The successive Drain Punches had dealt tremendous damage to Onix while restoring Scraggy's stamina. Combined with its evolution at a critical moment, they had ultimately secured Falgar's victory.
Qingcao silently recalled Onix and bowed, then stepped aside to reveal the stairway behind him and said softly,
"Congratulations on clearing the first stage! Please follow the stairway to the next battlefield!"
Looking at his newly evolved Scrafty, Falgar no longer wore his earlier carefree expression. He nodded earnestly.
"Thank you for your guidance... that was an excellent battle!"
Qingcao smiled slightly and gestured toward the stairs. Falgar headed straight for the ascending stairway.
Inside the Lounge,
Grant smiled lazily.
"Falgar's feeling the pressure! That kid... even our apprentices aren't so easy to beat! Hahaha..."
Yong looked at the earnest Qingcao on the screen and smiled slightly.
"He works hard, and he performed well! Tell him he can keep building up Onix's physical strength! Its move proficiency is sufficient for this stage! It's time to prepare for evolution..."
The boy stroked Kleavor's head, thought for a moment, and said,
"I'll prepare the Metal Coat he needs to evolve Onix!"
Grant gave him a teasing smile.
"If you think so highly of him, why not just take him as your apprentice?"
Yong glanced at him, then watched Falgar continue climbing the stairway and deliberately changed the subject.
"Miss Siebold is at the next stage..."
"I'm really looking forward to this match!"
With the look of someone who enjoyed stirring up trouble, Grant followed Yong's lead.
"I heard those two were once the most highly acclaimed young Trainer prodigies at the Battle Chateau! Both had a chance of reaching the rank of Marquess... now you've poached Miss Siebold for the Rock Solid Gym. Heh... those people at the Battle Chateau must be furious..."
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