However.
In mid-air, the Infernape had completely become fish on the chopping block.
The speed of Steelix's ascent and the height it reached had surpassed Infernape's expectations.
Bang!!
A Bash infused with intense Ground Type energy directly hit Infernape.
The hurting Infernape could only fend off the "Thunder Fang" attack.
Then.
A large shadow brushed past.
Steelix's massive tail, shining with a bright metallic luster, slammed into Infernape.
Bang——!!
Another powerful strike.
Infernape was directly knocked away, rolling across the ground.
"Steelix, pursue the victory! Bind!"
Rumble——
The giant body wriggled on the ground.
Although the speed was slow.
With Steelix's body length of up to 10 meters, the speed was slow only relatively speaking.
Its metal-covered, brutishly strong body mercilessly curled around, taking with it Infernape and all surrounding rocks, tightly binding them in the coil of its body.
Infernape seemed to have lost its power to fight back, bound up tightly.
This set of Combined Techniques by Steelix was used smoothly, clearly not the first time and already quite skilled.
"Digging" was both for evasion and lure.
When Infernape ran to the cave entrance to attack, it had already stepped into Flint and Steelix's trap.
This was a deliberately sold flaw.
The subsequent combination attack left Infernape only able to defend without the power to counterattack.
Infernape fell into an absolutely unfavorable situation.
However.
On the sidelines, Natsuhiko merely watched, neither commanding nor attempting to struggle.
Had he given up?
Of course not!
Noticing Natsuhiko's expression, Flint's heart tightened.
"Steelix, Falling Rock!"
At the same time, they heard.
"Burn up, Infernape?"
Natsuhiko raised his head, meeting the eyes of the bound Infernape.
And Infernape, in that instant, opened its eyes.
Seeming like two blazing red flames.
It was unexpected for Natsuhiko that they fell into Flint's trap.
The subsequent seamless Combined Techniques left Infernape, already airborne and nowhere to leverage from, with no chance to evade.
The so-called "Thunder Fang" wasn't meant for attack.
But to prevent Infernape from finding a place to leverage from.
Flint had calculated even this.
So the attacks Infernape suffered were unavoidable.
Yet, as long as Steelix couldn't KO Infernape with one combo, then Infernape's chance would come.
Bear——!!
Flames erupted all over Infernape, with the flames atop its head surging higher, instantly expanding to a height of several meters.
Dark red flames soared from the ground.
"Roar——!!"
Steelix immediately showed a look of fear.
With its body now tinted red, it could sense just how terrifying the temperature of the flames it was bound to had become.
Not to mention those scorching fists, pushing against its tail to stop the binding.
"Oh oh oh oh——!! Infernape's 'Fierce Fire' trait has been triggered! These flames... truly terrifying." The commentator held one hand on his face, the other gripping the microphone, narrating passionately.
"Steelix, Hundred Thousand Horsepower!"
Flint's expression grew stern; the flames from Natsuhiko's Infernape made him realize it wasn't simple.
Despite having trained his Pokémon to withstand fire, facing Infernape's flames, they had little resistance.
"Infernape, Hot Wind!"
The turbulent searing air current collided with the rampaging Steelix, causing great chaos and loud commotion on the scene.
Bam——
In the searing dust.
When everything settled, a heavy sound was heard.
"Steelix! Infernape! Both have lost their combat abilities!!" The commentator immediately announced the result he witnessed.
Natsuhiko and Flint exchanged glances.
They saw seriousness in each other's eyes.
Steelix was Flint's third Pokémon; he had already lost three Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Natsuhiko only lost Infernape; in terms of Pokémon count, Natsuhiko had the advantage, which was the source of Flint's pressure.
Natsuhiko's pressure, however, came from the fact that his best counter against Flint, the Infernape, was gone.
With Infernape's loss of combat ability, the rest of Natsuhiko's Pokémon could no longer counter Flint's, putting him at a disadvantage.
Despite his two Pokémon advantage, given Flint's strength and that powerful Shiny Golem, a turnaround wasn't out of the question.
Even when Hilona battled Da Ye, where Da Ye's Infernape single-handedly defeated Hilona's three Pokémon gaining the upper hand, didn't it ultimately still meet its defeat under Hilona's Garchomp?
Fully evolved Quasi-God Pokémon are capable of unleashing formidable battle power not to be underestimated.
The two of them simultaneously retrieved their Pokémon.
After their respective deep considerations, they simultaneously threw out their Pokeballs again.
"Roar——!!"
A strong gray body, broad wings soaring.
"Flint's fourth Pokémon is Aerodactyl!!"
"Whoa!"
Metallic luster, round shield blade.
"And Natsuhiko has summoned Aegislash!"
One in the air, one on land; one flying, one metallic.
It was as if Flint and Natsuhiko's identities had swapped places.
"Aerodactyl, Jet Flame!" Flint swung his hand, harshly commanded.
Fierce flame breath spewed forth, fiery red columns pouring down.
"King's Shield!"
Aegislash, with a serious expression, raised its shield to meet the attack.
The thick shield was its strongest defense, blocking the raging flames entirely.
Yet Aerodactyl's attack did not cease.
Flapping its wings and spitting fire, it attacked while dashing rapidly toward Aegislash.