Ponyta was wreathed in flames from head to toe, like a volcano charging straight at Weedle.
As it advanced, Ponyta continuously used Ember to strengthen the fire energy around its body. That was not all—this Ponyta had the Flash Fire Ability. As it ran, the surrounding Fire-type energy converged toward it.
"It's here, it's here! Flash Fire is causing Fire-type energy to gather, and Ember is still enhancing the Ability's effect. Cheng Du spent a month training at Firewind Dojo in Auspicious City during winter break. The results are incredible."
"Weedle's done for now. Cheng Du has mastered this one move, and we've all seen how powerful it is. Flame Charge will make Ponyta faster and faster, while Flash Fire will keep boosting Ponyta's attacks. Before long, Ponyta will become a flaming demon king."
"It's over, it's over. Ponyta's flames are about to swallow Weedle."
"Sigh, Weedle lost with honor."
To avoid drawing attention, this is the only way. Shu Tong watched Ponyta, its flames soaring skyward, and made up his mind.
Weedle, you've worked hard. I'll top you back up with Viridian Force in a moment. Shu Tong conveyed his intent to Weedle.
Poison-type energy swirled around Weedle's body. Then, it used String Shot to wrap itself up.
At the very instant Ponyta swallowed Weedle—
The threads were first eroded by the flames, but that was exactly what Shu Tong had planned. Ponyta rammed Weedle into the air with its head.
At the instant they made contact, one of Weedle's Poison Stings pierced straight into Ponyta's body.
Although Weedle was sent flying immediately afterward, its double layer of protection kept it from suffering much fire-energy erosion. Even when it was knocked down onto the ground, such a minor injury was nothing.
As for Ponyta—
Flame Charge was supposed to make it faster and faster after use, but now Ponyta was slowing down. Its Fire-type energy was gradually dispersing as well.
"Ponyta, pull yourself together!" Yang Ke had no idea what had happened and could only shout.
It was not until purple blotches appeared across Ponyta's body that the homeroom teacher noticed something was wrong.
Shu Tong deceived everyone. There must be an expert behind such a covert tactic. No wonder he dared to challenge me. The homeroom teacher muttered to himself.
Boom.
Before Ponyta could run back to Weedle, it collapsed.
"Ponyta!" Yang Ke let out a hysterical cry and rushed over.
"What did you do to my Ponyta?" Yang Ke roared, pointing at Shu Tong.
"I know what happened," Pan Zhehang said.
Everyone turned to Pan Zhehang. No one understood what had just occurred.
Ponyta had clearly had victory in the bag. Flame Charge had hit Weedle and successfully knocked it away.
From the very beginning, Ponyta had controlled the rhythm of the battle. Why had it suddenly collapsed for no reason? Many people suspected Shu Tong of cheating.
When Pan Zhehang said he knew the reason, everyone gathered around him.
"I've been recording the whole time. Look—Ponyta and Weedle only made contact during this one instant. I'll slow it down for you. See? You can see it clearly now, right? At the moment Ponyta knocked Weedle away—during that brief instant of contact—Weedle stabbed Ponyta with Poison Sting," Pan Zhehang said.
"Haha, I'm uploading this video to the Unown Live-Streaming Platform. It'll definitely blow up," Pan Zhehang said with a laugh.
Xu Wei took out his phone and chuckled. "I recorded it too."
When everyone looked at Shu Tong again, they found him somewhat terrifying. Whether it was Weedle's strength or the tactics Shu Tong had devised, every move had been lethal and left no room for error. How was he anything like a rookie Trainer?
"You're despicable." Cheng Du's eyes were bloodshot. How could he accept this? Weedle had seized its chance through nothing more than a brief touch. If he were given another chance, he would definitely defeat it.
"If insulting people could win battles, I suggest you go learn Chatot's move Chatter," Shu Tong said.
The homeroom teacher roared, "Cheng Du, why aren't you taking Ponyta to the infirmary? Do you want it to die?"
Cheng Du's heart jolted. Seeing Ponyta's condition worsening, he quickly recalled it and ran toward the infirmary.
Wu Hongzhen fell into deep thought. That Weedle's poison is too potent. I absolutely can't let Persian make any physical contact with it. But aside from Power Gem, all of Persian's moves are close-range attacks. Do I really have to use that move?
Shu Tong recalled Weedle, then sat directly in the rest area and closed his eyes to rest. In truth, he was secretly channeling Viridian Force into Weedle.
"Shu Tong." Someone suddenly called out to him.
Shu Tong opened his eyes. It was Sun Youzhong. "What is it, Teacher Sun?"
Even if the homeroom teacher was slow, after watching so many matches, he knew Shu Tong was aiming for Wu Hongzhen. The two of them could be considered the strongest students in the class. If they could unite, he was absolutely confident they could achieve the top result in their grade.
"Of course, I came to congratulate you on taking third place in our class's month-end assessment battle," the homeroom teacher said with a flattering grin.
"The competition isn't over yet. Isn't it a little premature to draw conclusions now?" After saying that, Shu Tong closed his eyes again.
"Your teacher knows you and Wu Hongzhen must have some conflict, but we're still one big family. Everyone should care for one another. First, I'm announcing that you are now part of the top-student group as well. Starting next month, I'll personally guide your special training all the way until the college entrance exams. Only professional training can draw out greater potential from Pokémon," the homeroom teacher began selling Shu Tong a dream.
Shu Tong rolled his eyes. In his previous life, his boss had sold him dream after dream, none of which had been delivered. And now it was this man's turn.
"No need," Shu Tong said firmly.
"Shu Tong, don't get carried away just because you've achieved a little. Don't become arrogant and complacent. You need to understand how vast this world is—there are always people better than you. If you stay stuck in your ways and refuse professional training now, it'll be too late. You'll regret it when the time comes." The homeroom teacher continued, going all out for the sake of his teaching record.
"I'm already undergoing professional training, so I won't trouble you," Shu Tong said.
"Shu Tong, I'm a First-Rank Professional Trainer. At school, you might even receive guidance from the dean and principal. They're Second-Rank and Third-Rank Professional Trainers. An opportunity like that is a lamp in the long night of your life, guiding you in the right direction," the homeroom teacher said.
"Teacher Sun, I'm planning to transfer schools," Shu Tong said.
"Haha, don't joke around. Pretend I never said any of that. As long as you represent our school in the college entrance exams, that's enough." The homeroom teacher laughed and walked away.
Just as expected!
If a room was too dark and you wanted to open a window, most people would object. But if you proposed tearing off the roof, they would compromise and agree to open a window instead.
Thanks to 624 Wen Zong for the donation, and thanks to Today I'm Not Writing for the donation.
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