Chapter 132

In the vastness of heaven and earth, it seemed as if only the brilliance of this sword remained, and in one's ears, it seemed as if only the sword's cry could be heard.

"Tread."

In an instant, Zacian's four legs nimbly touched the ground. The huge fireball did not hinder her agile movements, nor did it cause any obstruction. Behind her, the fireball had lost its original shape and was neatly sliced and disintegrated.

"Click."

The giant fireball transformed into countless flames, which flew outwards.

As the flames subsided, people were astonished to discover that within each of the small fireballs that hadn't been slashed, there was a tiny pebble—the very same pebble that the Cinderace had kicked earlier... Degraded Copy.

No one noticed when Zacian swung so many swords, cleaving the fireball and the stone in the middle into countless pieces. From the perspective of the world, even from Qiao Ran's perspective, they did not discover the real reason.

However, it was precisely this unfathomable mystery and this unbelievable result that strengthened their conviction.

"This... this is definitely Sacred Sword!"

"This Pokémon really is it!"

The residents of Spikemuth cheered excitedly as they watched Zacian gracefully sever the giant fireball.

"The end of the world is coming! The end of the world is really coming!"

"The Hero is coming to save us!"

Previously, when they saw Qiao Ran, they only acknowledged his identity Hero based on Marnie's assurance and Yveltal's proof. However, this time it was completely different.

--This is the true sword of kings, the legend that saved Galar has truly appeared before them.

Galar... there's hope!

Section 256, page 252 [Meteor]

"Very good... that's really impressive."

The crowd overwhelmingly supported Qiao Ran, while Gloria on the other side didn't sense anything amiss. She touched her nose, her smile never fading.

Despite being overshadowed by her opponent, as a Galar, she was naturally pleased to see such a powerful Zacian. Moreover, she deeply sensed a certain "gap" between the two sides, a gap that stemmed not only from strength but also from some unknown "Rules."

Most Pokémon moves can be understood by Trainer. Even the few moves unique to certain Pokémon are usually special abilities developed due to their distinctive appearance. However, the gap arises when an opponent unleashes a power that is beyond imagination and incomprehensible to the trainer.

Like Yveltal's Power of Death, like Zacian strike—only they themselves can understand these things. As humans, as Pokémon, all they can do is observe the results of this power's eruption, but cannot predict the reason for its creation.

"..."

This is the power of Rules.

"So, there really is a difference in strength?"

Qiao Ran glanced at the opposing Cinderace. Under Rotom's gaze, the opponent's level was revealed. Although it hadn't reached level 50, it was still a powerful being in the 40s.

However, in Zacian's eyes, this kind of strength was not a formidable opponent.

Her skills and level, after Qiao Ran's team, have significantly raised the overall quality of Qiao Ran's team.

[Name: Zacian]

[Level: 50]

When Pokémon reach the average level of what's called "Elite Four" power, which is level 50 or above as Qiao Ran mentioned, they will learn some special abilities related to certain Rules. Qiao Ran had already experienced this once at the Jugu Gym. However, for a legendary Pokémon of Zacian's Rank, the so-called "Rules"... even if they are only level 1 left, they can still use these things.

This is the difference between regular Pokémon and legendary Pokémon.

However, even if Zacian reaches level 50, it won't experience the same rapid advancement as other Pokémon. After all, for them, level 50 is probably just a starting point. But for most Pokémon, this is already the end, or even an unattainable goal.

How many Pokémon can reach the Elite Four-level of strength, and how many Pokémon Trainer can have a team composed of six Elite Four-level Pokémon?

Qiao Ran narrowed his eyes. Gloria in front of him could definitely be considered one, after all, she was the woman Defeat the undefeated Champion, Leon, in the game's storyline.

However, she clearly hasn't reached that level of strength yet.

"Zacian, Swords Dance!"

Qiao Ran was ready to Pursuit. He was confident and determined to win this battle. It wasn't just his personal fight; it was also Zacian's debut in front of others, and he had to make it a spectacular success.

We have to win.

"Let's go too, Cinderace, use Bulk Up!"

Gloria on the opposite side seemed to Frisk this as well, so she also had Cinderace use a skill that enhanced its own abilities. Generally speaking, this skill is not often used in battle. Compared to Swords Dance, which can enhance two stages of attack power, Bulk Up, which can only enhance one stage of attack power and one stage of defense power, is really too mediocre.

However, this is Gloria's best option right now.

She wanted to fight, and she wanted to have a head-on confrontation with Zacian, even if she ultimately lost.

This is not only what she expects as a Trainer, but also what she expects as a Galar.

Only Zacian is powerful enough can they give them enough confidence to believe that there is hope for everything.

"Gurgle... Roar roar roar roar!"

Enveloped in flames, Cinderace let out a beast-like Roar and struck a pose like that of a bodybuilder.

Once the flames dissipated, its already robust physique became even more spirited, and its physical strength increased to an unprecedented level.

"Come on, our strongest Pyro Ball!!"

Gloria immediately gave the next command, and this time, Cinderace actually lifted one foot and scooped up several pebbles from the ground at once.

After upgrading its physical body to a higher level, Cinderace's movements were without any hesitation. Like an extremely skilled football player, it kicked all three fireballs into the air at once.

Then, in mid-air, it arched its back, its head tracing a semi-circle, and at the same moment, its right foot kicked out three times with lightning speed—

Bicycle Kick!

"Boom boom boom!!"

The three fireballs instantly expanded, carrying a scorching aura as they flew towards Zacian. This move was not only visually stunning, but its power was also far more than just one plus one equals two.

