Wallace's gaze lingered on Blaziken for a moment before he took out a Poké Ball, spun it lightly in his hand, and pressed the release button.
"Milotic, I'm counting on you."
A flash of red light passed, and a slender, elegant figure appeared in the shallow water at the edge of the field.
That Milotic was even larger than Xinhai's, nearly thirteen meters long. Its entire body was covered in cream-colored scales that refracted a soft pearlescent sheen beneath the lights.
A red fan-shaped fin extended from each side of its head like exquisite ornaments, trembling faintly in the air.
Its red eyes were clear and tranquil, exactly like Wallace's own glassy eyes.
Most of its body remained submerged, its long neck raised gracefully while its tail fin gently swayed across the surface, sending fine ripples spreading outward.
Its posture was composed and noble, as though it was not battling at all, but performing an elegant show.
Blaziken and Milotic faced each other silently across a stretch of rocky ground that had just risen from beneath the water.
Xinhai watched Milotic on the field, a trace of gravity flashing through his eyes.
He had not expected Wallace to send out his signature Pokémon so quickly—though this was most likely a member of Wallace's second or even third team, Wallace's training and understanding of Water-type Pokémon meant this Milotic was definitely not to be underestimated.
Moreover, Blaziken's Type was at a disadvantage against Milotic, and Water-type moves posed an immense threat to Blaziken.
But Xinhai did not back down. He believed in his partner, and Blaziken had never disappointed him.
After confirming that both sides were ready, the referee sharply lowered the raised flag. "Second round—begin!"
The instant the referee gave the command, Xinhai's voice burst forth like a lit fuse,