"Thunder."
Despite the unexpected turn, Volkner's expression barely changed. This Pikachu did lack finesse in executing its techniques, and he hadn't expected Ye Lan to see through its weakness so quickly, but Pikachu had already fulfilled its role.
Seeing Pikachu gather Electric-type energy again for one last desperate struggle, Ye Lan instinctively wanted to order Rillaboom to dodge. What he hadn't expected was that Pikachu's lightning strike would target Pikachu itself!
Boom!
As the move struck, Rillaboom and Pikachu were both swallowed by the current, their figures completely obscured by the flashing lightning.
When the lightning subsided, Pikachu lay on the ground, blackened all over. Rillaboom hadn't fared much better, but with its drumsticks shielding it and conducting the electricity away, it remained standing on the battlefield.
"Pikachu is unable to battle. Gym Leader Volkner, please send out your next Pokémon!"
The robot referee's voice echoed through the spacious arena. The gold faded from Ye Lan's eyes as he looked at Rillaboom on the battlefield.
Since this was a 2v2 battle, Ye Lan didn't want to overthink things. Given Rillaboom's current condition, there was no need to switch it out. Draining even a little stamina from the opponent's next Pokémon would be a gain. If it could force the opponent to reveal a few techniques as well, that would be an even bigger win.
"Ooh..."
Rillaboom steadied its uneven breathing on the battlefield and looked at Pikachu, now enveloped in red light, with a trace of respect in its eyes.
This Pikachu probably hadn't undergone systematic training in a long time. It had held on this long through sheer determination and a desire to win, coupled with complete trust in its Trainer's commands.
Effort really did pay off. Its grueling everyday training had given Rillaboom the confidence to defeat its