The way these three fireballs were launched and their placement almost completely predicted Zacian's possible movements. In a typical Pokémon Competition, this move would definitely be a "killer move" used to end the Competition.

In the real Pokémon World, there are no such things as move values or move cooldowns. As long as Pokémon has enough stats and HP, it's possible to use moves more frequently than it can handle. However, very few Pokémon can do this; only those that have undergone extensive training can achieve it.

"Aww--!"

As she watched the three fireballs hurtling towards her like meteors, Zacian's fighting spirit intensified. Her opponent was a worthy adversary.

However, like her opponent, her sword was no pushover either.

"Zacian, use the Sacred Sword!!"

This time, Qiao Ran didn't have Zacian use the same Behemoth Blade as before, but instead chose the Fighting-type skill "Sacred Sword".

Behemoth Blade is Zacian's signature move, dealing twice the damage to Gigantamax Pokémon, but offering no additional benefit to regular Pokémon. However, Sacred Sword is different; this move completely ignores any stat changes the opponent makes when it hits—meaning the Bulk Up boost from Cinderace move will be completely negated.

Qiao Ran wanted to determine the winner directly in this contest.

"Sizzle!"

From Zacian's mouth, the Long Sword once again burst forth with light, extending into a light blade several meters long.

Zacian's Sacred Sword, enhanced by three stages of attack Zacian, seemed to have reached a terrifying level of power.

She and the sword had become one.

Section 257, page 253 [Hope]

The Sacred Sword is the Unova Region move of three... no, four legendary Swords of Justice Pokémon from the Unova region. However, unlike exclusive moves, many other rather unusual Pokémon can also use this move, such as Aegislash.

Of course, Zacian, as the King of Sword, is no exception; the title "Sacred Sword" is practically tailor-made for her.

Its massive yet agile body Bounce into the air, the light blade tightly gripped in its mouth twirling up and down. Although it wasn't using a part of its body similar to a human hand, it displayed greater agility and strength than a human hand.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh."

In another instant, a sword had already been slashed out.

... or rather, countless swords that went unobserved.

Like neatly sliced butter or steak, the three meteorite-sized fireballs did not pose much of an obstacle to Zacian. They were precisely "operated on" and turned into uniform fragments that fell to the ground.

There was no hesitation, no preamble. Everything was executed with perfect naturalness and efficiency, as smooth as breathing.

However, it is precisely this smoothness that creates such a huge contrast.

"..."

Everything fell silent.

What about a powerful fireball?

Where did that fireball go, which was so big and had such a strong Pressure just now???

"..."

The arena was completely silent; almost no one made a sound. They had expected to see Zacian exert some effort before...

She could have solved these problems, but what they saw was that, just like before, she simply slashed out with her sword, and that was the end of it all.

"... Are you kidding me?"

Gloria's eyes widened in an instant. What is the most terrifying thing? It is the unknowable darkness and the bottomless abyss. She couldn't even see through Zacian's strength with her strongest move. Moreover, the sword strike that Zacian unleashed brought her a deep shock and confusion.

How did she manage to attack three fireballs simultaneously with a single sword strike?

Is it because the speed is fast enough? Or is it...?

This question seemed to have no answer. Trainer like Gloria could still think about and Analytic it, but the other townspeople of Spikemuth, after gradually realizing what was happening, were already shouting the Hero's name.

"Hero! Hero! Hero!!"

"Hero, Hero!!!"

Their eyes were filled with unprecedented fervor, and their faces beamed with blissful smiles. This incomprehensible and overwhelming power, along with their unimaginable abilities, was something they were now completely enjoying.

... This feeling is almost like establishing some kind of strange belief.

Qiao Ran glanced at them, seemingly wanting to say something but then shut his mouth. He understood that these residents had been suffering for too long, and what he should do was lead them out of their predicament.

"Gloria, it's time to end this."

Qiao Ran refocused his attention on the battlefield.

Others might not understand, but Qiao Ran understood the true nature of that previous sword strike.

Zacian's strength lies in offense, while her weakness is in defense. When Zacian is stronger than her opponent, she can easily neutralize their attacks with her own. Every move she makes is both aesthetically pleasing and highly effective.

Moreover, Zacian possesses unimaginable speed when wielding his sword, and with just a short blade, he can unleash blade energy that attacks the entire body of Gigantamax Pokémon.

This is the "Behemoth Blade".

Zacian's signature move deals double damage to Gigantamax Pokémon. If her blades cannot reach the Gigantamax Pokémon, even the most powerful attack will not inflict significant damage.

Therefore, although Zacian appeared to have swung a single sword, he actually unleashed countless sword strikes over a vast area, simultaneously attacking three fireballs.

Compared to Gigantamax Pokémon, the range of this fireball is child's play.

"... Um."

As the final moment approached, Gloria's initial excitement subsided, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

She gradually came to understand everything, including the gap between herself and the legendary sword.

However, this battle will only make her stronger.

"Go! Cinderace, use Flare Blitz!"

"... Gurgle!"

The rabbit Pokémon wreathed in flames showed no fear and ran through the Battlefield.

This battle is drawing to a close.

"Zacian, Encore, Behemoth Blade!"

"Aww!"

The enormous blade swelled once more within Zacian's mouth.

The two sides finally Tackle.

"Boom!!!"

It was already noon, several hours after the battle.

Even after so much time has passed, the aftershocks of that battle still seem to echo in our ears. Although Gloria's Cinderace fell as expected, the residents of Spikemuth did not think she was weak at all. On the contrary, they admired this Assault Captain who had fought against the "Hero" even more.