Bea's face showed frustration.
"…Teleport?!"
"Can someone who has mastered Teleport still be called 'mediocre'? Even so, letting Avery get away is truly regrettable."
This was where martial artists were at a disadvantage.
A powerful Psychic user could come and go as they pleased, though there were not many Psychic users exaggerated enough to pull off something like this.
Bea said, "Also, you said you saw a ghost? So the rumors are true after all. Are you a medium?"
Allister said, "That ghost… that spirit… was frightening. Very frightening. Do you know the land after death… the spirit world? That ghost was something beyond that realm. Even the Ghost-type Pokémon were trembling…"
"But… after Mr. Avery disappeared… that dangerous ghost disappeared too."
"Please… please don't keep staring at me. I'm scared of being stared at…"
"Although… it didn't seem like Av… like he used Teleport himself. Someone helped him. It was the ghost…"
"But…"
"Thank you, Miss Bea. The Ghost Pokémon can live happily in Wyndon again."
Bea held her head. "Ghosts and Psychic users… The Ten Commandments of Detective Fiction should add two more rules."
"Neither of those two types of people are allowed to appear!"
"But if the ghost's presence disappeared… Speaking of which, that ghost you saw, what exactly was it?"
Allister said, "It felt like possession. Ah… in other words, being taken over. But Mr. Avery has very strong pride… so the effect on him only made his personality more arrogant. That was… all."
"Ah. Someone is coming!"
Bea's expression became slightly tense. "That person really did show an abnormal state… Does that mean there truly is something wrong with Wishing Stars now?"
Back on the Isle of Armor, Bea had only known that Chairman Rose and Wishing Stars were dangerous. She did not understand anything about the dark crystals.
She had only come along because she had heard news about Chairman Rose and thought she might be able to uncover something.
She turned around and saw Hikaru walking over from the direction of the stadium, appearing through the faint mist. She immediately waved.
Hikaru said, "As everyone knows, real 'battles' are conducted secretly at night."
"Still, I truly didn't expect Avery, that comic-relief clown, to be the first to achieve his wish. Should I say the simpler a wish is, the easier it is to grant?"
"By comparison, defeating Leon is an extremely difficult wish to fulfill."
Even so, in a short period of time, rings made from black crystals had already appeared in the hands of Galar's elites.
Hikaru said, "As a king, the first thing he thought of was controlling the nobility—especially since Galar's modern elites are basically trapped in their own fantasy time."
"Though from the perspective of rule during the ancient kingdom era, it isn't exactly wrong."
However, Bea's unauthorized action made Hikaru think she might really have been influenced a little, becoming more impulsive—almost turning into an actual berserker.
But this was also second-playthrough content from the original work.
Lifeforms injected with Galar particles could lose their reason and go berserk, even if they were Zacian and Zamazenta. After all, if the Hisoka duo did not cause trouble and the two dogs did not go berserk, how would the protagonist have a reason to catch the Legendary Pokémon?
Add to that the black crystal's ability to amplify desire and corrupt people, and wouldn't the effect multiply?
The Hisoka duo's thieving ability was obvious to all, and the fact that they could defeat Hop in the postgame already proved their strength. Their weakness was that they were not Psychic users.
So that was why they chose to possess the ridiculous senior disciple? Now he had truly become a Servant.
"Spiritual power…" The eyes behind Allister's mask fixed on Hikaru. He could feel that Hikaru possessed powerful Ghost-type energy. He was clearly a medium, just like himself.
He was just about to say something when he suddenly sensed several more presences approaching. One of them was very powerful.
Although they had been wandering around nearby, it seemed someone was leading them, and they came straight over.
It was a man wearing a champion's cape.
The people appearing on the street, walking through the thin mist, were members of Macro Cosmos, as well as Leon, whom they had brought along. After all, Leon had no sense of direction. In a place like Wyndon, there was no way he could find the road on his own.
However, when he saw the traces of battle on the street, Leon's expression became very serious.
Were those two not challengers? Both from Stow-on-Side…
"The people recommended by the Ghost and Fighting Gyms have both been judged to possess the strength and qualifications to serve as Gym Leaders."
"There is also another important person. If the chairman hadn't told me, I wouldn't even have known someone like this had come here to watch the matches."
