Chapter 203
As the Light Screen shattered completely, a thunderclap resounded once more in the Battle Court, emitting a blinding light.
"Now, Yveltal, Sucker Punch!"
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Enduring the terrifying Thunder Shock, Yveltal and Qiao Ran let out muffled groans of pain, but this was exactly the effect Qiao Ran had hoped for.
"Now, Yveltal!"
"Sucker Punch!!!!"
Like a giant Black and Red phantom streaking across the sky, Yveltal, his body wreathed in golden lightning, charged straight toward the Reuniclus at the other end of the Battle Court.
"Boom!!!!"
As if the earth had shattered, the Battlefield trembled violently. Not only did rubble fly everywhere, but electrical currents also spread across the ground. Even the Referee, who had retreated to a distance, nearly lost his footing and fell to the ground.
"..."
"..."
Is this really a battle between Pokémon?
This isn't the first time viewers have had this question in their minds: why are the Pokémon sent out by that young Trainer, and the Pokémon used by Gym Leader Nian Hai, completely different from those they use?
Yveltal flapped her wings and emerged from the dusty, rubble-strewn ruins, surveying everything below with disdain. Despite the numerous wounds she bore, she remained as proud and majestic as when she first appeared.
However, she wasn't the only one who hadn't given up.
"... Thunder!!"
The Old Man Nian Hai, straightened his hunched body slightly, his eyes widened, and he shouted out like a young man rather than an old man.
A blue, slimy clump floated up from the rubble. Although it had also suffered considerable damage, the Reuniclus had not yet reached the point of exhaustion thanks to its own abilities. Moreover, taking advantage of the opportunity to float out of it, it once again unleashed its Thunder attack against Yveltal.
"Don't let it out! Oblivion Wing!!"
Qiao Ran naturally couldn't let the other party have their way.
Despite being a Psychic Pokémon fighting Yveltal and withstanding several Dark type moves from Yveltal, achieving this level of feat is already quite impressive.
That's really impressive.
But in the end, it's my Pokémon that should win this Competition!
Powerful lightning once again formed in the air, while on the other side, Black and Red light gathered in front of Yveltal.
Oblivion Wing is Yveltal's most familiar skill and her unique move. Although it is not a Dark type skill that counters Reuniclus, it is the most suitable choice in such a race against time.
"Snap!!"
"Boom!!"
A dazzling bolt of lightning struck down from the sky, its brilliance shining even in daylight. This was the Thunder unleashed by Elite Four-level Pokémon, a move that, even if not a STAB move, was enough to outshine most Electric-type Pokémon.
On the other side, the pitch-black and scarlet light, like the end of the world, swallowed everything in front of them. The grass on the Battlefield was instantly turned grayish-white by the energy, and just looking at it gave people a feeling of unease.
Both sides' skills hit each other at roughly the same time.
"Oblivion Wing..."
As Gym Leader with Psychic type, Sabrina felt the terror of this move firsthand. If it were her, and she encountered someone who came to challenge her gym with Yveltal, she probably wouldn't even hesitate to give the Badge to that person.
Using Psychic type Pokémon to challenge a Dark type Pokémon—she must be out of her mind to do something like that.
"..."
Sabrina thought about it, she couldn't help but glance at the Old Man Nian Hai was still standing on the field with a sympathetic expression.
--At this moment, Nian Hai was still staring blankly at the scene unfolding before him--his Reuniclus had fallen to the ground, while the Black and Red giant eagle was still flapping its wings Levitate in the air.
Although his opponent's stamina was probably almost depleted, he still lost the Competition.
"The Reuniclus has lost its fighting ability! The victor is... Qiao Ran from Longjiang City!!"
The Referee announced the result of the Competition, but the Battlefield fell silent once again, before erupting into thunderous cheers after a long while.
They hadn't expected Nian Hai to lose when they came here, but... what happened that caused him to lose twice in a row?
"A hallucination, it's definitely a hallucination."
"This is too much..."
Besides the disbelieving audience, there were also those who were incredibly excited.
"That's so cool! That Black and Red Pokémon is so cool!"
"... Where can I catch Pokémon like that?"
Because this Competition was decided on short Competition, it was not broadcast online and could only be replayed after it ended. However, due to the astonishing nature of the match and the commotion it caused, it has already sparked a great deal of discussion online.
Numerous photos and short videos circulated online, even attracting many people outside of Magic City.
"..."
"This is..."
Inside a Cave, a woman wearing a miner's hat and with long hair tied up, while resting, also came across this message.
She rubbed her eyes, then glanced at the shark-shaped Pokémon beside her, muttering to herself.
Am I dreaming?
Some things are just that unexpected.
"I never expected... I never expected... that this old man would actually lose two matches... Hahahaha."
Old Man Nian Hai burst into laughter.
He could swear that he didn't hold back at all and that his Pokémon used all their special abilities, but he still lost.
"It's been a long time since I've worked up a full sweat."
The Old Man Nian Hai reached out and took out the last Poké Ball from his pocket.
"As a Gym Leader, it's truly exciting to see such promising juniors."
"But as a Trainer, I, this old man, don't want to lose all three matches either."
The Poké Ball in his hand slowly opened, and a huge Pokémon with four steel arms landed on the Battle Court. The force of its landing alone caused the Battle Court to shake.
This is his last trump card, and the Pokémon that has been with him since the beginning. In his life, some Pokémon have left him, but only this Pokémon remains by his side.
He had no reason to lose this Competition.
"... Metagross!!"
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Metagross is a Pokémon with immense strength and Psychic. Combined with its steel-like body and powerful computing abilities, it is virtually invincible.
Furthermore, its base stat total of 600 points undoubtedly places it among the top tier of Pokémon. Its powerful abilities have even made it a trump card for many Trainer, such as Steven, the Champion of the Hoenn Region, whose signature Pokémon is Metagross.
"... Oops."
Qiao Ran withdrew Yveltal, who was still looking at him smugly. He was considering whether or not to send Dianxi into battle next. If he didn't use Dianxi, who could he choose for the last battle?
Level 57.
This Metagross is one of the highest-level Pokémon he has ever seen.
Even he probably wouldn't be able to find Pokémon.
Should we continue to let Zacian?
If it's Zacian, maybe it really works.
However, this probably doesn't align with his desire to train his Pokémon. Battles with Trainer are often the safest option, and only by pushing his limits in these Competition can he reduce the risks he'll face later.
There are things even more terrifying than losing.
Reshiram and Latias haven't been with the team long enough for them to participate in this level of Competition. As for Nihilego, and Suicune... Nihilego's poison and Rock-type Silvally basically useless against Metagross, and Silvally and Suicune... without Mega Evolution, their level is still a bit lacking.
"..."
Qiao Ran shook his head.
No, we still have to let her play in the end.
Although there are certain risks... her type is destined to be four times weaker to Steel-type, but she also has ways to deal with it.
Besides, she is the only one I should send out as my ace in the final round.
The two victories and the cheers from the audience had given Qiao Ran a lot of confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Now that it was time for the third match, Qiao Ran wanted to enjoy the stage even more.
Dianxi.
... We just need to fight with all our might and do our best.
"I choose you, Dianxi!!"
A dazzling light burst forth across the Battle Court, and a pink diamond Pokémon fell from mid-air, Levitate in the center of the Battle Court.
With the appearance of Dianxi, the audience cheered even more enthusiastically. They had never seen the Pokémon that Qiao Ran had sent out before, but they had seen this one countless times in the videos.