The rumbling within the sandstorm gradually subsided, and the raging flames swiftly drew inward, seemingly heralding the outcome of this clash...
Sure enough, a figure came crashing down from the air, and Pupitar returned to the ground.
Though its body was covered in mottled scorch marks, with flames still lingering in places, its eyes remained fierce.
But Yong knew that although Pupitar had gained the upper hand in this clash, it had also been left burned.
Its actual condition was nowhere near as good as it made itself appear.
After all, that had been Flare Blitz, a devastating Fire-type move...
Of course, its natural resistances and defense, bolstered by its "Rock Solid" talent, had greatly reduced the power of the opposing attack. By comparison, Typhlosion was much weaker.
The recoil from Flare Blitz.
The toll of Sandstorm.
Its weakness to Rock- and Ground-type attacks.
And on top of that, a collision with an opponent whose strength was nearly equal to its own...
The temperature on the field steadily dropped, and Canghui finally caught sight of his partner through the gradually dispersing sandstorm.
Inside a huge, shattered crater, Typhlosion crouched low with all four limbs braced against the ground, panting heavily...
The flames around its neck no longer burned as fiercely as before, and mottled marks covered its body.
Sand and grit continued to batter it, worsening the already weakened Typhlosion's condition.
Yong looked at it admiringly, then said softly,
"As expected of Typhlosion! What a fighting spirit!"
Canghui fell silent for a moment, then gave a spirited smile.
"I should be saying that about you! And Pupitar! We've won despite a type disadvantage before, but this is the first time a head-on clash has left Typhlosion this weak!"
Canghui shook his head and took out a Pokémon Ball.
"Typhlosion! Come