"Infernape, use Mach Punch."
The moment the referee announced the start of the match, Flint issued his command.
"Ha-cha!"
Infernape cried out, gathering Fighting-type energy around his fist as he hurtled toward Metagross.
Steven was a little surprised by Flint's choice. Rather than a Fire-type move, he had chosen the Fighting-type Mach Punch.
In the real world, this move did not guarantee that its user would strike first. It was simply very quick to execute.
Flint had most likely chosen it just to close the distance with Metagross, and this Infernape's Ability was probably Iron Fist.
A flurry of thoughts flashed through Steven's mind before he immediately made his decision. "Metagross, Zen Headbutt. Meet him head-on."
"Meta!"
Psychic power lit up Metagross's eyes before enveloping his head, and he slammed straight into the charging Infernape!
Bang!
Fist and iron head collided with tremendous force.
Metagross shuddered but steadied himself, while Infernape was knocked back some distance.
Flint's expression soured. He had not expected Steven to be so aggressive and order Metagross to clash head-on with Infernape.
It had truly caught him off guard.
Although he had achieved his aim of closing the distance, Infernape had taken a doubly effective Zen Headbutt. It was obvious that things were not looking good.
"Infernape, are you all right? Quick, use Flame Charge now!"
Flint shouted.
"Ha-cha!"
Enduring the pain in his arm, Infernape erupted in fierce flames and charged at Metagross again.
Flint figured that, with the two Pokémon so close together, Infernape stood a good chance of hitting Metagross if he accelerated with Flame Charge.
"How naive." The corners of Steven's mouth lifted slightly.
"Metagross, fly up and dodge this attack. Use Psychic!"
"Meta!"
Metagross and Steven were perfectly in sync. The instant Steven spoke, Metagross rose swiftly into the air, narrowly