Heracross hurled itself straight at Rhydon with tremendous power and momentum!
The arena erupted as though struck by a heavy artillery shell!
Clang!
White light engulfed both Pokémon! Violent energy shattered the ground, sending fine cracks spreading across it.
Through the billowing dust, Rhydon flew backward along the ground, leaving a long gouge behind it!
Heracross was in no better shape!
After all, it had taken a Fire-type attack. Surviving a hit it was weak against was already impressive enough, and now it was burned as well!
Heracross landed weakly, red glints flickering across its body from time to time.
The arena finally settled. Rhydon shook its head and struggled to rise, swaying as though drunk.
Even with "Rock Solid" weakening Counter, that blow had still hurt badly.
A trace of surprise entered Yong's voice.
"Miss Maylene... to think you've trained Heracross's resistance to fire to this level... that's incredible!"
He meant every word.
After all, without the system giving him an unfair advantage, his team consisted almost entirely of Pokémon weak to Water, Grass, and Fighting types. Even if he could improve their resistance to types they were weak against on his own, it would be difficult to make them suppress their fear of fire and obey their Trainer without hesitation, as Heracross had.
That was instinct! It had nothing to do with any external factors!
Maylene smiled.
"Nothing is impossible! All it takes is enough effort and perseverance! This is the fruit of everything Heracross has put into its training! It tastes wonderful... doesn't it?"
Yong watched Heracross, whose burn was steadily draining its stamina, with admiration in his eyes.
Rhydon, however, was slowly recovering...
"Next comes the final blow!"
"Yeah! That's right!"
Their gazes met across the arena, both filled with resolve!
"Heracross! Frenzied Thrust!"
**"Rhydon! Blade