"Ah, Marowak has been knocked down! Can it get back up and turn things around against all odds!?"
In the center of the arena, Marowak lay battered on the grass after a relentless barrage of Grass-type moves.
It had just tried to get up when another sweeping Razor Leaf struck it, leaving it unable to battle.
"Oh, what a shame! Contestant Daiyu has suffered another defeat, while contestant Xia You has reached match point with an overwhelming lead!"
Overall, this battle had also been very short. As the announcer's ringing voice filled the arena, the spectators could see that Daiyu had been backed into a corner. Unless he brought out a stronger Pokémon, he would absolutely suffer an easy 3-0 defeat.
Recalling Marowak into its Poké Ball, Daiyu gritted his teeth and took out his final Pokémon.
"Hmph, I planned to keep this Pokémon hidden as my final trump card until the semifinals, or even the finals. Looks like I'll have to reveal it early!"
Hearing his words, Xia You grew slightly more cautious. Under his expectant gaze, blue light flashed, and Daiyu's final Pokémon finally appeared.
With fiery red fur and a large tail, it was actually a Flareon!
"..." Xia You fell silent for a moment. "I see. So this Flareon is your strongest Pokémon?"
"Glad you understand." Perhaps sensing the slight disappointment in Xia You's voice, Daiyu snorted coldly. "Don't underestimate it. I know you're friends with the people who took my Charmander. To tell you the truth, I chose to abandon Charmander precisely because I'd gotten this Flareon! When it comes to strength, it won't lose to you!"
Since this was his opponent's ace, Xia You gave it his full attention.
He recalled Venusaur and sent out his third Pokémon instead-Blastoise.
To advance smoothly, he took