"Earth Membrane"! (Two-in-One)

Facing a powerful Pokémon.

Xia Yan's Pokémon had already become highly proficient in tactical coordination.

Alakazam spread Psychic Terrain.

Steelix was relatively slow, so the Pokémon could deal with it more calmly.

However, its massive size and thick metal body left even Beedrill, which excelled at identifying weaknesses, somewhat helpless.

But Beedrill, a physical attacker at a type disadvantage, was clearly not the main force in this battle.

The main reliance was still on Alakazam and Togekiss, the two special attackers.

"Tokekiss!"

A sly glint flashed in Togekiss's eyes as it unleashed two Air Slashes.

Its opening attack marked the official start of the battle.

Bang! Bang!

With Steelix's enormous body, it would have been difficult for Togekiss's Air Slashes to miss even if it tried.

However.

Togekiss's prized additional effect failed to activate this time.

The difference in strength was part of the reason.

During its evolution from Rock into metal, Steelix had undoubtedly endured immense pain, tempering its willpower considerably.

Against an opponent with such powerful willpower, especially while at a disadvantage in strength, Togekiss's Air Slash was not invincible.

"Roar—!!"

Still, even without the additional effect, special attacks could indeed deal some damage to Steelix.

Even if it was not much.

Feeling the pain, Steelix's already reddened eyes became even redder.

After evolving from Onix into Steelix, this kind of Pokémon became much more irritable.

Its body began slowly rotating around one segment, then faster and faster.

The surrounding sand, stones, and rubble were all swept up by its rapidly spinning body, and a Sandstorm formed.

Faint starlight shimmered around Alakazam as Magic Guard kept it unaffected by the Sandstorm.

Its spoon bent, and a wave of psychic power radiated from its body and sank into Steelix.

Immediately afterward, images of Steelix's upcoming movements began flashing through