The Z-Move clashed head-on with the Mega-Evolved Gengar's Night Shade, unleashing a devastating shock wave that swept across the entire arena in an instant.
Qi Shijun, Bai Longfei, Director Li, and Magic City University's coach released their Pokémon at the same time, stopping the shock wave from spreading and protecting the spectators.
Thick smoke billowed, completely obscuring the battlefield.
No one knew the outcome, but everyone understood one thing.
One of them was definitely going down.
When the smoke cleared, the spectators saw Pikachu struggling on the ground. Gengar had reverted from Mega Evolution but stood motionless.
Su Bai watched silently, his palms slick with sweat.
He wanted badly to encourage Pikachu, to say, "Pikachu, I believe in you."
But Su Bai did not.
Every living creature had its own breathing rhythm. After such a powerful clash of energy, a trainer absolutely could not rush a fallen Pokémon.
A trainer's urging could disrupt the Pokémon's own recovery rhythm and become the final straw that broke the camel's back.
It all came down to Pikachu's own willpower.
Pikachu, come on!
As the spectators waited for Pikachu to get back up, they also watched Ren Xiaoyi and Gengar.
Had Gengar won?
"Pikachu is unable to bat..."
"Pika!"
Pikachu's shrill cry interrupted the referee's ruling as he forced himself to his feet.
Gengar, meanwhile, collapsed without a sound.
"Gengar is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner is Su Bai from J University!"
The referee delivered his ruling with regret. Deep down, he had hoped Ren Xiaoyi would win.
Many spectators felt the same way.
Everyone had witnessed Su Bai's effort and strength, but neither struck them as deeply as Ren Xiaoyi's head of white hair.
People supported those who worked hard. When both sides worked hard, they tended to favor the one