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"Oh~ has it already been decided? The Pokémon for the first match of the Champion Challenge have been confirmed! Elite Four Black Ape will be using Electabuzz! And the challenger, Mr. Liam, has chosen Steelix!"
"As the gatekeeper, Elite Four Black Ape is restricted to using only one Pokémon, while the challenger, Mr. Liam, is allowed to freely switch Pokémon! This is compensation for Mr. Liam having to face one additional Pokémon!"
"Now that both sides have sent out their Pokémon, I hereby officially announce— The first match of the Johto League Champion Challenge… begins!!"
With the referee's loud declaration, massive portraits instantly appeared on the giant screen above the stadium—Liam and Black Ape. Beneath their images, circular Pokémon icons were displayed as well. Intense music erupted through the arena, signaling the start of battle!
"So you really aren't holding back, Champion! But I won't lose either!
We'll give it everything we've got! Go, Electabuzz! Don't be afraid—use Thunderbolt at full power!!"
"Elek!!"
The instant the battle began, Black Ape launched the attack without hesitation.
Electabuzz lunged forward, rapidly closing the distance to Steelix, slamming both hands against its massive body—followed immediately by a powerful Thunderbolt!
"Bzzzzzz!!"
"Graaah—"
Electric currents surged across Steelix's entire body, bathing it in golden light.
Even so, Steelix looked utterly unfazed. It slowly lowered its head, glaring ferociously at Electabuzz.
"As expected… not enough, huh? Heh. Electabuzz—now! Use Low Kick!!"
Steelix's Ground typing nullified most of the electric damage—something Black Ape had anticipated from the start. Without hesitation, he ordered a move that was super-effective and especially punishing against Steelix.
"Elek!!"
Electabuzz released its grip, lifting one leg high as a red glow flared—then brought it crashing down!
"Steelix! Defend with Gyro Ball!"
"Graaah!!"
For the first time, Liam issued a command.
Steelix raised its enormous body as the steel pillars along its frame began spinning violently. In an instant, a metallic storm enveloped it!
BANG!
"Elek!!"
Electabuzz couldn't stop its attack in time. The kick struck Steelix's spinning body—and in that split second of contact, a tremendous force hurled Electabuzz away!
"Elek!!"
Electabuzz slammed heavily into the grass. It tried to stand—but suddenly cried out in pain, collapsing again and clutching its ankle.
Gyro Ball grows stronger the slower the user is—and Steelix's speed was already extremely low. Even as a defensive maneuver, the rebound force was devastating. Electabuzz had suffered an immediate injury.
"Time to go on the offensive, Steelix! Finish this in one go—use Stone Edge!!"
"Graaah!!"
Steelix raised its drill-like tail high—then smashed it into the ground!
The earth roared as jagged stone pillars erupted upward, charging relentlessly toward Electabuzz!
"Dodge it, Electabuzz—now!"
"Elek!!"
Black Ape shouted urgently. Electabuzz rolled desperately to the side, barely avoiding the deadly rocks.
"Electabuzz! Counter with Swift!"
"Elek!"
Glittering star-shaped projectiles shot from Electabuzz's mouth, streaking through the air and slamming into Steelix!
"Graaah!!"
Swift was fast and unavoidable. Steelix couldn't evade in time—and as a special attack, it struck its weaker Special Defense, causing noticeable pain.
"Go underground, Steelix! Use Dig!"
"Graaah!!"
Steelix shook its head, then dove sideways into the earth, vanishing instantly.
Above ground, the arena trembled violently as thunderous rumbling echoed from below.
"Be careful, Electabuzz! Strike first—use Fire Punch on the ground! Force it out!"
Black Ape frowned. He knew waiting would be fatal. Electabuzz dropped to one knee, raising its right fist as blazing flames gathered—then slammed it down!
BOOM!!
But it was too slow.
The instant the fist touched the ground—before the fire could even erupt—the earth exploded upward!
Steelix's massive head burst forth with terrifying momentum, launching Electabuzz straight into the air!
"Electabuzz!!"
"Elek!!"
"Hang in there! Use Fire Punch with the force of your descent!!"
Despite the pain, Electabuzz hadn't lost its fighting ability. As it fell, its eyes snapped open—deep crimson flames blazing around its fist as it hurtled downward like a meteor!
"Steelix!! Use Double-Edge!!"
"GRAAAAH!!"
This was a head-on clash—and Liam had absolute confidence in Steelix.
Steelix didn't dodge. It roared, its entire body bursting forward like a released spring, wrapped in intense white light—charging straight at Electabuzz!
CRASH!!
"Elek!!"
Head met fist—Steelix's iron skull collided directly with Electabuzz's flaming punch!
They resisted each other for only an instant—before Electabuzz screamed in pain and was sent flying, crashing violently into the ground.
Steelix landed heavily, shaking its head—now marked with a scorched patch—before turning to look at Electabuzz, which lay completely motionless.
"Electabuzz is unable to battle! Steelix wins!!"
"Graaah!!"