"It seems you are my prey, Black Dragon."
Thanos hovered silently in the sky, eyes fixed on Noah, who radiated a faint golden light.
To Thanos, Noah was a prize. Stronger than most because the limits of this universe were far higher than his own, and most importantly, he wielded four Infinity Stones-a feat none of his other selves had achieved.
He had crushed Xandar, claimed the Power Stone, slaughtered half the Asgardians to take the Space Stone, raided the Collector for the Reality Stone, and sacrificed Gamora for the Soul Stone. He had mastered the stones violently, learned of the Ancient One's death, and sent Ebony Maw to Earth for the Time Stone-until another version of himself appeared.
Fascinated, Thanos had recalled Ebony Maw and followed that counterpart to this universe. Observation revealed that this universe was stronger than his own-but not by much. His local counterpart held only one stone; Thanos had four. His offense was higher, though defenses here seemed better. Restrictions had limited many of his other selves; some couldn't even fly.
But here, he wasn't suppressed. Coming to this universe was like a fish returning to the sea. The higher limits suited him. The universe's ceiling determined if a being could cross to higher existence. Here, it seemed easier.
"Black Dragon? Forget it. You actually think I'm your prey?" Noah said, amusement in his voice. "Dangerous thought, Thanos. Do you really think coming here was wise?"
"What else?" Thanos raised his Tyrant Blade. "I'm not like those fools. I know you're skilled, powerful, and have Infinity Stones-but I will not lose to you!"
"Is that so?" Noah sighed. "I faced a Thanos in another universe once. I wasn't this strong then, but I defeated him. He died with dignity."
"Really?" Thanos tilted his head. "I'll make sure you die with dignity too!"
He vanished, reappearing where Noah stood. Terrifying power erupted as he swung down, shattering space. A massive spatial rift opened-silent, but deadly.
Thanos vanished again, only to be engulfed by a dragon-shaped flame where he reappeared. An ear-splitting explosion followed instantly. Violent fire trailed him like a shadow.
"AAAGH!" Thanos screamed as the flames charred him black.
"Don't play these boring games," Noah's calm voice echoed through space. He stood over the "dead" Thanos. "The Reality Stone's power-too bad I see right through it. You can fool a child, but not me."
A strange rhythm began to emanate from Noah. He hadn't used his Domain in the real world for five years, but he wasn't about to miss this opportunity.
Though he could defeat a four-stone Thanos without it, Noah hated complications. The combination of Power, Space, and Reality Stones made Thanos a nuisance-he could hit hard, warp reality, and teleport through space. But Noah was a top-tier spatial mage. He could sense space, catch Thanos, and control the battlefield.
So he activated his Domain.
"This power..." Thanos warped reality back to normal, taking no real damage-but now he was trapped inside Noah's Domain.
The sensation was overwhelming. The sorcerer had created a universe-a terrifying, independent universe. Thanos couldn't comprehend it.
"You created a universe on your own? Impressive," Thanos said, noticing the silver sphere where Noah stood. "It already contains life? Truly remarkable."
"No need to flatter me. This is the bridge to a higher state of being. My teacher confirmed it," Noah replied. "The last Thanos I killed fell to this magic. You're next."
"Your teacher?" Thanos frowned. "The Ancient One? Alive? How?"
"Worse indeed," Noah smiled. "She's alive here too. She arranged all of this to test if her successors could bear the burden. If you win, she failed. If we win, we prove Earth is protected. She probably can't intervene in your universe, but here... it's different."
All the spheres of light in Noah's Domain shone with terrifying brilliance. He looked at Thanos.
"Ready? And don't even think about escaping. The Space Stone? You think I don't have one too?"
Thanos appeared behind Noah, Tyrant Blade glowing red with the Power Stone.
Noah didn't flinch. Green light radiated from his Domain, slowing Thanos's movements. The Star of Time and Space in Noah's hand glimmered ominously.
In an instant, a massive black hole appeared above the planet.
Thanos's strike, slowed by the Time Stone, collided with Noah's Domain. The impact was negligible. Noah redirected the energy using the Star of Time and Space.
What happens when a tenth-stage being with the Power Stone hits a defense beyond the tenth stage?
The collapsed region in the sky and the pitch-black hole made the armies' fight impossible to continue. Fortunately, the area stabilized quickly, or the battle would have ended immediately.
After the brief pause, the armies clashed again, though distracted.
Noah looked at Thanos mockingly. "I wonder if you can escape death. I see no way. Goodbye. I hope I never see you again."
With a wave of his hand, the silver sphere released waves of energy. Instantly, the entire Domain turned silver. In that nothingness, a silver blade of light rapidly solidified.