Xia Yan VS Drayden

An indoor battle arena within Opelucid Gym.

There were no spectator stands, making it clear that this was originally a venue for the Gym's internal staff.

Drayden and Xia Yan stood on opposite sides of the field.

Parker acted as the temporary referee.

The most excited person was Iris, sitting off to the side with her fists tightly clenched. Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought she was the one participating in this battle.

Latios hovered in front of Xia Yan, staring intently at the burly old man opposite him.

Even without having summoned a Pokémon, Latios did not dare underestimate him.

Drayden was a tough man who, like the Trainers of certain Fighting-type Pokémon, sparred with his own Pokémon every day.

There was a reason why, at such an advanced age, he could still maintain such a robust body and muscular physique.

"So, this is your opponent."

As he spoke, Drayden threw a Poké Ball.

Amid the red light.

"Roar—!!"

Its scales glinted beneath the lights. Its ferocious head was crimson, while blue-violet scales covered its body, with vivid red spikes protruding conspicuously all over it.

Druddigon!

To match Latios, the Druddigon Drayden had summoned was also Elite Level.

Yet, just from the arcs of light reflected off its scales beneath the illumination, it was obvious that although this Druddigon was only Elite Level, Drayden had raised it very well.

Even a weak Dragon-type Pokémon depended on whose hands it was in.

Since this was an internal sparring match, there was no lengthy explanation of rules. As Parker lowered the flag in his hand, the battle began.

"Latios, Tailwind!"

Xia Yan did not use his psychic powers, merely giving commands in the most conventional manner for a battle.

Latios did not hesitate either. Silvery-white currents of air swirled