Afternoon.
Courtney faced Zhengyi.
Who would win was still anyone's guess.
As one of Team Magma's two highest-ranking executives, Courtney's stats on paper came close to the Elite Four: her strongest Pokémon's energy level exceeded sixty-five.
A full Mega Evolution made her even more formidable.
Unfortunately, she had lost to Leo, the previous generation's protagonist, at the Orre Tournament, leaving her with an unremarkable showing.
The same was true of Zhengyi.
His final result at the Orre Tournament might not have been impressive, and he kept running into setbacks against Baimu.
But that had little to do with his own ability. His luck had simply been poor: midway through, he had encountered Batlthas, whose strength was second only to Baimu's.
Without so many deep-sea predators drawn in by Baimu, Zhengyi could have done much better.
He would very likely have secured a seeded spot!
On the battlefield, Sunny Day and Sandstorm refused to give way to each other, forming a clear boundary at the center of the arena.
The two Pokémon held their ground within their favored weather and launched sustained long-range attacks. For a time, neither could gain the upper hand.
Yet the situation was extremely unfavorable for Zhengyi.
A Mega Evolution Wave produced a stripped-down Mega Evolution with far less energy than the full version. Fighting a battle of attrition was unwise.
Zhengyi knew that, of course. He was only waiting for an opening...
Suddenly.
The small sun above Mega Camerupt's head went out.
Mega Tyranitar roared and immediately used its Ability to expand the Sandstorm until it engulfed the entire arena.
The Sandstorm could not harm its opponent, but it could boost Mega Tyranitar's Special Defense. Zhengyi certainly would not let his side's advantageous territory be taken.
What he did not know was that Courtney had also