When the Rotom Drone announced it was time for the competitors to send out their Pokémon, spectators on every side turned expectantly toward the Shiny Gengar that had dazzled them in the first two matches.
"Gengar! Gengar!"
"Gengar! Gengar!"
Some shouted excitedly, like fans calling a superstar onto the stage at a concert.
The Rotom Drone swung its close-up camera toward Gray Fatso, who stood beside Baimu looking unusually solemn. His comical grin instantly filled the stadium's big screen.
Sordward chuckled. Unbothered by the atmosphere, he calmly threw a Poké Ball.
"Go! My loyal guardian!"
Bang!
White light flashed.
Bisharp appeared on one knee. A small patch of grass around it flew into the air as though sliced by a blade.
Sordward had chosen this Pokémon specifically to counter Gengar's Ghost and Poison typing. He had also seen plenty of Gengar's favored tactics in the previous two matches.
Come on!
Let me claim victory and show everyone the unquestionable greatness of the Galar Royal Family!
Confidence that everything was under control filled Sordward's face.
And then—
Under everyone's expectant gaze—
The Poké Ball Baimu had thrown onto the field a moment earlier, unnoticed by the crowd, burst open with a bang. Its flash of white light stood out sharply.
They stared.
The white light landed on the grass and rapidly expanded.
In the blink of an eye—
It had grown as tall and massive as a mountain!
"Grrr!"
Dazzling silver light flashed. As the great beast raised its head, its body shone like pure metal tempered beneath a blazing sun. Countless spectators who had been focused on Gengar stared in disbelief, and its thunderous roar seemed to explode beside their ears!
Thud!
Many felt their hearts jolt.
Sordward looked up at the Giant Steelix on the field, his confident smile