In a spacetime that had nearly stopped and lost all sense of scale, planet after planet was crushed into dust, erupting like volcanoes and spraying toward the starry heavens in every direction, spreading through nothingness.
Clang-!
A violent tremor abruptly rang out, leaving this Simulated Universe, almost indistinguishable from reality, on the verge of collapse.
In Roland's perception, even the distant space beyond the battle's reach had begun to crack. Every strike from the Winged Serpent was utterly savage, yet carried an oppressive weight.
Even a simple sweep of its tail sent vast swaths of spiderweb-like cracks spreading at tremendous speed.
Within the constraints of the universe, the Winged Serpent had indeed grown weaker, but that did not mean the Dragon God had grown stronger.
Yet neither Roland nor the Dragon God had any objection to their sudden roles as trainer and Pokémon.
This was the strategy they had decided on from the very beginning.
Possessing a true body that could manifest its consciousness meant that it could still resist even when the enemy trapped it inside a universe, making it a reliable fighting force.
That was also what had given it the confidence to negotiate terms with Roland at the start, and the reason it had yet to leave.
Serving as a meat shield under Roland's direction or using specific moves to switch tactics-that was its duty.
That was why Roland had spoken with a touch of teasing. After all, the only difference between this battle and an ordinary Pokémon match was that he, the trainer, also had to enter the fray and beat up the Winged Serpent himself.
"Leave it to me!"
Facing the rampaging Winged Serpent, which even Roland's first instinct was not to confront head-on, the Dragon God's voice was full of excitement.
After being ordered