Leon looked puzzled. As he listened to the report from the Macro Cosmos employee beside him, his eyes brightened slightly. He asked in thought, "But… were you the ones who caused this incident? Why did you use Pokémon moves on a public street and cause damage?"
Bea immediately answered, "That is because—could you hear my explanation, Mr. Leon?"
Just as old Mustard had said, even if she told Leon about this matter, he would not believe it. Instead, he would think everyone was having some kind of hysterical episode.
So Bea suddenly hesitated. At that moment, Hikaru waved his hand.
"This was a private challenge, and it accidentally affected the surroundings. I apologize."
At the same time, Hikaru's gaze swept over the Macro Cosmos employees who had appeared.
Trainer class: Macro Cosmos—
In short, they were employees of the Galar League. Since Rose was both the League chairman and a corporate president, these employees were both company workers and League staff members.
Who knew whether they also received two salaries?
All of those League employees wore special glasses. Anyone who did not know better might think each of them had a power level scanner.
After Hikaru glanced at them, the employees became slightly uneasy.
After all, the other party was also quite a powerful figure, and a strong Trainer from another region. If they handled this badly, it might even develop into a diplomatic incident. But the chairman was also eager to witness the strength of this foreign powerhouse.
That made things rather difficult.
Therefore, having Champion Leon, who happened to be wandering nearby and valued his responsibilities extremely highly, come here to handle the situation was also the chairman's intention.
But as someone with no sense of direction, Leon could not possibly investigate anything in Wyndon. This champion was only suited to sprinting a hundred meters down a straight road.
The moment there was even the slightest bend, he would directly vanish from the world of men and get lost somewhere nobody could imagine—like a rooftop, or even the suburbs.
So the main purpose of guiding him here was still to take a look at that gentleman's strength.
"The chairman called him the mentor of the 'heroes.'"
"Like the sage in a story, I suppose. Though we don't really know what is going on. In any case, we just need to follow orders and bring the champion here."
The employees muttered among themselves.
Allister whispered softly, "It was Avery. He was chasing me…"
Leon's gaze flickered. He pondered briefly and looked around at the situation.
Although Bea and Avery's sudden battle had taken place at night under thin mist, Wyndon was currently hosting the Champion Cup. There were still many pedestrians not far away on the street, and the intense battle had frightened quite a few citizens.
"Battles outside a stadium can cause unrest among civilians. Inside a stadium, there are barriers, so no matter how powerful a move is, it only inspires cheers from people rather than fear."
"The power of Pokémon is enormous. If someone is not a professional Trainer, it is only natural that they would feel afraid."
Leon waved to the League employees. "I'll calm the uneasy citizens nearby. You should take the two contestants back to their hotel first. We cannot allow this to affect tomorrow's Champion Cup challenge."
"As for the cause of this matter, it seems the chairman also knows some internal details. We can conduct a detailed investigation later. In short, no one was injured, and this did not turn into a major disaster. That is enough."
Then Leon looked at Hikaru.
"I can understand everyone's excitement and their desire to battle. After all, Galar's selling point is fierce competitive matches that attract tourists from other regions. Viewers all over the world watch the annual Champion Cup, so we cannot allow anything frightening to happen."
"No matter what, I will take responsibility for what happened here. That is the champion's duty."
Leon stared at Hikaru.
"I have heard that you are Unova's newly crowned champion and a member of Paldea's Elite Four."
"In order to calm the situation and reassure the citizens, could I ask you to have a battle with me?"
"You may not fully understand the situation, but as long as people see a champion battling, their anxiety will immediately settle, and they will treat everything that happened here as an exhibition match."
To the people of Galar, Leon was like a stabilizing anchor. As long as he appeared, no matter what the problem was, it could be solved. Because of that, the citizens could even gather fearlessly to watch all kinds of terrible situations.
However, Leon had once been booed before.
During the Champion Cup challenge, he would tell the protagonist that those spectators were actually also hoping for the stronger side to lose. The emotion Leon liked most was bearing that kind of pressure, then turning the tables at the final moment and seizing the championship.
In the manga, Leon's ability to handle pressure was maxed out. Even when audience members shouted filthy insults at him, he could raise his hand and say, "Thank you for your support." Also, because Sonia had given up halfway through the Gym Challenge in the manga and gone abroad to study, causing Leon to go many years without seeing her, he made the wish that he would definitely make Galar's Trainers stronger—and fought for that goal for ten years.
