The two Pokémon faced each other silently across the dark gray battle arena.
Grovyle crouched slightly, its golden eyes calm as water. Ampharos stood on all fours, its black eyes steady and sharp.
After confirming that both sides were ready, the referee pressed the button for the energy Barrier.
The pale blue energy pillars flickered faintly, and the extending energy Barrier enveloped the entire battle zone.
The conversations in the venue fell completely silent at that moment, and everyone's eyes focused on the field.
"Battle begin!"
The instant the referee gave the command, Misaki Takahashi's voice rang out first, carrying a calm, confident Presence.
"Ampharos, Electric Terrain!"
"Bwoo—!"
Ampharos's tail snapped upward. The red orb on its forehead and the one at the tip of its tail simultaneously lit up with dazzling golden Spark.
Thick currents burst from its body, writhing across the ground like electric serpents, leaping and spreading. In the blink of an eye, they formed a web of electricity covering more than half the field.
The air filled with the scent of ionized ozone, while fine arcs of electricity crackled across the ground.
Xinhai narrowed his eyes slightly.
Every time he saw his opponent use Electric Terrain, he could not help but marvel at how well-trained Ampharos was. It could establish the basics of an electric field in an instant.
That alone showed how high Ampharos's control over Electric-type energy was. It was absolutely no weaker than an ordinary Elite-level Electric-type Pokémon. Its electrical output was also formidable, allowing the electric field to cover most of the arena in an instant.
But the time you spend setting up the field is my opportunity! Xinhai thought, immediately giving Grovyle an order.
"Grovyle, use Quick Attack and rush in!"
Grovyle's body was enveloped in milky white energy. It pushed