Thor leaned back against the stone bench, his hammer resting at his side, and a wide grin splitting his face. The hall around them was quiet, save for the distant hum of Asgardian activity. He turned to William who sat beside him with his arms crossed, tail flicking in mild impatience.
"So there I was," Thor began, gesturing grandly with a goblet of mead. "The Battle of Muspel Ravine, surrounded by fire demons on all sides. They came in waves, their swords ablaze, their roars shaking the very ground! I could smell the brimstone, feel the heat of their flames."
William raised an eyebrow. "Sounds intense. What did you do?"
Thor smirked, leaning closer as though revealing a grand secret. "I charged straight into their ranks, of course! Mjolnir in hand, lightning crackling around me. Their fiery blades shattered against my armor as I struck them down one by one. By the time Surtur himself arrived, the ravine was littered with their ashes!"
William let out a low whistle, impressed despite himself. "Surtur, huh? And how did you handle him?"
Thor laughed, the sound echoing through the hall. "With a well-aimed swing, I knocked that overgrown fire demon back into his own realm! Odin said it was one of my finest moments, though I suspect he says that about many things."
William smirked, resting an elbow on his knee. "That's a nice story, Thunder God, but you've got the advantage of divine powers. My fights aren't quite so flashy."
Thor leaned in, intrigued. "Do tell, William. Surely, as a Saiyan warrior, your battles must be of great renown!"
William rubbed the back of his neck, glancing away. "Well… there was that time I fought the Green Goblin. He was terrorizing the city, tossing bombs left and right. I had to outmaneuver him, dodge his tricks, and bring him down with nothing but my fists."
Thor blinked. "The Green Goblin? A single man on a glider?"
"Hey, don't knock it," William said defensively. "He's smarter than he looks, and those bombs. They explode with enough force to level a building."
Thor chuckled, shaking his head. "You mortals find valor in the strangest of places. But surely, you've faced an army or two?"
William hesitated, then nodded. "The Chitauri invasion, I took down a couple hundred of them!" myself. Even turned one of their cannons against their own troops and took down a few leviathans!
Thor clapped William on the back with a resounding thud, the force of it nearly knocking the wind out of him. William winced but held his ground, his pride keeping him upright.
"Now that's more like it!" Thor boomed, his voice echoing through the grand hall. The braziers lining the walls flared as if in response to his energy. "An army, no matter how weak, demands strength and courage to conquer. And you, William—you have the heart of a warrior."
William opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, the great oak doors at the far end of the hall groaned on ancient hinges. A faint, eerie hum preceded the arrival of the mages. They moved as a single entity, their flowing robes shimmering with a kaleidoscope of runes that seemed alive, shifting and pulsing in rhythm with the arcane energy they carried. In their hands were devices of intricate craftsmanship—ornate orbs, crystal-tipped scepters, and angular mechanisms etched with glowing patterns.
Thor clapped William on the back with a resounding thud, the force of it nearly knocking the wind out of him. William winced but held his ground, his pride keeping him upright.
"Now that's more like it!" Thor boomed, his voice echoing through the grand hall. The braziers lining the walls flared as if in response to his energy. "An army, no matter how weak, demands strength and courage to conquer. And you, William—you have the heart of a warrior."
William opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, the great oak doors at the far end of the hall groaned on ancient hinges. A faint, eerie hum preceded the arrival of the mages. They moved as a single entity, their flowing robes shimmering with a kaleidoscope of runes that seemed alive, shifting and pulsing in rhythm with the arcane energy they carried. In their hands were devices of intricate craftsmanship—ornate orbs, crystal-tipped scepters, and angular mechanisms etched with glowing patterns.
Thor turned to face them, his grin widening into a toothy, wolfish smile. "Ah, the mages have arrived at last!" he bellowed. The flicker of flames in the braziers reflected off his armor, giving him an almost otherworldly glow. "Let them finish their tests, and then, William, we'll see if your Saiyan strength can stand against the God of Thunder!"
William smirked and rose to his full height, meeting Thor's challenge with a spark of defiance in his eyes. "You're on. But don't hold back. I'd hate to think you're going easy on me, old man."
The mages exchanged knowing glances, their excitement palpable. They spread out in a precise formation, their movements deliberate and fluid. Arcane chants spilled from their lips, a language older than the stones of the hall. The sound resonated deep within the bones, filling the air with a tangible energy.
