"Even Elite Four Drake's Salamence was no match for Swampert!"
In the stands, Bruno spoke in disbelief.
Even if this Salamence was clearly the younger one, as one of Elite Four Drake's signature Pokémon, it should not have been taken down so easily by Swampert.
Lance, who also excelled at using Dragon Pokémon, shook his head.
"Failing to put some distance between them in time was the biggest mistake against Yong's Swampert."
Salamence excelled at relentless aerial bombardment and using its powerful charges to exert overwhelming pressure, seizing control of the battle. Once an opponent of equal strength closed in, however, its room to maneuver shrank, and its advantages vanished-especially when that opponent was Yong's Swampert!
At close range, Salamence could not unleash its full strength. Instead, it had been forced into Swampert's rhythm.
That was precisely what Yong had intended.
On the field, Elite Four Drake showed neither panic nor tension at the situation. On the contrary, seeing Yong's strength push him this far filled the old captain with satisfaction.
He had waited a long time. When Steven had first left the Pokémon League, Drake had been the one to insist on entrusting the Hoenn League's future to the boy.
His decision had received the support and approval of every Elite Four member, as well as Steven.
Now, seeing the boy he had placed such high hopes in finally come into his own, Elite Four Drake naturally felt pleased and reassured.
Of course, that did not mean the ever-meticulous old captain would hold back in a match!
Taking out his fifth Pokémon Ball, the old man looked calmly at the boy opposite him and said in a deep voice,
"I've felt your strength, kid! But if you want to keep moving forward, you have to defeat me completely! So