"You always surprise me, kid!"
Wattson kept studying Steelix as he spoke meaningfully.
"So this is your ace, isn't it?"
In the stands, Chengjie clenched his fist at the sight of Steelix, then put on a solemn air as he addressed Harada.
"Watch closely, young man! The real match is only just beginning!"
During his training sessions with Yong, Chengjie had watched Marshtomp practice combining moves, but Steelix had amazed him far more than Marshtomp ever had!
"Oh?"
Harada watched the field below with curiosity, his anticipation growing.
Yong looked at the enormous figure before him and nodded happily.
"Steelix is my Starter Partner, and family who's grown up alongside me!"
"Excellent. I can feel the bond between trainer and Pokémon."
Wattson's voice was full of approval.
"Then let's see what you can do! Raichu! Charm!"
"Rai-chu!"
The little eyes on Raichu's chubby face blinked as the Pokémon put on an adorable expression and gazed intently at Steelix.
"Screech!"
Compared to when Steelix had been an Onix, the Expert-level Screech was clearly far more powerful. A terrifying shriek burst from Steelix's enormous mouth, assaulting the ears like a demonic wail. Invisible sound waves swept outward, instantly interrupting Charm and forcing Raichu to cover both ears in agony, unable to mount an effective defense.
"Dig!"
"Roar!"
Pressing the advantage, Steelix immediately broke through the ground at the command and burrowed beneath it.
Wattson frowned.
"Raichu, Double Team! Stay alert!"
Though still dizzy, Raichu reacted in time. Despite that chubby body, the Pokémon was anything but slow! With a slight flicker, more than a dozen identical figures spread across the field to confuse Steelix.
Yong smiled faintly. Just what he wanted!
"Steelix, cover the whole field in quicksand! Sand Tomb!"
"Oh? Targeting our weakness, are you? Agility!"
The entire battlefield began to