The two-day rest period came to an end.
The semifinals finally began.
The first match was between the other two competitors. Attendance for the match was below fifty percent.
The spectators knew that regardless of who won, the result would have virtually no effect on who ultimately became champion.
Consequently, considerably fewer people were interested in the match.
However, despite the lack of attention, the two competitors fought with extraordinary passion and intensity.
Sparks flew across the battlefield throughout their fierce exchange.
Both competitors understood that this match would most likely mark the end of their journey in the tournament.
Regardless of who won and advanced to the final, facing a competitor like Belotti would undoubtedly result in a crushing defeat.
This match was their only opportunity to preserve their dignity.
Therefore, they fought to their hearts' content and displayed everything they were capable of.
The six-on-six battle lasted an entire two hours before finally coming to an end.
In the end, a competitor named Raku narrowly secured the victory.
The following morning would bring the decisive battle everyone had been waiting for.
Shiko versus Belotti.
Although nearly everyone believed Belotti would unquestionably win, Shiko was still the strongest competitor other than Belotti.
They wondered whether Shiko's peak Elite Four-level pseudo-legendary Dragon-type Pokémon could at least affect Belotti's Third-tier Legendary Pokémon.
However, most people believed it would be extremely difficult.
Even Shiko, whose strength stood in a class of its own among the competitors, would probably suffer a brutal six–zero defeat before those powerful Legendary Pokémon.
The only difference was that Shiko's Pokémon might be able to hold out slightly longer.
Amid the thunderous cheers of the entire audience, the match officially began.
Belotti silently stared at Shiko's figure, which remained shrouded in darkness.
For some reason, his sharp instincts warned him that the man before him was dangerous.
Extremely dangerous.
Dangerous enough to threaten his true form.
Belotti's first thought was that he must be experiencing an illusion.
How could that possibly be true?
Shiko was merely a human.
How could a human possibly threaten him?
What kind of strength could allow a human to accomplish such a thing?
Belotti's scrutinizing gaze swept repeatedly over Shiko.
Unable to reach any conclusion, Belotti adjusted his emotions and sent out his first Pokémon.
A large yellow bird appeared on the battlefield.
The instant it emerged, buzzing arcs of electricity exploded through the air, making its presence exceptionally conspicuous.
Belotti's lead Pokémon was none other than Zapdos, one of the three Legendary Birds.
After witnessing its battles during the previous two rounds, everyone in the venue already understood how powerful it was.
As expected of an Electric-type Legendary Pokémon, the power of the electrical moves it released was utterly absurd.
Its attacks felt like bolts of lightning descending directly from nature itself, filled with violent destructive power.
The moment Zapdos appeared, cries of surprise erupted from the stands.
The spectators immediately began considering strategies for Shiko, wondering which Pokémon he should send out.
Judging by the Pokémon Shiko had revealed so far, Garchomp was undoubtedly the best choice.
A Ground-type Pokémon's natural advantage against Electric-type attacks could effectively neutralize many of Zapdos's moves.
However, complete immunity was impossible.
Although the Pokémon World generally recognized that Ground-type Pokémon were immune to Electric-type attacks, that rule only applied to ordinary battles between Pokémon.
During the previous round, Belotti's opponent had sent out a Ground-type Marowak to face Zapdos.
They had assumed Marowak would be immune to Zapdos's attacks.
Instead, it had been forcibly knocked out by Zapdos's lightning.
That battle had clearly demonstrated to every spectator just how powerful a Third-tier Legendary Pokémon truly was.
It could even completely disregard the natural rules of this world.
That was precisely why the spectators believed that even if Garchomp entered the battle, its chances of winning would still be extremely low.
At most, it might endure a few additional attacks and perform slightly better than the previous Marowak.
Meanwhile, in the VIP viewing area, the high-ranking officials seated around a large table were incredibly nervous.
They also believed that Shiko would have an extremely difficult time winning this match.
After all, even the gap between a Third-tier Legendary Pokémon and an ordinary Pokémon was like an uncrossable chasm.
Unless Shiko personally entered the battlefield, the outcome appeared extremely bleak.
Only Himeko remained calm.
She knew that since Shiko himself had requested this arrangement, he must have already prepared a way to deal with his opponent.
(End of Chapter)
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