Travis found himself in a difficult situation. Ironically, he had started the battle as the aggressor, but that quickly changed as his opponent revealed his true strength.
Shit… looks like I'm dealing with a wolf in sheepskin. The crazy part? He's not using an authority. That's actually good for me, since I don't have one either.
Judging from Gabriel's uniform, Travis thought he wasn't an awakened charismatic—no stars adorned his chest. Yet the sheer force behind his strikes felt like getting hit by a truck. This won't be easy, but I've got a plan.
Travis rose, dusted himself off, and dashed toward Gabriel. The pain from the previous hit lingered, but he ignored it—his strategy was in motion.
Gabriel stayed in his stance, waiting patiently.
I've got you, Travis muttered.
He stepped on Gabriel's slightly bent knee, using the momentum to leap over him. Now above Gabriel, Travis aimed a midair kick at his opponent's exposed back.
Gabriel stumbled to the ground.
"Damn it," he cursed.
"Get up!" Travis growled.
Gabriel charged, and they met again at the center of the battleground, exchanging a series of heavy blows. The impacts echoed through the arena.
Bang… Bash… Boom…
Travis launched sharp kicks at Gabriel's abdomen. The green-haired opponent barely managed to block, immediately countering with his own attacks.
Travis followed with a spinning axe kick to Gabriel's shoulder, landing a heavy blow. Gabriel recoiled, clutching his injured shoulder. Travis advanced, only for Gabriel to dodge and, in a sudden burst of speed, attempt a German suplex.
Travis reacted with a barrage of elbows to Gabriel's abdomen, forcing him to release the hold.
"This is turning into a dogfight," Mason muttered.
"Yeah… I just hope Travis will be okay," Emily added, biting her lip.
The fight continued, neither yielding. Gabriel's shoulder throbbed painfully, and Travis used a kick to create space. Gabriel struck back from the ground, catching Travis in the stomach. Travis dropped to his knees, but Gabriel attempted a triangle submission hold.
Thinking fast, Travis pounded Gabriel with body shots.
Bang… Bash… Boom…
"Ugh!" Gabriel growled in pain, tightening his hold.
Desperately, Travis lifted Gabriel while still caught in the legs hold, dropping down to break free. Both men collapsed to the ground, exhausted and battered.
Captain Armstrong shouted, "Both combatants are unable to continue! The match is over!"
Two medics rushed forward. Green light pulsed from their hands as cuts and bruises healed. Within a minute, both men were back on their feet.
They approached the center of the arena, shaking hands.
"Good match, Gabriel," Travis said.
"You too, Travis. But next time, it won't be a draw," Gabriel replied with a smirk.
Emily ran to Travis, ecstatic. "Oh my gosh, you were amazing out there! I didn't know you could fight like that!"
"Thanks, Emily," he muttered, still catching his breath.
Mason approached, clapping him on the shoulder. "You fought hard, man."
"Thanks, bro. But now it's your turn—I'm excited to see what you'll do," Travis said.
A voice echoed over the PA. "The next match will begin shortly. Stipulation: armed combat."
Emily's eyes widened. "Armed combat… Mason, are you going to be okay with that?"
Mason nodded confidently. "It's all good, Emily."
He strode into the arena, his tall figure casting a long shadow. His handsome face remained calm, his brown eyes filled with intensity and a lack of fear.
Opposite him stood Summer Powell. Medium-length white hair framed her sharp-featured face. Her amber eyes burned with determination. She was tall—176 cm—with a lean, athletic build. A long broadsword rested at her hip, and a single star on her uniform marked her as a charismatic—drone rank, but a charismatic nonetheless.
Captain Armstrong announced, "All combatants must have a weapon. If none is brought, the school will provide one."
"I'm game," Summer said, gripping her sword.
"I'll take daggers," Mason replied.
Two well-crafted metal daggers with a silver finish were handed to him.
"Ah, perfect," Mason smiled.
"Combatants, ready… BEGIN!"
Summer lunged forward, unsheathing her sword in one fluid motion. Mason parried with his daggers.
Damn, she's fast, he muttered.
Cling! The clash of steel rang out, echoing across the arena. Mason backed up to regroup, but Summer pursued relentlessly, slashing left and right.
Cling… Clang… Swoosh… Cling…
Summer pressed the attack, attempting a stab at Mason's chest. He narrowly evaded.
These daggers were a bad idea…
To hell with it. I'll just use speed, he muttered.
Mason dashed forward, aiming for her with his daggers. She blocked, locking blades with him. Mason kicked up dirt, blinding her momentarily.
"Uggghh!" she groaned, blinking away the grit.
He slashed at her knee, drawing blood.
"Bastard!" she growled. Mason blew a mock kiss. "There's more where that came from," he teased.
Outside the ring, Ariel Von Grace watched, a childlike yet mischievous expression on her face. She seemed to revel in the fight unfolding before her.
Summer got up, anger and pain contorting her face. Her eyes glowed a deep ember, and her white hair seemed aflame at the tips.
My God… she's crazy, Mason muttered.
Her blade glowed, and she shouted, "Reverent Sword!"
A supercharged slash shot toward Mason. Captain Armstrong rushed forward, but the attack was too fast.
BOOM!
Smoke and dust erupted where Mason had been standing. The crowd gasped.
Summer panted, exhaustion evident. "Serves you right, bastard," she spat.
Emily and Travis panicked.
"Mason! Noooo!" Travis screamed.
Emily clasped her hands as if praying.
When the smoke cleared, a red mist surrounded Mason's location. Slowly, it dissipated.
A figure stood there. Red eyes, intense but amused, fixed on Summer. Mason knelt behind her, completely unharmed.
"My, my… you're a volatile one, aren't you?" Ariel teased.
"Miss Powell, the rules state that a charismatic cannot use their authority against a non-charismatic. I believe you broke that rule. This match is over," Ariel declared, her mist springing to life and pushing Summer out of the ring.
Captain Armstrong, momentarily stunned, composed himself. "The match is over!" he shouted.
"Are you alright?" Ariel asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you… I owe you one," Mason muttered.
"I'll hold you to your word," she replied politely, a teasing smile on her lips. "I can't have my only source of entertainment all banged up, can I?"
Travis and Emily rushed to Mason.
"Mason, are you okay?" Emily asked.
"Dude, we thought you were done for!" Travis exclaimed.
"I'm fine, really. If it wasn't for Ariel, I would've been finished," Mason said.
"Speaking of Ariel… Emily, your match is next, right?" Mason asked.
"We're more worried about you," Travis said, helping him up.
"I'm glad you care so much," Mason replied.
"We're in this together, Mason," Emily said firmly.
"Yeah, dude," Travis echoed.
---
Minutes later, the final match was set: Ariel Von Grace vs. Emily Julie King. Two charismatics, one epic battle.
Ariel's eyes glowed brighter. Emily's shone a vivid green.
Captain Armstrong shouted, "Battle begin!"
In an instant, the two women collided at the center of the arena at incredible speed.
BAKOOOM!
A clash of titans had begun. The arena trembled as spectators held their breath, witnessing a duel for the ages.