The nearly shattered Inner Focus barrier broke completely the instant it collided with the arena's energy shield, unable to withstand the double impact.
The deep-purple energy of Dragon Pulse exploded against the barrier with a muffled boom. A huge ripple spread across the energy shield's surface, like a boulder dropped into a lake, wave after wave expanding outward.
As Dragon Pulse fully dissipated, Alakazam fell from midair and hit the ground. The spoons in its hands dropped beside it, the purple glow on their bowls slowly fading.
At the edge of the field, all the Gym trainees had their eyes fixed on the cloud of dust. Some covered their mouths, some stared wide-eyed, and some had unconsciously risen to their feet.
Yano Keisuke stood in the command area, staring intently at the haze, his pupils narrowing slightly.
But he had no time to check on Alakazam—because at the other end of the field, Gardevoir and Krookodile had already launched a coordinated assault on Espeon.
Gardevoir, hovering in midair, lit up with blue-white light in its eyes. Invisible Inner Focus gathered before it into an almost tangible energy shockwave, sweeping toward Espeon.
Krookodile circled in from the other side, its massive dark-red body charging across the ground, each step making the floor tremble faintly.
Its jaws opened slightly as dark-brown Dark type energy spilled from its mouth. Dark Pulse condensed and compressed deep in its throat, ready to burst forth at any moment.
The two Pokémon rushed toward Espeon, working in perfect coordination to seal off every route of escape.
Espeon stood in the northeastern area of the field, panting heavily. Its chest rose and fell more violently than before, and its purple fur was soaked with sweat, clinging to its body in damp strands.
Its four paws trembled slightly. The