his aura surging.

"Interesting battlefield. In a place like this, I can fight at my full strength."

Across the canyon, Cybertron scanned the environment. His core pulsed faster.

"Environmental data updated. Lightning element density increased by 400%. Switching to Lightning Specialization Mode."

"Battle, begin!"

Cybertron struck first. His arms transformed into twin lightning cannons, blue currents gathering at their mouths.

"Lightning Cannon!"

Two massive bolts shot forward like raging serpents, tearing through the air with piercing shrieks.

Thunder God did not dodge.

Instead, he charged straight toward them.

"Haha! Perfect!"

The lightning slammed into him.

And did nothing.

The energy dispersed into his body, strengthening the glow around him.

The crowd fell silent for a heartbeat, then exploded.

"What? He absorbed it?"

"What kind of body is that? He's like lightning itself!"

"No wonder he mocked the odds. That's his trump card!"

The representatives from the Heavenly Thunder Sect stood up in shock.

"A Lightning Body. And such purity!" the young man said, eyes blazing. "This is one in a million. We must recruit him."

"Contact headquarters immediately," the female representative urged. "Tell the Sect Master we've found a supreme genius. Prepare the highest-level offer."

Cybertron adjusted instantly.

"Lightning attacks ineffective. Switching to physical combat mode."

His arms transformed again into massive alloy blades.

"Twin Blade Assault!"

He rushed forward with blinding speed, blades flashing in rapid succession.

Thunder God's grin widened.

"Now that's more like it."

He met the attack with his bare fists.

Empowered by lightning, his punches roared like thunder.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Fist met blade in a storm of sparks. Shockingly, his flesh was not at a disadvantage. It even began to overpower the alloy weapons.

The audience was stunned.

"A human body matching alloy weapons?"

"That's insane!"

"It's both his physique and the Lightning Laws enhancing him!"

The military observers were equally shaken.

"If he joins the Thunder Legion, he'll be a top-tier asset!"

"Politics…"

"Forget politics. Talent like this cannot be missed."

The battle intensified.

Cybertron's blade techniques were precise and relentless. Thunder God embodied raw, overwhelming force. Every strike carried devastating power.

"The Machine Race lives up to its reputation," Thunder God laughed. "But it's still not enough. Let me raise the stakes."

He stepped back and formed hand seals.

Lightning across the canyon began to gather toward him.

"Lightning Law: Myriad Thunder Convergence!"

The sky answered his call. Countless bolts descended, swirling into his body like a vortex.

The arena went silent, then erupted again.

"He's controlling the entire battlefield's lightning!"

"That level of control is terrifying!"

"Cybertron is in trouble. His systems might be disrupted!"

Indeed, Cybertron began to malfunction. His core flickered erratically, and his vision dimmed.

"Warning. Electromagnetic interference exceeding limits. System instability detected."

Thunder God stood at the center of a storm of lightning, radiant and overwhelming.

"Now you understand the difference."

The Heavenly Thunder Sect representatives were beyond excited.

"This level of mastery is nearly on par with our elders!"

"And he's so young. With training, he could become a grandmaster!"

"No matter the cost, we must recruit him!"

Thunder God gathered the final surge of energy.

"Thunder God's Wrath!"

He unleashed a barrage of lightning, each strike carrying immense destructive force.

Cybertron struggled to defend, but his movements slowed under interference.

"System overload. Unable to continue…"

"Finish!"

Thunder God's final punch struck with the full force of his Lightning Laws.

Cybertron was blasted hundreds of meters away. When the dust settled, his core had gone dark.

"The match is decided. Winner: Thunder God."

The arena erupted in thunderous applause.

"Incredible!"

"Thunder God! Thunder God!"

"The Earth team is terrifying. Every member is exceptional!"

In the VIP area, the inspector looked at Zhenwu.

"Well?"

Zhenwu nodded.

"Outstanding. His control of the Lightning Laws is highly advanced. His combat experience and mental strength are excellent. He is a talent worth cultivating."

"Should the Virtual Universe Company make a move?"

"Not yet," Zhenwu replied calmly. "Let's observe a little longer."

On the battlefield, Thunder God walked over and helped Cybertron to his feet.

"You're strong," he said sincerely. "If this wasn't Lightning Canyon, the outcome might have been different."

Cybertron's systems rebooted. His red eyes flickered back to life.

"Confirmed. I underestimated the power of natural lightning. This has been valuable data."