"Based on this battle, the rankings will change."
The Rotom Drone declared the battle over.
On the field.
Steelix gazed at the Excadrill, which was Unable to Battle. "Gonn..."
Just moments ago, its opponent had nearly pulled off a Reversal. The scare had almost made Steelix follow up with another High Horsepower.
And that showed a lack of confidence in its own damage output.
Steelix knew that without Mega Evolution, its attacks lacked power unless it put its size and weight behind them.
That had been fine against weaker opponents. But once the competition got tougher, Steelix could easily find itself short on power when it mattered most.
To put it bluntly.
That battle had been won through tactics.
If Excadrill had not worn itself down in a grueling fight with Shiny Gengar first, then come out and traded heavy blows with Steelix, that final High Horsepower probably would not have been enough to take down the big drill.
"Gonn..."
Steelix slowly exhaled a stream of white smoke, knowing it had to make up for that weakness.
Digging tunnels was fun, just as Steelix liked, but it wanted the thrill of battle too.
A Pokémon that did not enjoy fighting could never be truly ferocious. Only Hydreigon surpassed Steelix in sheer aggression.
When they first met, Steelix had even dared to hiss at Aggron!
Though these days, doing that would take a little courage. Anyone watching might think Steelix was the one at a type disadvantage...
"What's wrong? In a bad mood?"
Baimu came over to ask. He had called out twice just now without getting much of a response.
Steelix lowered its broad head, frustration simmering in its eyes. Being unhappy even after a win made it a rather unusual Pokémon.
Or perhaps Baimu's Pokémon were simply good at