Of course, the same old line still applied. In the manga, champions would all suffer ultimate humiliation at the hands of villains. Whether it was Lance, Cynthia, Red, or Blue, none of them could escape that guaranteed-defeat buff. So even Leon ended up with the same fate, getting finished off by Eternatus like an elite soldier.
"I understand."
Hikaru said, "Is this Chairman Rose's idea? He still wants to see my level in battle… Well, my strength in official matches is not exactly that high, but the outcome is still uncertain."
"Then I'll cooperate and have a brief match with you. Please go easy on me."
Leon's eyes lit up. "Thank you for accepting my request. It is somewhat rude of me… but I am very happy!"
"Then this will be a one-on-one battle. Since there are still matches tomorrow, let us each use one Pokémon. Both of us will bring out our strength!"
"Chairman Rose told me that an interesting strong Trainer had appeared. After all, I usually do not have many chances to battle Trainers from outside Galar. Seeing the battle situation here has also given me quite a bit of mental stimulation."
"Can one display true strength even outside a Dynamax field? Chairman Rose asked me that, and requested this."
However, the ones most excited were not Leon himself, but Bea and Allister, who were watching from the side.
Champion VS champion! Although it was only a sparring match with one Pokémon each.
"If I can observe Leon's battle style now, I can find the right opportunity and take down his lead ace in one strike!"
"It must be Aegislash!"
The thoughts in the child's and the young woman's hearts aligned perfectly.
"Today, I can have a battle even more exciting than usual!"
Leon said, "So let's go like this, Aegislash! Come, the greatest champion time!"
He used his standard pose, pointing one finger toward the sky. Along with the fluttering of his cape, many people recognized the tall man stirring a storm within the thin mist.
"Look, it's Leon!"
"So Champion Leon was sparring with someone!"
"Hey, hey, does this count as a stadium match without tickets? If I get to see a battle between Trainers this strong, it would be worth taking another Pokémon move to the face!"
The people around them immediately shifted from panic and anxious whispers into fanatical cheering. Leon spread his hands.
"And like that, the citizens' anxiety has been dispelled!"
"How about that? Simple, right? Now, in order not to disappoint the audience's expectations, I'm getting fired up!"
The Pokémon he sent out was Aegislash from his roster.
It was clearly a sixth-generation Pokémon, yet it best represented the very words "sword and shield."
Hikaru said, "Aegislash… Then I will use the same."
"Aegislash!"
A great sword suddenly scattered the mist like a door panel. Along with intense steel-colored radiance and flashing lightning, the kingly state activated.
Compared to Leon's normal Ghost Sword, Hikaru's Aegislash was not only enormous in size, but could also use the power of the "King" to further increase its size and strength.
Leon said, "A golden Aegislash?! Could it be a Shiny Pokémon?! No, it only turned like that after the lightning flashed…!"
Aegislash, Leon's, said, "Aegi?"
The little sword was startled too, because the Aegislash in front of it was actually that enormous.
Among its own species, it was an extremely exaggerated individual. Speaking of which, with a body that large, should its eye not be red?
Of course, bigger did not necessarily mean stronger. Leon's Aegislash's gaze sharpened.
Hikaru said, "The legend of Aegislash says that a king who carried Aegislash once ruled an entire country, but in the end, it drained his life force, and the country perished."
"Stance Change. Blade Forme."
Aegislash, King, said, "Aegi—"
King Sword Stance.
"Shadow Claw!" Leon seized the initiative. Since both were Aegislash, it meant Fighting-type moves could not be used, while Ghost-type moves would be effective.
The shadow suddenly attacked the king's body, but almost no effect appeared at all.
"No effect?!" Leon's expression changed slightly. It was his first time encountering such a situation.
No, that made no sense. Steel plus Ghost. What was wrong?
Hikaru said, "Power Trick."
Because of its blessing, Aegislash could basically ignore those conventional attacks completely. And because it had mastered the move Power Trick, it could swap its Attack and Defense while in battle stance.
"It uses psychic power to exchange the strength of its offense and defense. This is the so-called 'offense-defense swap.'"
"Even in King Sword Stance, it can display the defensive power of Shield Forme, and it can switch its power at any time."
Leon realized something was wrong and immediately gave his own Aegislash an order, almost at the exact same time as Hikaru.