Runes materialized in the air, glowing a brilliant gold, each one radiating a distinct aura. The Isa rune shimmered with a cold, crystalline light, its frost-like glow contrasting with the warmth of the hall. The Algiz rune exuded an aura of protection, its golden hue pulsing like a heartbeat. Finally, the Kenaz rune ignited in fiery brilliance, its flame-like energy crackling with potential. The runes spiraled together, forming an intricate lattice around a crystal orb placed on a pedestal of black obsidian.
The lead mage stepped forward, his voice calm yet tinged with eagerness. "We are ready," he declared, his eyes gleaming with the kind of fervor found only in those who live for discovery. "Please, begin at your convenience."
William took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he drew upon the well of energy within him. The hall fell silent, the flickering flames in the braziers dimming as though the very air had grown heavy with anticipation. A low hum began to resonate around him, barely perceptible at first, but it grew steadily, carrying a rising pitch that thrummed deep in the chest.
The mages leaned forward, their eyes wide with wonder, their shimmering robes catching the subtle vibrations of the energy gathering around William. Thor, still seated, raised an intrigued eyebrow, his grin unwavering.
With an explosive roar, William threw his arms wide, and the hall was bathed in a verdant green light. His ki erupted around him in a brilliant flame-like aura, swirling and pulsing with raw power. The energy seemed alive, crackling and snapping like a storm barely contained, and its warmth washed over the room like the onset of spring after a long winter.
The crystal orb at the center of the mages' formation reacted instantly. The runes surrounding it flared brighter, their intricate patterns shifting and reshaping as though drinking in William's power. The Isa rune pulsed cold and sharp, encasing the orb in a faint frost that quickly melted under the heat of the ki. The Algiz rune steadied, its protective energy intertwining with the wild, untamed flames of the Kenaz rune.
The green ki flowed into the orb in tendrils of light, spiraling inward until the entire crystal was filled with a radiant, pulsating glow. Inside, the energy seemed to dance, taking on shapes and forms—a flickering flame, a rolling wave, a raging wind—all bound by an undeniable force of life and strength.
The lead mage stumbled back, clutching his scepter tightly, his face alight with awe. "Incredible! Such raw, untempered power! I've never seen the likes of it before!"
The others murmured in agreement, their earlier excitement now replaced with a mix of reverence and fear.
Thor rose from his seat, the heavy thud of his boots echoing across the hall as he strode forward, his eyes never leaving William. "Now that," he said, his voice quieter but no less commanding, "is the spirit of a warrior. The mages aren't the only ones impressed, lad."
William smirked, his breathing steady despite the immense energy coursing through him. "And that's not even my limit."
The mages exchanged uneasy glances, their previous bravado shaken. The lead mage cleared his throat and gestured toward the crystal, now vibrating faintly as if it could barely contain the energy. "The test... it's complete. His ki has surpassed our expectations. The crystal has absorbed all it can."
Thor laughed, a deep, booming sound that filled the hall. "Well done, William! But now, let's see how that flame of yours fares against a storm." He reached for Mjolnir, the hammer sparking with electricity as he lifted it effortlessly.
William's grin widened, the challenge lighting a fire in his eyes. "Bring it on, Thunder God."
The hall seemed to shudder as the two warriors squared off, their auras clashing in an unspoken promise of a battle that would be remembered for ages.
The mages barely had time to pack up their crystal orb before Thor's booming voice echoed through the grand hall. "To the arena! Let the people see what a Saiyan warrior can do!" Without waiting for a response, he clapped William on the back, nearly sending him stumbling, and strode toward the doors, lightning crackling in his wake.
William raised an eyebrow, his green ki flickering softly around him. "Does he always do this?"
One of the mages chuckled, hefting the crystal orb into his arms. "Thor? Oh, this is a quiet day for him."
By the time they reached the colossal Asgardian coliseum, word of the impending sparring match had already spread. The arena was filled with spectators—warriors, scholars, and citizens alike. Despite the grandeur of the gathering, there was an air of nonchalance among the crowd. Asgardians were no strangers to Thor's impulsive challenges, and many had taken seats with tankards of mead in hand, ready to enjoy the show.
