There was a trace of resignation in Elesa's voice, but even more excitement at having her fighting spirit stirred.
She looked at Xia You, a wry smile on her lips, yet a fire that refused to admit defeat burned in her eyes.
Xia You smiled faintly. "I wasn't toying with you. Your attacks simply never landed, so naturally, you couldn't figure out Jolteon's Ability. How can you blame me for that?"
Elesa froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"You make it sound like it was my fault." She shook her head, returned Luxray's Poké Ball to her waist, and took a deep breath, regaining the composure expected of a Gym Leader. "But that's fine. The match has only just begun!"
Despite her words, in the next three battles, she sent out Galvantula, Stunfisk, and Emolga in turn.
But without exception, Xia You's other three Pokémon defeated them with ease.
Three Pokémon, three different fighting styles.
Yet without exception, no matter how Elesa adjusted, Xia You stood in her way like a mountain, leaving her helpless.
With three Pokémon defeated in succession, Elesa's expression grew even more grave.
The spectator stands were deathly silent, too.
Before the match began, no one would have imagined that Elesa would be pushed this far.
Five battles, and she hadn't managed to win even one!
Was this really the Elesa they knew?
No...
The question should have been, why was this man so strong?!
The girls in the stands finally came to their senses, realizing that Xia You was different from every challenger before him. This time, there were no screams or cheers, only whispers.
"His Pokémon are way too strong, aren't they?"
"This is bad. Elesa only has one Pokémon left."
"Exactly. How is she supposed to fight now?"
Elesa heard their