Before Ash could decide, Crystal Steelix burst out of the ground beneath Snorlax and rammed it into the air.
Amid the scattering stones and hard earth, Snorlax's enormous body tipped backward. Once it left the ground, its face no longer looked vacant, showing clear signs of panic instead.
"Crystal Steelix, use Iron Tail!"
At Xia You's command, Crystal Steelix swung its pointed tail at Snorlax with tremendous force. Suspended in midair, Snorlax had nowhere to dodge and could only watch that translucent tail sweep toward its belly.
Fortunately, Ash shouted just in time, "Quick, use Protect!"
Snorlax hurriedly raised both hands in front of its chest, and a faint glow instantly enveloped it. Just then, Crystal Steelix's tail swept in and struck its body.
Smack!
Protected by Protect, Snorlax suffered no damage. But Crystal Steelix's strength was undeniable. Though uninjured, it was still sent flying into the center of the field, only stopping after smashing through a boulder.
After these battles between the two Trainers, the Rock Field was a pitiful sight. Almost not a single rock remained intact; it had practically become a field of rubble.
Knowing this could not continue, Ash hurriedly shouted the moment Protect wore off, "Don't let it go underground again! Use Headbutt!"
Snorlax took a running start and charged toward Crystal Steelix, its enormous bulk making the surrounding rubble tremble as it ran. Just as it drew close, it suddenly accelerated again, lowered its head, and slammed hard into Crystal Steelix.
This time, Snorlax had the upper hand in strength.
The impact made Crystal Steelix's body sway several times. But before Ash could celebrate, Crystal Steelix's tail had already wrapped around Snorlax, binding it tightly!
"Hurry, break free!"
Snorlax used all its strength to try to escape Crystal Steelix's Bind. But they were both