Chapter seventeen: The Mind vs The Blade

The arena quieted as Iscarius, the master of mind manipulation, stepped forward with an eerie calm. Opposing him was Rita, the wielder of metal, her stance firm and unwavering. This would be a battle between intellect and raw force.

Gabriel raised his hand. "Begin!"

Iscarius remained still, his piercing gaze locked onto Rita. He didn't need to move—his power was in her mind. Rita felt a strange sensation creeping into her thoughts, a whisper, a presence.

Her grip on her metal constructs faltered for a second. A second too long.

Iscarius smirked. "Your thoughts are open to me."

Rita clenched her fists, regaining control. The ground beneath her rumbled as sharp metallic blades emerged, floating around her like a protective storm.

"I don't need to think to win," she muttered.

She launched her attack, metal spikes shooting toward Iscarius. But just as they neared him, they slowed, then stopped mid-air.

The audience gasped.

Rita's eyes widened. "What…?"

Iscarius smirked again. "Doubt. I planted it in your mind. And now you hesitate."

Rita growled, shaking off the mental intrusion. She swung her arms, sending the blades forward again. This time, she reinforced her will, refusing to let her mind waver.

The blades slashed through the air, forcing Iscarius to evade. His telepathy was powerful, but he couldn't stop raw physics.

He leaped back, focusing. His plan was clear—if he couldn't stop the metal physically, he would stop the warrior controlling it.

His voice echoed in Rita's head. "You're growing tired."

She grit her teeth. "No, I'm not."

"Your control is slipping."

She staggered slightly.

"You can't win."

She froze.

In that moment of hesitation, Iscarius struck. He rushed forward and landed a precise strike to her temple, disrupting her concentration.

The metal blades clattered to the ground.

With another quick motion, Iscarius placed his fingers on Rita's forehead. "Sleep."

Her eyes fluttered, and she collapsed.

Gabriel stepped forward. "Iscarius is the winner!"

The crowd erupted in awe. The power of the mind had triumphed over metal.

As Rita regained consciousness moments later, she looked up at Iscarius. "You played me well."

Iscarius nodded. "Your will is strong. But hesitation is defeat."

Rita smirked. "I'll remember that."

The next match was set:

Krayos vs Gears.

The battle of ice and fury was about to begin.