"High Horsepower hit! It broke through King's Shield! That attack was super effective!!"
Amid the announcer's cries, waves of screams and cheers erupted from the stands.
The Super-Gigantic Steelix descended toward the ground, pale blue light glowing across its body—the reduction in its Physical Attack caused by [King's Shield].
"Roar..."
It let out a long breath, its mist-like exhalation blowing away the dust swirling around it and allowing the blazing sunlight to shine down once more upon the rubble-strewn field.
Another one taken down?
Had he so easily defeated another Pokémon belonging to the undefeated champion?
Countless eyes turned toward the rising dust beyond the field, while also watching Leon, who stood with his back to his Pokémon and did not look back at all.
Time fell silent at that moment.
Until a dark purple light abruptly flared within the dust.
Clang!
A sharp metallic collision echoed through the silent stadium. Aegislash burst out of the haze, its ribbon-like arms crossed over each other, its blade inserted into its round shield. It had clearly returned to its defensive stance because of King's Shield.
Irregular dents were clearly visible on the shield's surface, and their source was none other than the Super-Gigantic Steelix, whose body was hard enough to gleam.
"Aegislash is not Unable to Battle!"
The announcer cried out.
At the same time, a red beam shot toward Aegislash, coming from Leon, who still had his back turned toward his Pokémon.
"Roar!"
The charging Super-Gigantic Steelix suddenly came to a halt.
Too late.
Leon's instincts were exceptionally sharp. He seemed to have guessed that Baimu wanted the Super-Gigantic Steelix to prevent Aegislash from leaving the field, so he completed the switch the instant the latter appeared.
"Go! Inteleon!"
Bang!
White light flashed.
Inteleon reappeared on the field, while Baimu switched