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"So I lost. As expected, the type disadvantage was just too severe. Still, my objective was achieved—I successfully drained some of your Pokémon's stamina, Champion. I'm only the first stage, and the easiest one at that. The battles ahead won't be this easy for you. Hehe… goodbye~"
After Electabuzz lost its ability to battle, Black Ape showed no surprise at all, as if he had already anticipated the outcome. He raised his hand, took out a PokeBall, and recalled Electabuzz. After saying a few words with a smile, he calmly walked off the stage. On the massive screens on both sides of the arena, Black Ape's photo and Electabuzz's image dimmed simultaneously.
"Ladies and gentlemen! First, let us congratulate Mr. Liam on winning the first battle! At the same time, let us express our regret for Elite Four Black Ape, who fought bravely despite the unfavorable type matchup. Please give Elite Four Black Ape a round of applause!"
"And now, everyone, please don't rush—this was only the first battle of the Champion Challenge! Next, let us welcome our second Elite Four member! The young Dark-type Elite Four—Yasha!!"
BOOM!!
Fireworks erupted once again. Countless purple-black fireworks shot into the sky as eerie music echoed throughout the stadium. On the big screen, Black Ape's image faded away, replaced by a bold, carefree photo of Yasha!
"Hey! Hello, everyone~"
As the music played, Yasha let out a light chuckle toward Black Ape as they passed each other, then sprinted out of the tunnel, waving enthusiastically to the cheering crowd.
"Hi~ Champion! We meet again~ Haha! I've wanted to test myself against the Champion for a long time. Today my wish finally came true! Champion, same words as always—I'll fight with everything I've got. I won't hold back!"
Stepping onto the command platform, Yasha fixed his gaze on Liam. He took out a PokeBall and threw it forward as he spoke.
"Go! My closest partner—Umbreon!"
"Umbre!"
As the PokeBall opened, an Umbreon with sleek jet-black fur and golden rings along its body landed steadily on the battlefield. Its crimson eyes locked onto Steelix, exuding an invisible pressure.
"Alright! Elite Four Yasha has sent out Umbreon! And Mr. Liam doesn't seem to be switching Pokémon! Without further ado—Champion Challenge, second battle—begin!"
"Umbreon! Use Screech!"
"Umbre!!!"
The moment the commentator finished speaking, an ear-piercing shriek erupted! Umbreon opened its mouth wide and screamed toward Steelix. Bathed in the shrill sound, Steelix grimaced and lowered its head in pain.
"Steelix! We'll use Screech too!"
"Gaaah!!"
Screech versus Screech!
Steelix immediately raised its massive head, jaws opening wide as an even sharper, louder screech burst forth! The sheer volume completely overwhelmed Umbreon's cry, forcing it back. This time, Umbreon showed clear discomfort.
"Hang in there, Umbreon! Use Confuse Ray!"
Seeing Umbreon being suppressed, Yasha reacted instantly.
"Umbre!!"
Umbreon clenched its teeth and let out a cry as eerie dark-purple light shot from its crimson eyes, striking Steelix in an instant!
"Gaaah!!"
Hit by Confuse Ray, Steelix fell into confusion. Its Screech was forcibly interrupted, and its massive body began to sway unsteadily, as if it might collapse at any moment.
"Now's the chance, Umbreon! Use Dark Pulse!"
"Umbre!!"
Yasha seized the moment decisively. Countless black rings of energy surged from Umbreon's mouth and slammed into Steelix without mercy!
"Gaaahaa!!"
BOOM!
Steelix was blasted backward. Already unsteady, its huge body crashed heavily to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
However, a single Dark Pulse clearly wasn't enough to deal fatal damage. Letting out a deep growl, Steelix struggled and shakily stood back up.
"It's confused… keeping Steelix out won't gain us anything. In that case—come back, Steelix!"
Liam understood instantly that leaving Steelix on the field was unwise. He quickly took out a PokeBall and sent out a red beam toward Steelix.
"Don't think you're getting away! Umbreon—Mean Look!"
"Umbre!!"
Yasha clearly had no intention of letting Steelix retreat. At his command, Umbreon's eyes flared with black light, enveloping Steelix completely. The red recall light shattered instantly—Liam's attempt to withdraw Steelix failed!
"So you won't let me switch Pokémon? Fine! Steelix—use Dig!"
"Gaaah!!"
With no choice, Liam ordered Steelix underground. Despite its confusion, Steelix obeyed and plunged straight beneath the battlefield.
Confusion has a time limit—Liam intended to let Steelix remain underground until it wore off.
But Yasha had no intention of allowing that.
"Umbreon! We'll use Dig too!"
"Umbre!"
At Yasha's command, Umbreon leapt up and dove underground as well. The battlefield instantly fell silent, everyone waiting tensely for what would happen below.
BOOM!!
"Gaaah!!"
"Umbre!!"
Seconds later, the ground exploded upward as Steelix and Umbreon burst out simultaneously!
"Umbreon! Now—Dark Pulse!"
"Umbre!!"
The instant Umbreon landed, Yasha's command rang out. Umbreon twisted its head and fired another surge of black energy!
"Steelix! Use Rock Tomb to block it!"
At this moment, defense was absolutely necessary. Liam issued the order without hesitation.
But—
"Gaaah!"
CRACK!
Steelix was still confused. The underground time had been too short—confusion hadn't worn off. Instead of using Rock Tomb, Steelix raised its hardened tail and smashed itself squarely on the head!
The sharp impact echoed across the arena.
BOOM!
The Dark Pulse struck immediately afterward. Steelix cried out and collapsed—this time, it had no strength left to rise again.
"It's down! Mr. Liam's Steelix has lost the ability to battle! Elite Four Yasha's Umbreon takes the win! Let's hear it for Elite Four Yasha!!"
Seeing Steelix lying on the ground with spiraling eyes, the commentator shouted excitedly, igniting thunderous cheers from the crowd!
"Hehe… good work, Steelix. Rest well."
Ignoring the roaring applause, Liam smiled faintly. He recalled Steelix into its PokeBall, then looked up at Yasha and Umbreon. With a light flick of his finger, another PokeBall popped from his belt, expanded rapidly, and was thrown forcefully onto the field!
"Come out, Scizor! I choose you!"