As the barrier shattered, the flames Emboar had unleashed also petered out. Neither side suffered any damage in their first exchange.
"Pidgeot, use Brave Bird!"
After blocking Emboar's Flamethrower with Protect's barrier, Zhang Cheng had gained some understanding of his opponent's strength. After weighing his options, he ordered Pidgeot to attack head-on with a Flying-type move that was super effective against Emboar.
Emboar was actually at a disadvantage against several of Zhang Cheng's Pokémon. His Fighting and Fire typing left him vulnerable to Water-type and Flying-type attacks, and the Pokémon Zhang Cheng used happened to have types that countered him.
"Pidge~ Pidge~"
Pidgeot had long been itching to attack. Upon receiving the command, he swiftly gathered Flying-type energy.
Dense Flying-type energy coated Pidgeot's entire body. Empowered by it, he beat his wings and charged at Emboar on the ground.
"Emboar, use Take Down!"
Facing Pidgeot's Brave Bird, Zhu Han chose to meet force with force, ordering Emboar to collide with Pidgeot using Take Down.
Emboar showed no fear as Pidgeot charged toward him with tremendous force. Powerful energy erupted within him, and at the same moment, he hurled his entire body at the incoming Pidgeot.
Take Down collided with Brave Bird. Both Pokémon possessed terrifying strength, and the collision unleashed a powerful shock wave that sent Pidgeot and Emboar flying far backward.
The Take Down attack stripped away another third of Pidgeot's HP, while Emboar was in much worse shape. The powerful Flying-type move, boosted by the same-type attack bonus, had taken away two-thirds of his HP in a single hit.
"Pidgeot, use Air Slash!"
As soon as the exchange ended, Zhang Cheng ordered Pidgeot to attack with another of his signature Flying-type moves, intending to defeat Emboar quickly.
"Pidge!"
Pidgeot's gaze turned cold as he flapped his wings, gathering