Earth-yellow Rock-type energy surged from Sudowoodo's body and swiftly merged with the ground beneath its feet. A solid rock wall rose from the ground, precisely blocking Flamethrower's path.
Seeing this, Xinhai did not hesitate and immediately shouted, "Blaziken, Flame Charge!"
Blaziken stomped hard against the gray stone ground. Crimson flames burst from its body, engulfing it completely and drawing a blazing red trail through the air as it charged straight at Sudowoodo.
Instructor Tanigawa reacted without the slightest pause. His gaze was as steady as rock, and his voice was calm and clear. "Sudowoodo, Rock Slide!"
Sudowoodo raised its short, sturdy arms high. Dark gray Rock-type energy rapidly gathered and compressed around them, transforming in the blink of an eye into dozens of sharp-edged rocks that rained down upon Blaziken's charge.
Xinhai's pupils narrowed slightly, but his command came even faster. "Blaziken, Protect!"
Blaziken did not slow its charge. Energy raced through its body as a pale green, translucent Protect Barrier swiftly unfolded before it like an indestructible emerald shield.
The rocks crashed against the Protect Barrier with tremendous force. The muffled impacts came in rapid succession, each one sending dense ripples across the Barrier's surface.
By the time the Protect Barrier dissolved into tiny specks of light, Blaziken had already closed to within a short distance of Sudowoodo.
There was not a trace of panic on Instructor Tanigawa's face. He frowned and immediately ordered, "Sudowoodo, Earthquake!"
Sudowoodo suddenly lifted both feet, then stomped down heavily.
Ground-type energy flowed from beneath its feet into the earth, and an invisible ripple rapidly spread in all directions.
The gray stone floor shook violently. Cracks spread outward from Sudowoodo's footing like a spider web, while rubble and dust leaped high into the air, filling the arena with a hazy cloud.
Seeing Sudowoodo use