"Another one of Thor's 'friendly matches,' eh?" one warrior muttered, adjusting his helmet. "Let's see if this Saiyan can last more than a few minutes."
The arena itself was a marvel, a sprawling amphitheater of golden stone that gleamed under the eternal Asgardian sun. Its walls bore carvings of legendary battles, and the floor was reinforced with enchantments to withstand the might of the gods.
Thor strode into the center of the arena, raising Mjolnir high as the crowd erupted into cheers and whistles. "People of Asgard! I bring you today a sparring match worthy of song! Behold William, a Saiyan warrior whose strength rivals even the gods!"
The crowd's cheers grew louder, though some of the warriors exchanged skeptical glances. "Another Thor boast," one murmured, sipping his drink.
William stepped forward, his green ki igniting in a flame-like aura that drew a collective gasp from the audience. Even the most jaded Asgardians leaned forward in their seats, their skepticism giving way to curiosity.
Thor pointed Mjolnir at him, the hammer glowing faintly. "Ready yourself, Saiyan. Asgard will see what you're truly made of!"
William smirked, his aura flaring brighter. "I hope they're ready for the show."
A horn sounded, signaling the start of the match. Thor lunged forward, moving with the swiftness of a tempest. His first strike with Mjolnir sent a shockwave rippling through the arena, but William met the blow with a block, his green ki flaring like a shield.
The crowd roared in approval as the two exchanged a rapid series of blows. Thor's strikes were precise and powerful, each swing of Mjolnir accompanied by crackling lightning. William countered with speed and agility, his fists glowing with concentrated ki as he weaved through Thor's attacks.
Above the din of the battle, a spectator shouted, "That one's got guts! Thor might actually have to try this time!"
Thor laughed mid-swing, his voice booming even above the clash of energy. "They're right, William. You're holding your own, but let's turn it up!"
Lightning surged from Mjolnir as Thor unleashed a hammer strike that sent sparks flying. William leaped into the air, dodging the attack with ease before retaliating with a ki blast that streaked toward Thor like a shooting star.
The impact sent a shockwave across the arena, rattling tankards in the stands. "Not bad!" Thor shouted, brushing dust off his armor. "But let's see if you can take this!"
Mjolnir flew through the air, crackling with energy, and William sidestepped it at the last second. The hammer embedded itself into the enchanted ground, sending chunks of stone flying. William used the opening to close the distance, delivering a powerful kick that Thor caught with his forearm.
The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. "This one's better than the frost giant arm-wrestling contest!" a warrior exclaimed, slapping his companion on the back.
Even the mages, still studying the glowing crystal orb they had brought along, found themselves distracted by the battle. One mage leaned toward another, whispering, "This Saiyan might actually push Thor to his limits. I've never seen him enjoy himself this much in a sparring match."
Thor and William exchanged a knowing grin as they prepared for another round. The crowd, used to Thor's endless antics, was now fully invested, their cheers shaking the arena. It was just another day in Asgard, but this time, the Thunder God had found a challenger worthy of the spectacle.
The atmosphere shifted. Both Thor and William had reached the point where they were no longer simply testing each other, they were beginning to truly engage.
Thor stood tall, Mjolnir in hand, his eyes narrowing with focus. "Alright, Saiyan, no more games. Let's see what you've got." His stance shifted as his aura flared with the power of a god, the crackle of lightning dancing around him as he prepared to strike.
William's green ki flared in response, the heat of it radiating outward as he crouched, his fists clenched with anticipation. "You got it, Thunder God. Time to get serious."
Thor took the initiative, swinging Mjolnir in a wide arc, the hammer cutting through the air with enough force to shatter stone. William reacted quickly, ducking under the strike and closing the distance between them with a burst of speed. He landed a solid punch to Thor's midsection, the impact resounding through the arena.
Thor grunted, the blow not as devastating as it could have been, but it made him stagger back a step. "Impressive," he said, a hint of approval in his voice. "But let's see how you handle this!"
Thor swung Mjolnir again, this time with more power, the hammer crashing down toward William. William managed to block with his forearm, but the shockwave from the impact sent him skidding several feet across the arena. His aura flared, and he quickly regained his footing, eyes gleaming with determination.
