Misty Explosion.
Also known as the Fairy-type version of Explosion—with reduced power.
Paired with Misty Terrain, it worked even better. Unfortunately, Azumarill didn't seem to know the move.
"Get up, Haxorus!"
Awu was making one last effort.
Azumarill definitely wasn't getting up. Zhengyi held a Poké Ball and watched Haxorus, who had barely propped up its upper body with both claws and was breathing heavily.
He was ready to switch the instant his opponent rose.
The arena gradually fell quiet.
Every spectator watched the field closely, with scattered cheers sounding from all directions.
Unfortunately...
The gods who governed miracles didn't appear every time.
That was precisely why the sight of Pokémon rising again and again on the brink of defeat, fighting on for their trainers, was so precious.
So moving.
Haxorus suddenly straightened, drawing cheers from the crowd. But they soon realized it hadn't moved since standing up.
The Polygon Referee Machine approached to examine them, then announced the result:
"Azumarill and Haxorus are both Unable to Battle! The winner of this match is—Zhengyi!"
The commentator sighed. "What a shame. Haxorus couldn't hold on... But the result is decided! Congratulations to Zhengyi for making it into the top eight!"
The crowd erupted!
Applause went on and on!
Zhengyi's supporters waved their banners and shouted themselves hoarse. At a glance, it seemed the entire audience had risen to its feet.
"He's so popular..."
Lisia and the others were stunned by Zhengyi's popularity. To them, it seemed every bit as great as Baimu's.
Shan Ren guessed, "I'd say eighty percent of the people who came to watch this match are from Silicon Beryllium City."
Tickets for each round were sold separately, so spectators could buy tickets to the venue where their favorite contestant was competing.
According to the organizers' figures, fifty percent