"Swords Dance!"
Leon's Aegislash's Attack rose sharply.
The King's Aegislash's Attack rose sharply.
They aimed their blades at their ordinary counterpart. Great sword and straight sword clashed against each other.
Golden sparks burst out.
A duel between sword and sword.
Leon said, "Set up Reflect! Reduce physical damage, focus, and use Night Slash!"
The reason he chose a physical attack rather than the Shadow Ball he often carried was precisely because the opponent also possessed the important King's Shield.
As long as he could force out King's Shield, he could seize the gap during Stance Change and use a special attack move to defeat the opponent in a single blow.
As a Protect-type move, King's Shield could not be used repeatedly either. If used consecutively, its success rate would drop.
Hikaru said, "Power Trick. Offense-defense swap."
"Mighty—Brutal Swing!"
The golden great sword, accompanied by a sharp Dark-type blade, split the sky and raised a massive current of slashing air.
It was in a state where its Attack had been specially strengthened. It would use the weight and strength of steel to crush the opponent.
There was no use dodging anywhere.
The targets were all Pokémon on the field except the user.
Every Pokémon within range, whether opponent or ally, would take damage.
The Ghost Sword's resistances were simply too high. And if it was Ghost Sword VS Ghost Sword, an extremely awkward situation would arise. Its same-type Steel move would be resisted, there were only three Ghost-type attacking moves, it did not know Ground or Fire at all, and Dark-type moves were basically sword duels.
But when facing such an enormous Aegislash, using "cross swords" as a battle method was unwise. The difference in power was obvious.
How could an ordinary straight sword fight a power-specialized great sword?
"So it looks like it was blown away, but in reality…" Leon gave an order. "Metal Sound!"
It made the opponent hear an unpleasant sound like scraping metal. The target's Special Defense was harshly lowered.
And because Reflect was active, physical damage had been weakened. It barely hurt at all.
"My Aegislash is extremely excellent in special attacks!"
"Shadow Ball!"
The black sphere of shadow gathered every shadow in this "London" city. Under the command of the dazzling champion, the darkness within the shadows grew even denser.
Leon said, "The border between darkness and brightness is our battlefield. Wherever light shines, there are shadows!"
Normally, this strike would be super effective. Leon believed the previous shadow attack had failed to produce results simply because its output had been too low.
His Ghost Sword was a type with high Special Attack and Special Defense.
The opponent's golden Ghost Sword was a type with high Attack and Defense.
"Just as in the legend, the 'sword' actually has two forms…"
Hikaru thought to himself.
The same was true of King Arthur's sword. Many people could not distinguish between the Sword in the Stone and the Sword in the Lake, Excalibur.
In that case, he would use that move.
Hikaru said, "The ability to discern one who possesses the qualities of a king. This comes from the sword of kingship in Arthurian legend."
"The sword is Excalibur, the Sword in the Lake—the Sword of Promised Victory. The shield is Aegis, the divine shield."
Golden thunder erupted from Aegislash's body, and roaring flames ignited around it.
Lightning that destroyed the earth. Fierce fire that burned all things.
An intense beam of sunlight dispersed the night.
Sunny Day.
"Hidden Power: Fire!"
In a super effective state, Hidden Power's base power of 60 would become 120. Water- and Fire-type Hidden Power would also be affected by the weather, gaining an extra 1.5-times power boost.
Flames surged toward Leon's Aegislash like a great torch in the shape of a fire dragon.
The legend of King Arthur and the red dragon. The red dragon and the white dragon. The twin dragons of conflict revealed through Merlin's prophecy.
The flaming red dragon of Britain.
"King's Shield!"
Leon had his Ghost Sword switch forms. But in the next moment, the flames before its eyes turned at an unbelievable angle.
The first turn. The second turn. Then the flames continuously wove a net of fire through the sky.
"What is that…? The trajectory of the move is being freely controlled?!"
Could spiritual power do something like this?
Could other Ghost Swords do this?
Leon looked at his own Aegislash in confusion, and Aegislash stared back with its single eye.
"Aegi?!"
I don't know, big bro!
Although, as a Ghost Sword, it could use spiritual power to create barriers and even hypnotize and control people's hearts, it had truly never seen a skill that manipulated energy trajectories like this.
I… I can't do that!
