Magneton continued to retreat; this was the best moment to attack. If Scizor were hit one more time, it would likely lose its ability to battle.
Scizor suppressed the paralysis in its body and charged toward Magneton once again. However, during the process, countless electrical currents obstructed its progress.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Magneton began preparing its ultimate move. The surrounding wild electricity began surging toward Magneton's body.
Eichi knew he couldn't let this continue, or Scizor would surely lose. Thus, he pulled something out of his pocket. His movements were very subtle; few people saw it, and even those who did had no idea what it was for.
Eichi pressed the "off" button, and Scizor instantly felt a surge of lightness throughout its body. It knew its chance had come, and a terrifying aura erupted from its frame.
When Eichi pressed the remote, Lorelei, sitting in the audience, spotted the movement. She adjusted her glasses, and a slight smile played at the corner of her lips.
"Interesting," Lorelei murmured.
She then exchanged a look with Bruno, who had also noticed Eichi's actions.
"Elite Four Lorelei, what did you just say? What's interesting?" the middle-aged man next to her asked.
"Nothing, I just think this kid named Eichi is quite interesting," Lorelei replied coldly.
The middle-aged man looked confused. The match below seemed normal enough—nothing extraordinary about it. Then, he suddenly remembered Eichi's recent gesture.
"What did he do?" the man asked.
"That was the remote for a Weighted Vest," Lorelei said calmly.
"A Weighted Vest? A remote?"
The middle-aged man looked down and, sure enough, saw a black metal ring around Scizor's waist.
"So it was a Weighted Vest. This kid is truly bold. He actually didn't turn off the weights during the match until now. Just how much confidence does he have in himself?"
"Truly interesting. I'm starting to get curious about this kid," the middle-aged man said with a smile.
Of course, to them, Eichi's behavior was merely "interesting," not particularly shocking.
Scizor released a staggering aura, and its speed suddenly spiked.
What's going on? Why does this Scizor feel like it suddenly got stronger?
In an instant, Scizor appeared right in front of Magneton. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, dimming the arena as a low rumble echoed.
Rumble!
Countless bolts of electricity appeared within the dark clouds like creeping insects, flickering in and out of sight. Then, in the next instant, a massive bolt of lightning struck down toward Scizor on the field.
Scizor acted as if it hadn't seen it. It slammed its pincers together as red energy seeped from its body, coating its claws.
Being the closest, Magneton could clearly feel the terrifying energy contained within that strike. It sent shivers down its core; if it were hit, it would definitely be finished.
In this crisis, Magneton exploded with its full potential, forcing the lightning to strike down early. However, Scizor slashed its pincers with such speed that it was impossible to react.
Bang!
Magneton felt a massive force transfer into its body. The pain was unbearable. Its eyes could only watch as the lightning from the sky crashed down. Then, its vision went dark, and it knew no more.
In the eyes of the audience, Scizor's pincers slammed into Magneton, sending it flying like a common sandbag. It crashed into the ground, creating a massive crater with Magneton embedded inside.
The moment Scizor delivered the move, it vanished from its spot. The lightning struck the exact position where Scizor had been—a bolt as thick as a water bucket.
The impact carved a large pit into the ground, and the surrounding rocks and soil were scorched black.
Scizor reappeared in front of Eichi. Suddenly, electricity surged through its body, but Scizor seemed to feel nothing. Ever since the Weighted Vest was turned off, the electricity seemed to have lost its effect on it.
However, its stamina was mostly depleted, and it stood on the ground panting heavily.
Seeing that Magneton had lost its ability to battle, the referee announced, "Magneton is unable to battle. Scizor wins!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, Eichi's Scizor suddenly exploded with a single blow to defeat Magneton, giving us a spectacular show!" the commentator shouted.
As soon as he finished, the entire stadium erupted in applause.
"How can this be?"
Asen looked on in disbelief. His Magneton had lost just like that? It was too fast! He hadn't even had time to react.
On the electronic screen, Magneton's portrait on Asen's side dimmed. Meanwhile, both of Eichi's Pokémon portraits remained lit.
The situation was currently very unfavorable for Asen. He recalled Magneton into its Poké Ball.
"You useless trash. You couldn't even beat a Scizor. Truly useless."
He then pulled out his third Pokémon. The moment he held it, his confidence returned.
Even so, there's still a chance. As long as I have it, it doesn't matter how many more come at me.
"Go, my baby!"
White light flashed, and a monkey-like Pokémon stepped out. Its hands were shaped like boxing gloves with iron rings around the wrists. Its feet also resembled human feet.
The Pokémon looked exceptionally strong. Its pupils were narrowed into thin vertical lines, and its gaze was vicious. A cross-shaped vein of anger throbbed perpetually on its forehead.
Eichi's expression turned solemn. This Primeape was unusual; it carried a powerful pressure the moment it appeared. He swept it with his Eye of the Bug Emperor.
Primeape
Talent Grade: Outstanding
Trainer Rank: Gym Leader - Late Stage (Level 57)
It was indeed extraordinary. Being at the late stage of the Gym Leader rank, its level was roughly 10 levels higher than Scizor's.
"Our contestant Asen's third Pokémon is Primeape, and it looks very unusual!" the commentator announced. "Eichi's Scizor is in danger. Can it defeat Asen's Primeape? Let's wait and see."
On the electronic screen, Primeape's portrait appeared below Magneton's. The moment Primeape emerged, it seemed enraged, constantly taunting Scizor.
Scizor also sensed Primeape's strength, and the fighting spirit in its eyes instantly ignited.
Eichi considered the situation. Given Scizor's current condition, continuing the fight would be even harder than the match against Magneton. He intended to recall Scizor and send out Beedrill.
"Scizor, come back."
"Cha-cha!"
Scizor turned around, looking at Eichi with eyes full of fighting spirit. He understood Scizor's gaze immediately: it wanted to keep fighting.
"Fine then, let's keep going," Eichi said somewhat helplessly.
"Battle begin!" the referee announced.
"Primeape, show Scizor what you're made of!" Asen shouted. "Power-Up Punch!"