"Lucario, take out the leader first! Attack the strongest Nidoking!"
Cynthia was a Battle Genius. Everyone knew that.
Across the entire Pokémon World, apart from that legendary man—Red—
anyone else who thought they could rival Cynthia was dreaming.
They weren't even close!
Watching Cynthia command with such confidence and flair, Xu Mu had only one thought: she was a joy to behold!
She was beautiful and powerful. She was the perfect girlfriend!
"Stop Lucario! Shield squad, defend together! Use moves that block his path!"
"Hound squad, watch for an opening and be ready to attack!"
"Eagle squad, and all other Pokémon, harass him with ranged attacks! Don't give Lucario a second's peace!"
With Nidoking about to be hit by Lucario's Aura Sphere, Li Hong didn't even check on him. He kept directing the entire force.
As for Nidoking, he received no orders from Li Hong, but the Aura Sphere never struck him.
Just as the glowing blue Aura Sphere was about to reach Nidoking, a Steelix burst from underground.
He used Protect to block it.
Then the Flying-type Pokémon overhead and the special attackers in the rear unleashed a barrage of ranged moves.
Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Flamethrower, Water Gun, Hydro Pump, Water Pulse, Swift, Confusion...
The attacks came one after another. None was especially powerful, but they still hurt when they landed.
Lucario was so busy dodging that frustration began to show on his face.
And the instructors' attacks didn't end there.
Rock Tomb, Rock Slide, Frenzy Plant, Grass Knot—moves meant to impede him kept breaking his rhythm.
Then there were the Pokémon in the hound squad.
An Arcanine suddenly appeared behind Lucario with Extreme Speed and opened his mouth to unleash Flamethrower!
Lucario twisted away at the last instant, only to be struck by a Weavile's Ice Fang!
Then