Galar Region, Wyndon Stadium.
The battle between Leon and Lance had begun.
However, this match seemed to be heading toward an outcome few had predicted.
The match had veered off course right from the start.
The atmosphere in Wyndon Stadium reached a fever pitch. Beneath the spotlights, Leon's and Lance's capes fluttered without a breeze.
Leon led with Mr. Rime, an Ice- and Psychic-type Pokémon.
But Gyarados roared as it entered the field, activating its Intimidate ability and lowering Mr. Rime's attack.
The opening caught Leon slightly off guard.
Fortunately, this was hardly a major setback for Mr. Rime, which specialized in special attacks.
That was also why Leon had chosen Mr. Rime.
Whether it faced Salamence or Gyarados, Intimidate would have little effect on it.
And Leon's goal was simple:
Defeat Gyarados with Mr. Rime.
"Mr. Rime, Thunderbolt!"
Leon was just that sort of ruthlessly effective competitor, tailoring his movesets to his opponents.
"Gyarados, Dragon Dance!"
In front of the television, the corners of Blue's mouth lifted.
"That guy Lance still loves his Dragon Dance."
Beside him, Red watched intently without a word.
Gyarados took the hit head-on and suffered considerable damage.
But it successfully completed its Dragon Dance.
"Gyarados, Taunt!"
"Mr. Rime, Trick Room!"
The commentator cried out, "It failed! Champion Lance anticipated Mr. Leon's Trick Room!"
Watching from the VIP seats, Lorelei, Cynthia, Raihan, and the others were all a little surprised.
Had Trick Room gone up, Gyarados, whose speed advantage had increased after Dragon Dance, would have been reduced to a crawl.
Red lowered the brim of his cap. "No, he wasn't guarding against Trick Room. He was guarding against every status move."
Just as Red said, Lance had decided to use Taunt the moment he saw Mr. Rime.
The reason was simple: the opposing Mr.