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It had already become extremely faint.
The once-brilliant aura of Aura light surrounding Delia had now dwindled to a thin, fragile layer—like a candle flame flickering in the wind, ready to go out at any moment. Even Delia herself looked dazed, standing silently before the railing without making any further movements.
"Come back, Armaldo!! Aah!! It's your turn—Blaziken!!"
At this point, Fang was starting to question life itself. He screamed hysterically as he recalled Armaldo, then immediately sent Blaziken back out, preparing for the final battle!
"Both sides are ready! The final match is about to begin! Blaziken versus Lucario! Battle—start!!"
The match had reached its climax, and even the referee couldn't suppress his excitement, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Blaziken! Use Blaze Kick!!"
"Hu-sa!!"
The moment the battle began, Fang impatiently ordered an attack!
Flames ignited around Blaziken's wrists and ankles as it charged forward, its legs pounding the ground. Its feet were completely engulfed in fire, leaving scorched footprints as it kicked straight toward Lucario!
"Lu-oo!!"
This time, Lucario didn't wait for Delia's command!
Lucario swiftly slid its paws outward, and in the next instant, two massive bone clubs glowing with white light condensed in its hands. Crossing the bone clubs in front of its body, it directly blocked Blaziken's frontal kick!
"Hu-sa hu-sa hu-sa!!"
"Lu-oo lu-oo lu-oo!!"
In the blink of an eye, the two Pokémon were locked in an intense close-quarters battle. Blaziken's kicking techniques were ferocious, while Lucario's bone clubs spun like a solid wall—resulting in a dazzling melee exchange!
"Damn it! Not a single opening! Blaziken! Use High Jump Kick!"
"Hu-sa!!"
Seeing that Blaziken couldn't break through, Fang immediately changed tactics. Blaziken leapt backward, then charged forward at even greater speed! Its right knee rose high, wrapped in dazzling white light, slamming viciously toward Lucario!
"Lu-oo!!"
The attack was incredibly fast, and the distance was too short to dodge. Lucario chose not to evade—it crossed its bone clubs again, surging its entire body with Aura energy, and took the High Jump Kick head-on!
Bang!!
Crack!!
"Lu-oo!"
This time—following the collision—came the unmistakable sound of Lucario's bone clubs shattering! The remaining force sent Lucario flying backward, crashing heavily onto the grass.
"Lucario—no!!"
Only then did Delia snap out of her daze. She stepped forward instinctively and shouted.
But in the very next moment—Delia suddenly felt her body lose control! The connection between her and Lucario was abruptly severed! Her vision went black, and she collapsed sideways!
"What?! Delia!!"
Liam's face instantly turned deathly pale. He leapt up from his seat, jumped straight down from the spectator stands, and sprinted toward Delia's command platform.
"Delia? Delia?!"
Pushing past the staff, Liam rushed up and caught Delia in his arms, calling out softly—but she didn't respond at all, sending his heart into a panic.
Just as Liam was at a complete loss, a cold energy spread throughout his body, instantly calming him. Lulu's voice echoed in his mind.
"Relax. She's only exhausted her Aura completely. With proper rest, she'll recover—no lasting effects. You can rest easy."
Liam trusted Lulu completely. Hearing this, he finally let out a breath of relief. He took Delia's PokeBall, turned around, and recalled Lucario—who had just struggled back to its feet, worry written all over its face.
Then Liam turned to the referee.
"Referee, we concede this match."
Delia was clearly no longer able to continue commanding a battle.
"Uh—Is Delia okay?"
The referee asked anxiously.
"Heh, everyone please don't worry. She's just overexerted herself. Some rest will be enough."
Liam could clearly feel the concern radiating from all around. Delia's incredible battle had earned the respect and care of many spectators. He smiled lightly and reassured everyone.
"Phew… that's good. Then I hereby announce! Due to Delia's physical condition, she forfeits the final match! Therefore, the winner of this battle is—Fang!!"
Reassured by Liam's words, the referee nodded and announced the result loudly.
After that, Liam gently lifted Delia in his arms and headed toward the medical center.
Fang: "…"
Blaziken: "Hu-sa…"
Fang's emotions were complicated. Though he had won, he didn't feel happy. Instead, there was a faint sense of relief mixed with something else. As he watched Liam carry Delia away, his gaze grew far more complex.
...…..
Time passed, and soon it was the next morning.
Warm sunlight filtered through the curtains, softly illuminating Delia's face.
"Mmm… huh? Where am I?"
The warmth made her face itch slightly. She slowly opened her eyes, only to see an unfamiliar ceiling. Her eyes widened in confusion.
"Huh? Oh! Delia, you're awake? Honestly—yesterday you were way too reckless!!"
The small movement woke Liam, who had fallen asleep beside the bed. Seeing Delia awake, he immediately put on a stern face and scolded her.
Delia remembered nothing after defeating Armaldo. At that point, her strength had already been completely depleted.
Now realizing she had fainted in front of countless people, Delia's face instantly turned bright red. She screamed and buried her head under the blanket, refusing to come out no matter what Liam said.
Finally, with no other choice, Liam decided to tell her something.
"Ahem… Delia, there's something I need to tell you."
"Not listening! Not listening! Nonsense chanting!"
(muffled voice)
"...Ahem. Actually, your parents—and Professor Oak and Aunt Fumiko—were all watching your battle on TV yesterday. So they already know you fainted during the match… and so—"
Liam deliberately dragged out the last word.
"Ah!! So what?!"
Delia finally popped her head out, staring at Liam with wide eyes.
"So… your parents contacted me last night. They were worried about you and are already on their way here. They should arrive in the next few days…"
Liam wore a bitter smile, feeling like an unavoidable storm was crashing down on him.
Delia: "…Liam! Pack up now! We're going to the next region to adventure!! Hey!!"
After freezing for a moment, Delia sprang out of bed, flailing as she started packing and shouting—
Only to receive a black-lined expression from Liam… and a sharp chop to the head.