"Oh no, King's Shield's time is about to run out…!"
The glow of the king's shield gradually dimmed. The fire dragon that had been turning in the sky used a right-angle shift, attacking Aegislash from behind at an impossible angle.
The fierce flames burned, swallowing the Ghost Sword within them.
A huge explosion erupted.
Leon said, "What exactly is that golden sword?! Its attack freely changed the path of its energy, and it could control it at will! It broke through the defense!"
"Unbelievable… astounding!"
But to Hikaru, the current Leon was not yet the super Leon of the Sword and Shield era.
One should not underestimate the accumulation of these few years.
In the Pokémon world, people with talent could go from knowing nothing to breaking through a champion and becoming the new champion in just a few months. Those young people all grew that way.
A span of three years was enough for someone like Red to go from a nameless rookie to destroying Team Rocket, then directly becoming a battle legend, sitting on the silver throne of Mt. Silver and becoming a living myth.
But in truth, it only took Red and Blue a few months to go from rookie Trainers to champions.
Of course, put that way, the level of strength growth crossed by the Sword and Shield protagonist could be called the most exaggerated among all protagonists. Although they spent nearly half a year challenging the Champion Cup, they ultimately surpassed Leon in one burst of momentum, and Leon's defeat was stamped as official within an official work. That was why the final plot of Twilight Wings existed.
A speed of strength increase at that level was simply Saiyan-like.
No wonder Zacian and Zamazenta had first called the protagonist into the forest. That was a true child of destiny.
"A difference of a few months can already be as vast as heaven and earth. If the gap is more than three years…"
"The difference in battle power is like 530,000 versus 42,000. How many push-ups would that take?"
Of course, defeating one or several of Leon's Pokémon was a feat Raihan and later Bea could also accomplish. Leon's overall battle power was concentrated in the gorilla, the dragon, and Charizard.
As for the strength of the other three, one could see it from the order in which they appeared in his team.
————————
At Macro Cosmos, Chairman Rose watched the battle scene on the surveillance feed. In that fog-filled location, combined with interference from mental power and telekinesis, it was difficult to see clearly what had happened.
However, Bea's Machamp had indeed used a move with unprecedented power.
"I see. Even if she loses to Leon, she can still offer the greatest battle. Bea truly is worthy of being descended from a prestigious family. She has indeed become stronger. Perhaps she is even stronger than Raihan and Piers now?"
Uncover and cultivate powerful Trainers, bringing hope and radiance to the public.
"Even without using Dynamax, she can cause such enormous destruction… Originally, selecting champion-class Trainers was for this very purpose—to choose people with radiant talent."
"If Leon is to control the Darkest Day, perhaps you can become someone who controls the 'heroes.'"
"If what that Elite Four member said is true… the heroes will appear before those they acknowledge."
"Well, if I am to cultivate the person who will control Eternatus, then Sir Hikaru will cultivate the children capable of commanding the heroes… He would be the so-called 'sage of the previous generation' type of character. From the standpoint of an Elite Four member, that also suits him very well."
"However… I had already expected something like this to happen. So although you had no intention of having an exhibition match with Leon, please allow me to witness it."
"The strength of the adviser, magician, and prophet of the so-called King of Heroes… the strength of a 'sage.'"
————————
Rose of the Rondelands Hotel, inside one room.
Marnie said, "…Bro, why won't you go meet Mr. Hikaru? When it comes to using Dark types, he would definitely be able to give advice too."
Piers said, "Because tomorrow is the finals. I also don't want to make things difficult for him. He may be my friend, but that guy is Bea's teacher, right? In other words, he stands on the side of Stow-on-Side Stadium."
"I'm definitely going to face Bea in tomorrow's match. Given my current position, I shouldn't meet him."
"Bea is one of this year's challengers and a descendant of a prestigious family. The outside world has basically already recognized her as Stow-on-Side Stadium's Fighting-type Gym Leader. Even Chairman Rose has issued an appointment letter. It's just that Bea insists on continuing to fight. When she says she's aiming for the championship, it isn't a joke."
"If I meet Hikaru at night when he is Bea's teacher, some bad rumors might spread. News that he met with Chairman Rose has already made the papers. That is Galar's news speed."
