First using confusion to create an opportunity to buff, then using the unheard-of "Sand Spear" to break through defenses and repel, and finally taking advantage of the opponent's unstable footing to land a precise critical hit with a combo of "Earthquake" and "Crunch"...
Every step was perfect; the timing was impeccable.
Cynthia's conclusion was that she couldn't have done it.
At least, the first time she saw such a tactic, she definitely wouldn't have been able to respond so fluidly.
This man's talent wasn't just in breeding; his on-the-spot command ability was also at a monster level.
In the arena, the intense pain completely dissipated all of Garchomp's negative emotions.
It glanced down at the wound on its abdomen. When it looked up again, all the confusion and pain had faded from its crimson eyes, replaced by pure, extreme... ferocity.
An aura far more terrifying than before awakened within Garchomp's body.
It no longer roared, but simply stared intently at Krookodile, letting out a low growl from deep within its throat.
The real battle was only just beginning.
The atmosphere in the arena changed abruptly due to the ferocity erupting from Garchomp.
It was no longer the composure and elegance of an ace, but a kind of primal, pure brutality rooted in the very bones of Dragon-type Pokémon.
The stinging pain from its wound didn't make it shrink back; instead, it acted like a key, unlocking the cage of a ferocious beast.
Garchomp lowered its body slightly, its crimson eyes locked onto Krookodile as it emitted a muffled, low growl from the depths of its throat.
The air seemed to thicken under this pressure, making it hard for people to breathe.
Ariel's expression didn't change much, but his eyes were more focused than ever before.
He knew that the real test was just starting.
The previous hidden moves, surprise attacks, and combos were all about catching the opponent off guard—a tactical victory.
But when both sides tore off their disguises and only a head-on clash of strength remained, that seemingly blurry gap would turn into an insurmountable chasm.
"It's coming."
Ariel muttered to himself.
Cynthia stood her ground, her long golden hair fluttering slightly in the air currents. She didn't issue any new commands. She knew her partner; at this moment, Garchomp didn't need unnecessary words.
Battle was its only language.
"Roar!"
With a explosive shout, Garchomp moved!
Its figure was incredibly fast, the ground beneath its feet cracking inch by inch. The Pokémon was like a blood-colored arrow shot from a bow, lunging straight at Krookodile! On its right arm, three emerald energy blades appeared out of thin air, condensing into form—it was Dragon Claw!
However, this Dragon Claw was completely different from before.
There were no fancy trajectories or redundant movements, only pure speed and power, along with an indomitable killing intent!
Ariel's pupils constricted, and he shouted almost instinctively, "Crunch, counterattack!"
Krookodile was also unwilling to show weakness. Its massive jaws snapped open, and Dark-type energy gathered into a dark purple glow on its fangs as it bit down fiercely toward the incoming cold light!
It wouldn't retreat!
This was its pride!
Boom—!
The collision of claw and tooth erupted with a dull, drum-like boom.
A visible shockwave spread out with the two Pokémon at the center, kicking up dust everywhere!
However, the stalemate lasted for less than a second.
Crack!
A crisp sound of snapping rang out.
Krookodile's proud bite force seemed so fragile in the face of Garchomp's Dragon Claw, which was infused with its entire body's strength.
The tooth blades formed from Dark-type energy were instantly torn apart. The Dragon Claw's momentum didn't slow as it slammed heavily into Krookodile's chest!
"Ugh!"
Krookodile let out a painful grunt as its massive body was sent flying by the immense force. It rolled several times on the ground before finally stopping. Three bone-deep claw marks on its chest were a shocking sight.
One hit!
With just one hit, the buffed Krookodile had been crushed head-on!
Watching from the side, Steven's brow furrowed slightly; he had seen it clearly.
At that moment, Garchomp's Dragon Claw wasn't a simple strike. The moment it made contact with Krookodile's "Crunch," there was an extremely subtle twist and exertion at the tips of its claws.
This technique instantly transformed the slashing force into more penetrative "ripping" and "tearing," allowing it to break through the defense in one go.
This was a combat instinct that could only be possessed after honing a skill to its absolute limit.
"Can you still stand up, Krookodile?"
Ariel's voice remained steady, showing little emotion.
In the arena, Krookodile shook its heavy head and used its forelimbs to prop itself up, laboriously standing up again, inch by inch.
There was no trace of fear in its eyes, only an increasingly intense fighting spirit and unyielding will.
It looked toward Ariel and let out a low roar, as if to say: I can still fight!
Ariel nodded; he understood.
"Very well, then let's show it our perseverance!"
"Earthquake!"
The command was given, and Krookodile stomped heavily on the ground. Violent Ground-type energy exploded instantly, and massive fissures spread wildly toward Garchomp!
However, Cynthia's Garchomp didn't even dodge.
It simply gathered Dragon Claw energy at its feet and stomped hard against the cracking ground!
Boom!
It was also a Ground-type energy surge, but it was more condensed and more overbearing! As the two forces collided, Krookodile's full-power Earthquake was actually stomped into oblivion by Garchomp's single foot!
What terrifying power control!
Ariel's heart sank.
Level, base stats, talent...
These things that could usually be compensated for with tactics and perseverance were being ruthlessly magnified in the face of an absolute gap in strength.
"Finish it, Dragon Claw."
Cynthia's cool voice rang out.
Garchomp's figure disappeared again.
This time, its goal was no longer a head-on assault.
In Ariel's vision, he could only capture blurry afterimages and emerald claw flashes constantly appearing in the air.
Fast! Too fast!
"Left!"
Ariel shouted.
Krookodile instinctively dodged to the right, but it was still a step too slow. A claw flash swiped across its left shoulder, leaving a trail of blood droplets.
"Behind!"
Krookodile turned to block, but another claw flash had already silently appeared at its back—another bone-deep wound!
Garchomp was like a top-tier assassin, launching a dazzling display of attacks around Krookodile.
It was truly using the Dragon Claw skill with incredible versatility.
Sometimes it was a swift thrust aimed at vitals.
Sometimes it was a tricky arc slash, tearing open gaps in the defense.
And sometimes it was a storm of continuous slashes, making it impossible for Krookodile to even lift its head!
It could even use the energy blades of Dragon Claw to parry Krookodile's desperate counterattacks, appearing to have plenty of strength to spare in every collision.
The situation on the field had completely turned into a one-sided suppression.
Krookodile was like a small boat in a raging sea; no matter how it struggled or roared, it couldn't escape the fate of being swallowed by the giant waves.
The wounds on its body were constantly increasing.
Its movements were also becoming increasingly sluggish due to the loss of stamina.
But its eyes—those eyes hidden behind sunglasses—never lost their light.
It was still looking for an opportunity, even if there was only one!
Ariel clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms.
He didn't issue any more commands because he knew that any command would seem hollow and powerless at this time.
All he could do was believe.
Believe in the bond between him and Krookodile, believe in its never-say-die fighting spirit.
Finally, the opportunity came!
During a gap in its continuous attacks, Garchomp had an imperceptible pause.
Now!
"Dig!"
Ariel's voice was hoarse but filled with power.
This was the last chance!
As if using the last of its strength, Krookodile's claws slammed into the ground, and its massive body instantly burrowed underground, disappearing from sight.
Cynthia's eyes flickered slightly, but she didn't have Garchomp give chase.
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