Medicham's defeat had some element of luck involved, primarily due to Sceptile's miraculous counterattack at the last moment. However, Sceptile also suffered greatly as Ice-type energy invaded its body, causing its movements to become increasingly stiff, seemingly on the verge of being completely frozen.
In the next instant, heavy frost covered Sceptile's body, inevitably infiltrating and spreading throughout until it was entirely immobilized, still maintaining its combat stance.
"Sceptile, return," Kalia said helplessly. Initially, she thought Sceptile could continue fighting, but now it seemed necessary to switch. In its frozen state, Sceptile was unable to move and would be defeated easily.
Kalia promptly recalled Sceptile. Although remaining frozen could cause further damage, returning it to the Poké Ball allowed for gradual recovery.
At this moment, Takeshi looked towards Kalia, his expression no longer indifferent, showing a hint of interest.
Rockcliff City is known for having the most Fighting-type Pokémon, but it's also where many Pokémon learn combat techniques. However, most Pokémon struggle to elevate their combat skills significantly because mastering them requires not only rigorous training but also innate talent.
This Sceptile clearly possessed exceptional talent, demonstrating close combat strength nearly equal to Medicham's prowess. Considering Kalia's youthful appearance and that her Sceptile likely evolved recently, achieving such a level warranted Takeshi's increased attention and respect for her.
Thud.
Remaining seated cross-legged, Takeshi tossed out another Poké Ball. Upon release, a robust Pangoro landed on the ground, holding a leaf between its teeth, exuding a fierce and menacing aura, akin to a street brawler.
Despite their aggressive demeanor and temperamental nature, Pangoros are deeply emotional Pokémon. Once they form attachments, they become highly protective of those they care about. They never abuse their strength against weaker beings and will intervene bravely when witnessing bullying or injustice.
"Go, Charizard!" Kalia threw her Poké Ball, releasing Lian who soared high immediately, flapping his broad wings as he hovered in mid-air.
Sceptile's performance astonished him; he hadn't anticipated such rapid improvement, particularly with the transformation of Leaf Blade. Lian suspected this unique enhancement might be specific to certain Pokémon types and couldn't be used indefinitely, indicating a limitation.
Lastly, Lian was astonished to see Sceptile unleashing Leaf Blades from both hands simultaneously.
"I didn't expect Sceptile to accomplish this before me." This dual Leaf Blade technique was something Lian himself aimed to master.
Through this battle, he realized that physical attack moves were easier to achieve such coordination, while Special Attack moves required exceptional control and mastery. Otherwise, it would be challenging unless the Pokemon's anatomy naturally supported it.
For example, Blastoise has two cannons on its back, allowing it to leverage its unique structure. Given sufficient conditions, Blastoise could potentially release Hydro Pump simultaneously from both cannons. However, even then, it remains no easy feat. It's uncertain if any Blastoises in the Ellie Region have truly achieved this level of skill.
From his aerial vantage point, Lian observed Pangoro below. With his current strength, dealing with a Fighting-type like Pangoro seemed effortless, but he remained cautious. Without warning, he swiftly unleashed an Air Slash, causing barely perceptible ripples in the air.
"Roar!" Pangoro let out a loud cry. Although Fighting-types typically cannot learn long-range moves autonomously, as a Gym Leader, Takeshi wouldn't overlook such limitations.
For Fighting-type Pokémon to learn some ranged moves is relatively straightforward. Common ones include Rock Slide and Throw, while among Special Attack moves, Focus Blast is prevalent. However, Fighting-types typically excel at physical attacks; unless they possess high Special Attack base stats, learning Focus Blast may not be particularly advantageous.
At this moment, Pangoro was preparing to use the Rock-type move Rock Slide, which is essential for Fighting-types against Flying-types. It effectively counters Flying-type Pokémon, ensuring that Fighting-types aren't completely helpless against them.
However, Lian remained unfazed by the Rock Slide attack. Currently, Rock-type moves only dealt 1.3 times damage to him, making it no issue even if he chose to endure it directly.
Nevertheless, considering the combat rating, Lian couldn't afford to take the hit. Sceptile had already sustained damage from Ice Punch, and he didn't want to further decrease his combat rating.
"Watch out for Air Slash, dodge it," Takeshi calmly warned. With countless years of experience as a Gym Leader, he was well-versed in recognizing moves like Air Slash and promptly detected its approach.
With proper anticipation, these moves typically wouldn't cause flinching; it's mainly their suddenness that leads to such reactions.
Takeshi held great respect for Air Slash due to its high damage potential against Pangoros. Even if unable to dodge, blocking the attack was crucial.
The condensed air blade swiftly flew towards Pangoro, who, alerted by Takeshi's warning, prepared defensively. A bright glow appeared in its hands, gradually forming into a large rock.
Pangoro then forcefully hurled the massive stone upwards. Its rich combat experience allowed it to sense the invisible air blade approaching, despite not being able to see it directly.
Boom!
The large rock collided intensely with the air blade, instantly shattering and dispersing into countless fragments before vanishing altogether.
However, the air blade continued undeterred towards Pangoro. Considering Lian's Special Attack power, it would be comical if a single rock could halt his Air Slash.
At the crucial moment, Pangoro instinctively dodged but couldn't fully evade. The Air Slash struck its left arm, forcing it back several steps.
"Hm?" Takeshi's eyes flickered; despite being obstructed by rock, the attack still possessed remarkable power. This Charizard seemed no weaker than the previous Sceptile, possibly even stronger.
Takeshi knew from years of experience that Pangoro could not withstand many more Air Slashes without succumbing to defeat.
As Takeshi pondered how to counter the Charizard, Pangoro prepared for a retaliatory strike. However, before it could act, Lian unleashed his second move:
Flame Spiral!
Intense flames erupted from his mouth, swirling with rotational force like a twisted towel, gaining immense penetrative power as they charged towards Pangoro.
Simultaneously, Pangoro successfully cast Rock Slide, transforming numerous glimmers into rocks and hurling them all at once towards Lian.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The Flame Spiral effortlessly pierced through these rocks, with only a few straying past and heading straight for Lian.
Too slow.
Lian swiftly flapped his wings and soared into the air, evading all the scattered rocks effortlessly. Meanwhile, Lian's Flame Spiral had shattered countless boulders and continued straight towards Pangoro.
Perhaps Pangoro excelled in close combat, utilizing its combat skills with powerful moves like Crunch or Body Slam to easily overpower opponents.
However, when it came to long-range battles, Lian held no fear against any adversary. In terms of ranged move exchanges, he rarely emerged as the loser, especially not against a melee-focused Pangoro relying solely on Rock Slide.
Boom!
The intense flames charged directly at Pangoro, but unexpectedly, Lian realized that Pangoro still managed to unleash another move.
Pangoro used Arm Thrust, attempting to counter Lian's Flame Spiral with brute force.
Yet, if Lian's Flame Spiral were so easily thwarted, his Special Attack ability value of 1770+ would be utterly wasted.
Within seconds, Pangoro could not withstand the overwhelming penetrative power of the Flame Spiral. The torrential flames struck its chest, sending it flying backward.
Even if Pangoro could resist the impact, the scorching heat alone from the flames would have been unbearable for it.