"Alternating fire and water attacks caused thermal expansion and contraction, dealing far more damage to a Steel-type than either move alone!" Professor Oak explained.
"We won! Thank you, Salamence!" At the referee's announcement, Liu Qing immediately stepped forward and hugged Salamence's neck, smiling with gratitude. He only straightened up again when Brandon recalled Registeel and walked over.
"Young man, it's been a long time since I've had such an exciting battle. You've earned my recognition!" Brandon took out a Badge as he spoke. "This is proof of your victory over the Battle Pyramid-the Brave Symbol!"
Liu Qing looked at the Badge, which had a square in the middle divided by two diagonals into four equilateral triangles, and accepted it. "Battling you has helped me tremendously, Mr. Brandon. Thank you!"
"Mr. Brandon, when can I challenge you?" Ash asked, running over, seemingly fired up by everything he had seen.
"Ash, Mr. Brandon's Pokémon are still injured." Nurse Joy walked over and addressed Ash before turning to Brandon and Liu Qing. "Mr. Brandon, Mr. Liu Qing, if you don't mind, please let me treat your injured Pokémon! I'll have them back to full health as soon as possible."
"Sorry for the trouble, Nurse Joy!" Brandon replied, and Liu Qing nodded as well. Brandon then looked at the eager Ash and said, "Young man, once my Pokémon recover, I'll accept your challenge!"
"Yes! Thank you, Mr. Brandon!" Ash hurriedly bowed.
"Congratulations, Liu Qing! You've earned every Symbol and upheld the Battle Frontier's tradition!" Scott approached and handed Liu Qing a certificate, then asked, "Liu Qing, would you be willing to help us run the Battle Frontier now?"
"Mr. Scott..." Liu Qing accepted the certificate and examined the seal and his name on it. After a moment's thought, he shook his head. "I'm really