split from one series, not split in another. there were spells in the contest that affected the opponent's mind by many interps. when you come from a universe where you've got a bunch of spellcasters that can do literally the most random and absurd thing, including mental effects, it makes sense that the fighters aren't incompetent. it makes more sense the winner of the contest is actually good at it.
aka, he's a good mage and thus has good magic defenses. magic includes stuff after the mind. which isn't how you see it, and that's fine. by default, that's how i see it. not sure how this is complicated for ya.
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The future must protect the clone's past.
"Maybe it's a tentacle, molesting the planet itself. - Aschen Brodel.