The entire stadium was engulfed in light. No one could see the battlefield. No one could see Infernyx. Only the brilliant glow of evolution. The spectators rose from their seats. Even the referee forgot to speak. The light continued to grow stronger.Then—
CRACK!
The cocoon of light shattered.A powerful roar echoed throughout the Dragon Gym.
ROOOOOOOOOOOAR!!!
The evolved Pokémon landed on the battlefield. Its body had grown taller. Its flames burned brighter and hotter than ever. Its mane resembled a blazing crown. Dragon-like markings now ran across its body.
Infernarx
The crowd erupted.
"It evolved! During the Gym Battle!"
Elior stared at his partner. Then smiled. Not because it had become stronger. But because they had reached this moment together.
Master Longwei crossed his arms. A rare smile appeared on his face.
"Now.Show me what your flames can do. Tyrandrake! Dragon Pulse!"
Tyrandrake unleashed a massive beam of dragon energy.Normally Infernarx would've dodged. But not this time.
"Infernarx!"
"Flame Burst!"
A wall of fire erupted.
BOOOOOOOOM!!!
The attacks collided. For the first time in the battle— Tyrandrake was pushed backward. The crowd gasped.
The battle became incredibly fast. Tyrandrake charged with Dragon Claw. Infernarx jumped over it. Using the Dragon Pokémon's shoulder as a platform— It launched itself higher into the air.
"Fire Fang!"
Direct hit.
Tyrandrake roared.
But immediately countered with Iron Tail.
CRASH!
Infernarx was sent skidding across the battlefield.
Both Pokémon were exhausted. Both were covered in injuries. Yet neither backed down. The entire stadium was on its feet.
Longwei raised his arm.
"Tyrandrake! Draconic Judgment!"
Golden dragon energy gathered around Tyrandrake. Its strongest attack. At the same time—Elior clenched his fist. Every memory flashed through his mind. The beginning of his journey. His victories. His defeats. His friends. His rivals. His promise. Everything led to this moment.
"INFERNARX!"
The Fire-type looked back. Trainer and partner smiled. The same smile they shared on the first day of their journey.
"Let's do it! BLAZING NOVA!!"
A gigantic pillar of fire erupted toward the sky. Golden dragon energy descended from above. The two ultimate attacks collided.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
The explosion could be seen from every corner of Wang Tang. The battlefield disappeared beneath fire and light.
Several moments passed.
Silence.
Then—The smoke slowly cleared. Both Pokémon stood motionless. The crowd held its breath.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
Tyrandrake took a step. Then another. Then—Collapsed.
THUD.
The referee immediately raised the flag.
"Tyrandrake is unable to battle! The winner is Infernarx! Victory goes to the challenger, Elior!"
The stadium exploded into cheers. Elior had done it. Eight badges. The road to the Luminara Pokémon League was finally open. Longwei approached him. In his hand was a badge shaped like a dragon's eye. The Dragon Badge
"You have earned this. Not through victory. But through growth."
Elior accepted the badge.
His final Gym Badge.
That night—All eight badges reflected the moonlight. Elior stood at the highest point of Wang Tang.Beside him stood Infernarx.
Far away—Beyond the mountains. Beyond the horizon.The grand stadium of the Luminara Pokémon League could be seen. The final stage of his journey had begun. But in the shadows... Zeff looked at the First and Second Keys.
And whispered:
"Soon...Aetherion."
The two keys glowed. And somewhere in the darkness— A third key answered.
END OF THE WANG TANG ARC
TO BE CONTINUED...