"Not bad, but I'm just getting started!" William shot forward once again, his speed and agility on full display. He delivered a flurry of punches, each one landing with precise accuracy but not quite enough to throw Thor off balance. Thor met each strike with his own, the heavy blows of Mjolnir making the air crackle with power.
The crowd roared with excitement as the two warriors exchanged blows, each punch, each strike, met with a crack of energy or a powerful shockwave. The arena shook as the intensity began to ramp up, and the air itself seemed to buzz with their combined power.
"Good, William, very good!" Thor called out as he twisted Mjolnir mid-swing and struck at William's legs, attempting to sweep him off his feet. William leapt high, narrowly avoiding the attack and countering with a brutal kick to Thor's chest. The blow sent Thor skidding back a few paces, and for a moment, the crowd could feel the shift in the battle's rhythm.
Both fighters were no longer holding back. They were moving faster, their strikes more powerful, their attacks carrying the weight of their respective powers.
Thor's eyes glinted with the thrill of battle. "Now we're getting somewhere!" He swung Mjolnir with a speed that left afterimages in the air, each blow faster and stronger than the last. William's green aura swirled around him like a tempest, his body moving with a grace that defied his immense strength. He darted between Thor's attacks, dodging the hammer's crushing blows with agile footwork and responding with his own brutal strikes.
Thor hurled Mjolnir forward, but William dodged just in time, twisting through the air and landing behind him. With lightning speed, he landed a solid punch to Thor's back, sending a ripple of energy through the god's armor. Thor grinned, his teeth flashing white.
"You've got speed, I'll give you that," Thor said, turning around to meet William head-on.
Thor gathered his strength and slammed Mjolnir into the ground, sending a shockwave of thunder and lightning radiating outward. The blast hit William directly, sending him flying into the air. He grunted but quickly regained control, flipping mid-air and landing with a force that cracked the stone beneath him.
William's aura flared, and he launched himself back toward Thor, his energy building into a fierce torrent. He let out a powerful yell, releasing a barrage of ki blasts aimed directly at Thor. Thor raised Mjolnir and summoned a barrier of lightning, deflecting the ki blasts with ease. However, the impact of each blast left a glowing scorch mark on the arena floor.
The crowd was on the edge of their seats, sensing the intensity of the battle. The energy in the arena was palpable, with shockwaves echoing through the stands with every blow.
Thor met William's assault head-on, swinging Mjolnir in a massive arc. The hammer collided with William's green energy barrier, creating a massive explosion of light and sound that sent shockwaves rippling through the arena. The force of the blast sent William skidding backward, but he managed to stay on his feet, his aura still burning brightly.
"Nice!" William shouted, wiping the sweat from his brow. "But I've got more where that came from!"
As the fight was reaching its conclusion, both warriors were pushing themselves to their absolute limits. Their energy had reached a fever pitch, and the entire arena seemed to tremble beneath the weight of their battle. Thor's lightning had become an all-encompassing storm, the air thick with static. William's green ki burned like a raging inferno, each step he took leaving scorch marks on the floor.
Thor summoned a massive bolt of lightning from the sky, directing it with deadly precision toward William. The bolt descended with a deafening crack, the very air around it vibrating with power. William stood his ground, gathering his remaining energy into a massive, concentrated blast. He thrust his hands forward, releasing a torrent of ki that collided with Thor's lightning strike.
The explosion that followed was deafening. The force of the blast shook the entire arena, sending spectators scrambling to shield themselves. The light was so intense that the stands were temporarily blinded, and the air seemed to pulse with raw energy.
When the light faded, both fighters stood, though the arena floor had been cracked and scorched, the walls of the coliseum bearing the marks of their immense power. William was kneeling, breathing heavily, his aura flickering and fading. Thor stood tall, Mjolnir crackling with residual lightning, though his armor was battered, his body covered in burns from the intensity of the fight.
Thor walked over to William, his grin wide but filled with respect. "You've done well, William. Few can stand against me for this long."
William grinned, his smirk faint but proud. "I wasn't planning on losing, but it looks like you've got me this time, Thunder God."
Thor offered a hand to help him up. "It's been an honor. You've earned the respect of Asgard."
William clasped his hand, allowing Thor to help him to his feet. "Next time, though, it's gonna be different."
