A flash of red light, and a massive Swampert appeared on the field.
"Swampert?"
So it was that. Of course, as the Water-type Gym Leader of Hoenn, how could Juan not have the most famous Water-type Pokémon in the Hoenn region?
Juan didn't say much, but instead raised the Mega Evolution Bracelet on his wrist. The Key Stone in the center of the bracelet and the Mega Stone above Swampert's head simultaneously lit up with dazzling light.
"Swampert, Mega Evolution!"
A dazzling light of evolution enveloped Swampert's body, causing its form to drastically change within the light. Its previously proportionate physique swelled up in its upper body as if inflated.
Its muscles bulged, its arms became exceptionally thick, and deep blue veins appeared on its skin, resembling flowing water.
The fully evolved Mega Swampert stood there, its upper body muscles making up almost two-thirds of its body, each muscle brimming with explosive power, and its eyes sharpered even more.
Lionel's system panel immediately displayed its information:
[Pokémon: Mega Swampert]
[Type: Water/Ground]
[Category: Swamp Fish Pokémon]
[Ability: Swift Swim (Speed is greatly increased in rainy conditions.)]
[Moves: Rain Dance, Waterfall, Earthquake, Hydro Pump, Rush, Ice Punch, Rock Slide, Rock Smash, Ground Pound, Brick Break, Water Surge, Outrage…]
With Juan's introduction, Lionel already knew that this Swampert was actually Juan's second-tier Pokémon.
With the increasing popularity of Pokémon Contests, Juan was also pursuing a new path as a Pokémon Coordinator. He wanted to try and see if some Pokémon skilled in battle could also shine in Pokémon Contests.
Therefore, Juan had trained many Water-type Pokémon, including Blastoise, Feraligatr, and Gyarados.
"I see."
Lionel suddenly understood.
Even though this Swampert wasn't Juan's main Pokémon, its movepool was quite extensive, especially possessing powerful moves like "Aqua Cleave" and "Outrage."
Furthermore, after Mega Evolution, Swampert's strength was now comparable to Juan's main Pokémon.
"Your turn, Metagross." Lionel raised his Mega Evolution Bracelet, "Mega Evolution!"
Metagross erupted with a dazzling white light, reverting to its eight-armed Mega Metagross form from the battle against the Psychic Gym in Mossdeep City.
Mega Metagross hovered in the air, its four giant claws crossed in front of it, its gaze fixed intently on the Mega Swampert opposite it, its fighting spirit palpable.
"Let's begin! Swampert, use Rain Dance!"
Juan gave the first command to Swampert.
Mega Swampert roared, slamming its hands down on the ground.
It took time. Dark clouds gathered above the battlefield, and a light drizzle quickly turned into a downpour.
The rain fell on Mega Swampert, its body glowing with a faint blue light—its "levitate" ability had been triggered in the rain!
"Metagross, use Magnet Rise!"
Lionel immediately gave the order.
Mega Metagross crackled with electricity, the current weaving into an invisible net that lifted its body higher, completely levitating it in mid-air, far from the ground.
This time, Magnet Rise was a must. Swampert was a Ground-type, and Ground-type moves were super effective against Steel-type Metagross.
Although Metagross could use psychic powers to levitate, if it got bogged down in close combat and was forced to touch the ground, it was highly likely that Swampert would follow up with a Ground-type attack.
This would undoubtedly cause considerable damage to Metagross.
Furthermore, "Magnet Rise" makes Metagross completely immune to Ground-type moves, essentially providing it with an extra layer of protection.
As for rainy conditions, if Swampert were Juan's main Pokémon, Lionel would definitely use Sunny Day or Sandstorm to regain his advantage.
However, this Swampert is only Juan's second-tier Pokémon, and according to Larvesta, its energy fluctuations are comparable to Metagross's.
Therefore, Lionel wants to take this opportunity for a true head-on confrontation.
Finally, Metagross will have a worthy opponent, and since Swampert is also a melee-type Pokémon, it can fully enjoy the thrill of battle.
As for whether it will lose, Lionel has never considered that.
With the added boost of Magnet Rise, granting immunity to Ground-type attacks, and further enhanced by the system-provided Defense and Special Defense boosting potions, Lionel hoped Swampert could hold out a little longer, allowing Metagross to enjoy its prey.
Juan's pupils constricted slightly as he watched the electricity crackling around Mega Metagross.
He hadn't expected Lionel's response to be so decisive, immediately using Magnet Rise to counter Swampert's Ground-type advantage.
However, he didn't show it on his face, calmly giving the order:
"Swampert, use Waterfall!"
"Roar!"
Mega Swampert abruptly straightened up, its hind legs stomping rapidly on the ground, splashing countless droplets of water.
Its body surged with blue light, and the water condensed on its surface into a swirling curtain of water, like a rushing waterfall, charging towards Mega Metagross in mid-air with unstoppable momentum.
"Metagross, Meteor Mash!"
Lionel responded without hesitation.
The Mega Metagross's right claw suddenly blazed with a blinding white light, the light transforming into a dazzling meteor, accompanied by a whistling sound as it tore through the air, heading straight for the charging Mega Swampert.
On the battlefield, it seemed as if two phantoms appeared simultaneously: one was a cascading waterfall, carrying the force of thunder; the other was a meteor streaking across the night sky, flashing with a light capable of destroying everything.
"Boom!"
The two collided violently, the water and white light colliding violently, unleashing a deafening roar.
Water splashed everywhere, white light exploded, kicking up clouds of dust.
Amidst the billowing dust, a figure staggered backward, It was Mega Swampert!
It was forced back several steps by the impact of Metagross's Meteor Punch, its thick arms carving deep gashes in the ground before it barely managed to regain its footing.
Metagross It swayed slightly in the air before regaining its balance.
"So it's really at a disadvantage, huh? No wonder it's a descendant of Steven's Metagross..." Juan murmured, but his eyes showed no surprise; instead, they held a hint of anticipation.
"Swampert, use Bulk Up!"
Mega Swampert took a deep breath, its muscles bulging violently. Its already massive body expanded further, its height increasing by nearly half a meter.
Every muscle in its body tensed, radiating an even more terrifying pressure. Its attack and defense were significantly enhanced by the "Bulk Up" skill.
"Metagross, Iron Wall!"
Lionel also chose to strengthen himself.
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