With Torchic's Speed Boost kicking in over the past several rounds, Torchic had grown faster and faster. Machoke couldn't dodge in time and took the charge head-on, crashing to the ground and fainting!
The burly man gritted his teeth and shot Hu Bin a resentful glare. He recalled his Machoke, then slunk off the arena!
Hu Bin was now the arena's defending champion. He only had to hold his position for another thirty minutes to win.
Having won, Torchic felt utterly invincible and immediately turned around, jumping into Hu Bin's arms to ask for praise!
Hu Bin found the scene familiar. Vulpix used to ask for praise the same way. They really were one big family.
Hu Bin didn't hold back on the compliments, repeating the exact praise he'd once given Vulpix. Compared to Vulpix, though, Torchic had a much thicker skin and happily accepted every word!
Soon, another challenger stepped into the arena to face Hu Bin.
In the interest of fairness, Hu Bin had Torchic and Vulpix take turns battling. Torchic had just fought, so now it was Vulpix's turn.
Their opponent was a middle-aged hiker using an Onix, whose enormous body radiated an imposing presence.
Vulpix walked elegantly onto the battlefield and looked at the massive Onix without the slightest unease. All size, no substance!
Onix tried to intimidate Vulpix right away, letting out a roar that sent gusts of wind blowing toward Vulpix.
The wind ruined Vulpix's carefully styled fur, and Vulpix instantly exploded with anger. I made my fur look so nice today, and you've messed it all up! Tsk, tsk. You've just made a terrible choice, buddy!
Furious, Vulpix glared at Onix. Onix's breath caught, as though a powerful Pokémon had just set its sights on Onix.
Seeing Vulpix get angry, Torchic fearfully burrowed