Chapter 55: "Invisible Blades and Fiery Storms"

The arena fell into a breathless hush after Nightcrawler's intense battle with Lady Bullseye. His sudden disappearance, leaving Lady Bullseye in a dire state, was still etched in the audience's minds.

---30 Minutes Earlier---

The anticipation for the next fight was palpable, and Njord's voice once again pierced through the silence.

"The next battle shall be held in the city of Nidavellir," he announced. The giant screens flickered to life, revealing the blacksmithing city with its intricate, steampunk-infused design. The contrast between the dark underground city and the brilliantly lit arena outside was striking.

From the two portals emerged the next pair of combatants. Lady Bullseye walked out with an air of silence, her swords gleaming ominously in each hand. Her eyes told a tale of unspoken ferocity. In stark contrast, Nightcrawler, agile and graceful, stepped forward. His gaze met Lady Bullseye's, and his words cut through the tension like a whisper in the night.

"Someone so beautiful should not be so angry," Nightcrawler remarked. But Lady Bullseye remained silent, her expression cold as ice. The arena held its collective breath, knowing that this fight was about to ignite like a powder keg.

Njord's voice rang out, commanding the start of the match as the portal sealed them inside. Nightcrawler, known for his teleportation and acrobatic combat style, wasted no time. With a blur of motion, he unsheathed two swords from his back and vanished, reappearing directly above Lady Bullseye. A diving kick with lightning speed was his opening gambit.

But Lady Bullseye was no ordinary foe. She deftly crossed her swords, blocking Nightcrawler's attack with an ease that surprised the audience. Swiftly pushing back, she prepared to counter. However, Nightcrawler had other plans.

In a flash, he teleported behind her and aimed a punch at the back of her head. Yet, Lady Bullseye displayed an uncanny power, transforming her body into a gaseous, smoky form, rendering Nightcrawler's punch ineffectual as his fist passed through her. With a devilish grin, she returned to her solid form right behind him, launching a wide sword energy slash in his direction.

Nightcrawler's agility was unmatched, and he reacted instantly. Teleporting out of harm's way, he transformed Lady Bullseye's sword energy into a projectile, flinging it back at her with blinding speed. The crowd watched in awe as she let the attack pass through her, unharmed.

And then, Nightcrawler vanished from her view. The audience, unsure of his whereabouts, held its breath. Lady Bullseye, sensing his presence, was caught off guard when he reappeared above her and dealt a teleport-punch to her gut. She was left dazed and vulnerable.

In an unrelenting sequence, Nightcrawler ran behind her and executed a perfect German Suplex, slamming her head onto the ground. The force of the impact reverberated through the arena.

As she struggled to regain her composure, Nightcrawler delivered a powerful kick under her chin, sending her hurtling towards the outer edge of the arena. The audience winced at the brutal display. Many believed that this would be the end of Lady Bullseye.

However, the match took a shocking twist. Just when it seemed Lady Bullseye was about to hit the arena's boundary, her body turned to smoke, then to gas, and silently dissipated into the arena floor. The spectators gasped at the audacity of her escape.

But Lady Bullseye wasn't finished. In a moment that would become etched in their memories, her form coalesced behind Nightcrawler as he returned to a standing position. Without hesitation, she performed a spinning slash with both blades, aiming to conclude the fight in a devastating final blow.

Nightcrawler's instincts screamed danger. Swiftly, he teleported above her as her blades sliced through empty air. But the spectacle wasn't over yet. In mid-air, he wielded his swords and executed a bold maneuver - he severed both of their arms.

The audience watched in awe as Lady Bullseye, disarmed and wounded, spiraled downward. The impact with the arena floor left her in a kneeling position. The reality of her imminent defeat finally struck her, her face etched with fear.

Nightcrawler, now in control, appeared in front of her, grabbing her by the head. And with a blinding teleportation, they both vanished from the audience's view.

---

**Brimstone Dimension**

In the eerie Brimstone Dimension, Nightcrawler reappeared, bringing the armless Lady Bullseye with him. Her screams echoed as Nightcrawler tore pieces of the ground she knelt on and burned the stumps where her arms used to be.

"I may not kill you," Nightcrawler said solemnly, "but that doesn't mean I won't hesitate to protect my loved ones. This shall be your prison, and here you will live out the rest of your life."

With that, he vanished, leaving Lady Bullseye in a place that mirrored the torment within her own soul.

---

**Nidavellir Arena**

Back in the arena, the audience was left in shock, their minds unable to fully comprehend the intensity of the battle they had just witnessed. Njord's voice brought them back to reality, declaring Nightcrawler the winner of this round.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, recognizing the incredible valor and determination of the X-Men. The screens lit up, and the announcers turned their attention to the selection of the next fighters.

Images of two formidable warriors graced the screens. Njord, his voice carrying a sense of anticipation, announced, "The next round shall be Shang Chi vs. Beta-Ray Bill!"

The audience settled in, eager for the next thrilling confrontation to begin, unaware of the extraordinary challenges and revelations that lay ahead in this grand tournament of champions.