"You don't understand, Reed. Your powers are cool. Mine…mine are monstrous!" Ben spat, the frustration and bitterness clear in his voice.
Reed, though a brilliant scientist, had a habit of missing the nuances of emotion. "Ben, powers are neither cool nor monstrous. We were given these abilities to protect the world. It's our responsibility."
Ben sighed deeply, his resistance hardened. Despite Reed's conviction, his words failed to reach Ben's heart, leaving Reed with nothing but a bruised cheek and a failed attempt at persuasion.
At World Serpent Headquarters, Zod's inner circle convened for a new announcement. Esdeath, in her crisp military uniform, stood at the center, confidence radiating from her every gesture. "As of today, I am the White Queen of the World Serpent, holding the highest authority beneath the Boss."
Zod had decided she would thrive in a role that demanded strength, resilience, and loyalty. Her fervent passion for battle and merciless approach suited the organization's philosophy, making her a natural choice. While most of the cadre respected Zod's decision, Bronsky felt a surge of resentment.
To Bronsky, a beauty like Esdeath owed her position to charm, not skill. He couldn't shake the feeling of being overlooked. He'd been there from the start, handling missions, following orders—and now, a newcomer held the esteemed title he had dreamed of?
"You got something to say?" Esdeath asked, smirking. She enjoyed a challenge, and Bronsky's hostility was a welcome break from the docile submission of others.
Bronsky met her gaze, unwilling to back down. "Fine. If you can defeat me, I'll accept your position as White Queen."
Esdeath's eyes glinted with excitement. Zod had enhanced her abilities with Kryptonian soldier genes and an ice manipulation mutation, making her power formidable. Her strength grew with every exposure to sunlight, and with her ice abilities, she wielded a devastating array of attacks.
The duel began in the World Serpent's reinforced training room—a colossal space crafted to withstand even Zod's full power. Bronsky entered without transforming, testing her limits first. The other members watched closely, some worried about Esdeath's safety, while others, especially No. 18, observed coldly, arms crossed.
Esdeath started by summoning an enormous ice spear, launching it with blinding speed. Bronsky's eyes widened as the spear struck, pinning him to the wall and immediately inflicting a severe wound. Anger flared in him as he transformed into his monstrous form, the Super Abomination. Covered in thick armor and bristling with heat blade-like spines, he tore the spear away and lunged at her.
With a grin, Esdeath leaped into the air, evading his blow. As Bronsky prepared to strike again, she snapped her fingers, summoning a massive ice meteor above her. The icy structure hurtled down, slamming into Bronsky, pinning him to the ground.
Bronsky roared, unleashing a molten energy blast that melted through the ice. He clawed his way out and aimed a furious punch at her. Esdeath met his punch with her own, the collision creating a shockwave that rippled through the room. To Bronsky's shock, her punch overpowered his, shattering his arm and tearing through his armor with ease.
Staggered, Bronsky coughed up blood as his body struggled to regenerate. He realized then that her ice powers weren't the extent of her strength; her physical power alone exceeded his own.
"You seem to have nothing to say now," Esdeath taunted, striding towards him with a predatory smile, her high-heeled boots clicking against the floor.
Though he could heal, Bronsky was battered and humbled. "I yield," he managed, though his pride smarted. But Esdeath wasn't satisfied yet.
"Oh, don't give up so quickly," she smirked. "You'll survive this—and I could use the entertainment."
The brutal fight resumed, as Esdeath relentlessly battered him, her merciless laughter echoing in the room. The onlookers felt a mix of horror and satisfaction. Bronsky's arrogance had rubbed everyone the wrong way, and now, seeing him humbled was a kind of twisted relief.