Chereads / Bender - The League / Chapter 52 - Collin vs Isabel

Chapter 52 - Collin vs Isabel

The arena buzzed with excitement as Collin and Isabel faced off on the raised platform. Collin's confident stance and faint smirk only added to his intimidating presence, while Isabel kept her focus steady, her gaze unwavering as she studied her opponent. She knew his reputation as a skilled, merciless Bender, but she wasn't about to back down.Jimmy's voice echoed through the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, we've got ourselves a real spectacle! Collin from Mira, known for his... let's call it a calculated approach, versus Isabel from Stronghold—a master of agility and teleportation! Let's see how these two powerhouses clash!"Up in the stands, Benji and Chris were observing carefully. Chris leaned toward Benji. "Think Isabel has a shot?"Benji gave a slight nod. "She's resilient. If she plays to her strengths and stays a step ahead, she can make this difficult for him."Beside them, Myra, Collin's instructor, watched with an almost clinical detachment. "Isabel is skilled," she acknowledged, "but Collin doesn't just fight. He... dissects his opponents."On the platform, the bell rang, signaling the start of the match.Collin's smirk widened as he moved forward. "Ready to show me what Stronghold's made of, Isabel?"She didn't answer, choosing instead to disappear in a flash, reappearing on the opposite end of the platform with her teleportation. Collin barely flinched; he was already expecting her to keep her distance. She kept her energy steady, waiting for the right moment to strike."Playing hard to get?" Collin taunted, his gaze following her every move. "This'll be over fast if that's all you've got."With a quick burst of speed, Isabel launched herself forward, darting in and out of range as she peppered him with a series of quick strikes, her agility keeping her just out of reach of his counters. Collin moved to counter, but each time, she blinked out of his grasp, frustrating him with her elusive tactics.Up in the stands, Alex leaned forward, nodding in approval. "Nice one, Isabel! Keep him guessing."Jimmy's excited commentary rang through the crowd. "Looks like Isabel from Stronghold is putting on a show of agility and teleportation! Collin's struggling to get a hand on her!"But down below, Collin's focus remained unbroken. He had begun to anticipate her movements, his gaze tracking the subtle flickers of her energy as she teleported in quick bursts around him.At the edge of the platform, Isabel reappeared, breathing a little heavier but still resolute. "I know what you're trying to do," she said coolly. "But you're not as unpredictable as you think."Collin only chuckled, the smirk never leaving his face. "You'll have to do better than this. Now it's my turn."With a sudden burst of speed, he closed the gap between them, forcing her to blink away once more. But this time, he anticipated her reappearance, landing a swift kick that connected with her side as she rematerialized. She stumbled, gritting her teeth, but quickly regained her footing."He's reading her moves," Chris muttered, concern flashing in his eyes. "He's adapting too fast."Benji nodded, his jaw tight. "Isabel needs to throw him off if she wants a chance."Back on the platform, Isabel's expression hardened. She blinked out again, this time reappearing right above him, delivering a sharp kick that nearly connected. Collin sidestepped, but Isabel kept up her attacks, each movement a blur as she pushed herself to the limit.For a brief moment, it looked like she had the upper hand. Isabel managed to keep Collin off-balance, her agility and teleportation forcing him to defend rather than attack. She landed a quick series of blows, keeping her energy contained and precise.But Collin's smirk returned, and with a sudden surge, he countered, seizing her wrist and twisting it just enough to throw her off balance. "Nice try, Isabel," he murmured, his voice low. "But it's time to end this."He delivered a brutal punch to her stomach, knocking the wind out of her and sending her staggering back. Before she could recover, Collin moved in, pressing his advantage with a relentless series of strikes that left her reeling.The crowd fell silent, watching as Collin's ruthless precision overwhelmed her. Isabel tried to blink away, but he anticipated her movement each time, staying one step ahead until she was backed up against the edge of the platform.Up in the stands, Alex's fists clenched. "Come on, Isabel, don't give in!"But it was clear she was running out of options. Collin delivered one final kick, sending her sprawling toward the edge. She caught herself just before falling, but her energy was almost spent.Jimmy's voice rang out. "It's down to the wire, folks! Can Isabel pull through, or is this the end for her?"As she struggled to her feet, breathing heavily, Collin tilted his head, a cold smile on his face. "You fought well. But it's over."Isabel hesitated, eyes narrowed, as if considering a final attempt. But she knew she was too spent to continue. Finally, she gave a faint nod, bowing her head in reluctant defeat.The bell rang, and Jimmy's voice boomed. "And that's it! Collin from Mira wins with an impressive show of skill and strength!"The crowd erupted in applause, though there were murmurs of unease as they watched Collin's unfeeling response.As Isabel stepped off the platform, her teammates gathered around her, offering words of support. Collin glanced back, catching Alex's glare with a smirk.Benji exchanged a look with Chris, his expression grim. "He doesn't just win. He enjoys breaking them down."Chris nodded, a flicker of unease in his eyes. "That's what makes him dangerous."In the distance, Collin's instructor, Myra, observed her student's victory with a small, approving nod before disappearing down the corridor, leaving the Stronghold instructors to wonder what deeper motivations might lie behind her calm gaze.