A violent shockwave burst outward in a dome of raging Golden Flame, instantly evaporating every trace of water.
The arena's defensive barrier activated automatically, keeping the blast from reaching the stands.
For an instant, it was as if a blazing sun had descended upon the field. The light was unbearably bright.
Nearly everyone, human and pet beast alike, instinctively raised a hand to shield their eyes.
Before long, the blinding light of the "sun" faded, and the field fell still.
They lowered their hands and looked toward the field.
From the deep crater, a dazzling figure leaped out. Water Navigator remained inside, eyes closed and unconscious.
No one cheered right away.
In the near silence, a Mechanical Type Pet Beast wearing a referee's badge approached Water Navigator and checked on him. Then it raised a green flag and waved it toward Qiao Sang and Ya Bao.
A Virtual Screen appeared above the field. Beneath Gaston's photo, Water Navigator's photo changed from color to black and white.
At the Commentary Booth, Nephthis drew a deep breath and called into the microphone:
"Water Navigator is down! Fendi Duo takes the win! Qiao Sang has won three rounds in a row! The score is now 3–0!"
As if those words finally snapped the crowd back to its senses, the arena erupted in a roar.
"Fendi Duo! Fendi Duo!"
"Oh my god! Fendi Duo was this strong? It didn't look nearly that powerful the last time it used Blazing Sun Impact!"
"That final Blazing Sun Impact was terrifying. Has Fendi Duo gotten better at it recently?"
"Does Blazing Sun Impact turn completely gold when its proficiency gets high enough?"
"No idea. I've never seen what it looks like at high proficiency, but I feel like Fendi Duo's is at least at Major Completion."
"Super