After the two released their respective Pokémon, the platform began to rise again.
This time, it rose to a height of thirty meters. A gust of wind blew straight at him, and Xinhai raised his right arm to shield himself.
However, the wind had no effect at all on Winona, the Flying-type Gym Leader.
She stood on the platform opposite him, her light purple hair flowing in the wind while her figure remained as steady as a rock.
She looked at Xinhai, a sincere smile appearing at the corner of her lips.
"Xinhai, you and your partners really are strong." Winona's voice carried clearly through the wind to Xinhai's ears. "Altaria is my last Pokémon. As long as you clear this hurdle, the White Feather Badge will be yours."
Xinhai lowered his arm and returned her smile. "Then I'll be counting on your guidance, Gym Leader Winona."
From the referee's stand, Wallace watched the two of them, a trace of appreciation flashing through his eyes.
He raised a hand, his voice clear and formal. "Then—let the battle begin!"
On the high platform, Winona swung her hand forward. "Altaria, Dragon Pulse!"
"Chirp!"
Altaria, hovering in midair, tilted its head back and let out a clear cry. Pale purple Dragon-type energy gathered in its throat, transforming into a dragon-shaped energy wave that shot toward Gardevoir on the ground!
The Dragon Pulse twisted through the air at incredible speed, closing in on Gardevoir in the blink of an eye!
"Gardevoir, Teleport."
Xinhai's voice remained as calm as ever.
A flash gleamed in Gardevoir's red eyes, and her entire body vanished from where she stood!
The Dragon Pulse passed through the spot she had occupied and struck the ground, exploding into pale purple energy ripples.
The next second, Gardevoir appeared elsewhere in midair—roughly twenty