Thor laughed heartily, clapping him on the back with enough force to make William wince. "Next time, we'll see. But for now, enjoy the victory, my friend."
The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers echoing across the battlefield. It had been an epic clash of strength and will, a contest that would be remembered in Asgardian legend for generations to come.
The arena was still echoing with the sounds of cheers and laughter, but the air between William and Thor began to shift as Lady Sif's presence loomed larger. The moment she stepped into the arena, the atmosphere immediately grew charged with a new energy. Her gaze swept over the two warriors, and she could see the weariness in William's stance after his intense battle with Thor.
Thor gave her a wide grin, seemingly unbothered by the presence of the one woman who could both challenge and keep him in line. "Ah, Sif! Come to witness the triumph of Asgard's might once again?"
Sif, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of William, strode toward them, her footsteps sharp and deliberate. Her gaze flickered between Thor and William, a glint of something unreadable in her expression. The crowd around them had begun to quiet, sensing the shift in mood.
"I'm not here for your triumph, Thor," she said, her tone soft but with an unmistakable edge. "I'm here for him."
William blinked, clearly taken off guard. "For me?" he repeated, glancing at Thor, who now looked quite amused.
Sif gave a slow, knowing smile, before turning her full attention to William. "You fought valiantly, William," she said, her voice somehow both commanding and teasing. "But alas, as Thor's sparring partner, you lost."
William rubbed the back of his neck, trying to shake off the exhaustion still clinging to his muscles. "Yeah, well, I gave it my all. I wasn't expecting Thor to go that hard."
Sif chuckled, her smirk growing. "Oh, Thor never goes easy. And that's exactly why you owe me now."
William's brow furrowed. "Owe you? For what?"
Thor, unable to contain his amusement, added, "It seems, William, you've been the victim of a little wager I made with Lady Sif. If you lost to me, she'd get a prize."
William's eyes widened, and he looked at Sif, realization dawning. "Wait, you two made a bet about me?"
Sif didn't answer immediately. Instead, she simply crossed her arms and leaned in just a little closer. "Indeed. And now, the moment has come for me to claim my prize."
William's face flushed, and he opened his mouth to speak but found the words caught in his throat. He had thought the fight with Thor was the most difficult part of his day, but now, facing Sif, he was beginning to understand that this moment was only just beginning.
Sif took a step closer, her gaze locking onto his. "Your punishment for losing to Thor, William, is simple."
William gulped, already bracing himself for whatever she was about to demand.
She tilted her head with a sly smile. "You owe me a date."
William's jaw dropped. "A... a date?" His voice cracked slightly, betraying his surprise. "With you?"
Sif's eyes glimmered with mischief. "Yes. A date. Dinner, conversation, perhaps even some Asgardian wine." She paused for a moment, eyeing him carefully. "And don't even think about backing out. Thor's the one who made this wager, and I'm the one cashing in on it."
Thor, still standing a few paces away, laughed loudly. "I think you've met your match, William! Sif doesn't lose bets ever."
William tried to process it all. This wasn't how he had envisioned his day going. He had come to Asgard to prove himself, to test his limits against a god, not to end up in the middle of an unexpected wager that involved him being on the receiving end of Sif's attention.
"So... what now?" William asked, still feeling slightly off balance. "When is this... date happening?"
Sif gave him a knowing glance. "Tomorrow night. I'll find somewhere worthy of a warrior's attention. And you, William, are going to make sure you show up on time. No excuses."
Before William could respond, she turned and began walking away, leaving him standing there, still recovering from the fight and now from the sudden shift in his reality. Thor walked up beside him, his grin growing even wider.
"Well, my friend," Thor said with a laugh, "you've certainly earned this... unique form of punishment."
William sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "I've got no idea how to handle this."
Thor slapped him on the back, almost knocking him off balance. "Don't worry. You'll do fine. And who knows? Maybe you'll end up enjoying it more than you think."
William stared after Sif, who was already disappearing into the distance, her confidence unwavering. "Great. Just what I needed after a battle with a god."
Thor chuckled once more. "Welcome to Asgard, my friend."
As the crowd continued to buzz with excitement, William remained standing in the arena, caught between the exhaustion of his loss and the unexpected turn his day had taken. One thing was certain: the coming night would certainly be an adventure of its own.