"You only realized that now? Shouldn't that be the first thing any Pokémon Trainer considers in this situation?" Hearing the odd note in Xun Chaoze's voice, Liu Qing looked up and met his eyes, speaking calmly.
"You..." Xun Chaoze knew he had outsmarted himself, but hearing Liu Qing say it aloud still left him feeling humiliated. Anger crept onto his face, only to vanish as soon as he noticed the change on the battlefield. He suppressed it and regained his composure.
What a shame. A battle was not merely a clash between Pokémon, but between their Trainers as well. An expression, a glance, or a gesture could all produce subtle effects. Liu Qing had successfully unsettled Xun Chaoze, but his opponent had quickly brought his emotions under control, leaving Liu Qing to sigh inwardly.
"Swampert, use Muddy Water!" With Xun Chaoze's strength and experience, he should have long since learned not to let his emotions show. Yet against Liu Qing, who was his equal in every respect, he had suffered several setbacks since their first meeting. Provoked by Liu Qing's scornful tone, his pride as a peerless genius from a distinguished family had flared into anger he could no longer contain. Still, it was not too late to make amends. Once he calmed down, he recognized his lapse, quickly returned to his usual state, and took action to salvage the situation.
After Lucario threw Swampert, the initial surprise had passed without any sign of panic. At Xun Chaoze's command, Swampert immediately roared. The two black fins on his head glowed faintly, and muddy water surged around his body. The instant he hit the ground, he rocked from side to side like a sailboat riding stormy seas, yet remained steady as a rock, dissipating most of the impact.
Muddy Water spiraled