Galar Region, Wyndon Stadium.
The first match in Group B pitted Steven against Raihan.
Steven seized the initiative as soon as the match began.
Although Flygon used Sandstorm to whip up raging sands, they had no effect whatsoever on the Steel-type Skarmory.
Steven's nasty combination of Spikes and Whirlwind forced Gigalith onto the field.
And the moment Gigalith appeared, Skarmory hit it with Body Press.
As a Fighting-type move, Body Press was super effective against the Rock-type Gigalith!
Not to mention that the higher the user's Defense, the more damage Body Press dealt.
Skarmory spread its wings and slammed into Gigalith like an arrow loosed from a bow!
It was super effective!
After taking that hit, Gigalith's remaining strength flickered like a candle in the wind.
"Gigalith, Stealth Rock!"
Gigalith used the last of its strength to condense rocks in midair. Huge stones appeared, then vanished from sight.
It was a move much like Spikes.
It dealt damage equal to one-eighth of the maximum HP of Pokémon switching in, with that damage affected by Rock-type effectiveness.
In other words, Pokémon weak to Rock-type moves would take even more damage.
But that was all Gigalith could do.
Steven chose not to knock Gigalith out here. Instead...
"Keep using Whirlwind!"
A point-blank Whirlwind sent Gigalith back into its Poké Ball, and its replacement was-Torkoal!
Skarmory's forced switch blew Gigalith back, leaving Raihan no choice but to send out Torkoal.
Torkoal triggered Spikes upon entering the field and took some damage.
At the same time, Torkoal's Drought Ability instantly activated.
The sun blazed overhead, swiftly replacing the sandstorm.
The corners of Steven's mouth lifted. "Spikes!"
As everyone knew, Spikes could be layered across the field, with up to three layers laid at once.
This had been researched and proven by the professor.
With