"However, Chairman Rose unexpectedly concealed his information. The news only said he was a mysterious backpacker, speculating that he was someone who had been appreciated and given an endorsement letter. Speaking of which, there was never an age limit for Gym Challengers, so it's understandable that people would think that."
Piers said, "Also, he said he needed a proper rest. So I also need to rest properly."
"Today's opening matches were used to select the 'Champion challengers.' Their status is roughly equivalent to the 'Conference Champion' of other regions. Unexpectedly, there are actually two of them. However, the second day's matches are the death matches that decide whether those challengers can reach Champion Leon."
"Second-division Gym Leaders do not have the qualifications to attend. The first-division Gym Leaders still have to compete, and some of those Gym Leaders do not get along at all. It's a you-or-me situation."
"Of course, judging by the usual pattern of previous years, letting a new challenger fight all the way to Leon is still too difficult. Ever since that guy became champion, he hasn't lost once in several years. Even in major and minor tournaments, he never loses at all. In other words, his win rate in roadside battles is also 100%."
"Marnie, when you grow up, take over as the Dark-type Gym Leader."
Marnie said, "No. I'll become champion."
Piers said, "You're saying that again. It's still too early for you. Even next year… I know that right now, you can be considered a Trainer too, but participating in this kind of tournament would still be a little beyond you."
"At most, go fight some roadside battles in other regions. Don't get smug just because you beat me before. I didn't use my full strength. Your big brother is very strong."
Marnie said, "Not just champion. I'll become a hero too."
Piers was slightly startled. "A hero… what's that?"
Marnie said, "Professor Sonia told me. Though she says she's a research assistant and doesn't count as a professor yet, I think she'll be qualified to be a professor very soon."
"When Mr. Hikaru was talking with Chairman Rose, she went to ask about Galar's legends…"
Marnie explained what she had asked about during the day.
Piers's expression did not change much. He only suddenly asked, "Don't tell me you want to become a scholar? Looks like you're a little interested in this stuff."
Marnie said, "I also want to help reduce your burden, Bro. If I become a hero, then Spikemuth will prosper as the hometown of a hero, or the hometown of a champion, or something like that."
"Or maybe I can let everyone live happily, like the people of Postwick."
"The people in town have already lost even their pride because Spikemuth has no Power Spot. They have no pride and no smiles, and whenever they go outside, people always look at them strangely."
"A plain Gym Challenge without Dynamax battles means no videos and no visitors. We can't make money. The town grows quiet, and people leave one after another."
Piers said, "…But there are also people who move into Spikemuth instead. Precisely because this town has no Dynamax Power Spot, they can live here without constantly being afraid."
Marnie said, "Bro… be careful of Dynamax. Mr. Hikaru told me to tell you that, but you don't use Dynamax either, so you should be fine, right?"
Piers said, "…Hm. In other words, just like the legend of the Wishing Stars, stars scatter to the side of Trainers who desire strength. That black crystal is the same kind of thing. Although I haven't seen one yet, in any case, it's best to stay away from dangerous things."
"As for heroes… heroes aren't something you can find just anywhere."
"Still, this makes me feel like something bad might happen over the next half year, until the next Champion Cup begins."
Piers treated the legends Hikaru told Marnie as bedtime stories, but somehow…
If he put himself into that kind of story, then as someone who did not use Dynamax, he was like a beginner-village chief who did not use the Demon King's power, or an early-stage character meant to be sacrificed so the hero could set out on their journey and grow, then fight strong people who had been mind-controlled—one against seven?
"According to the ending of that kind of story, I'm definitely going to die. Getting beaten in turns by seven Dynamax monsters? What the hell? Am I that kind of character? That bedtime story is way too scary."
In order not to become the stepping-stone character who dies at the beginning and provides the protagonist with a rage buff, Piers did not believe those little stories would come true, but he still could not help feeling that he should make a little effort.
"Angel Corporation… Miss Mirai said before that she wanted me and Ms. Roxie to attend the 70th anniversary event together. If that place is that dangerous, it feels like I'd better not go."
Piers opened his Rotom Phone and suddenly saw a new message on it. His expression became rather colorful.
"An Aegislash mirror match? Leon's Aegislash… lost!"
————————
The next day, mist filled the air. The Galar region often had this kind of weather, so there was no need to pay it much mind. In any case, once they entered the stadium and Dynamax began, all kinds of clouds, rain, lightning, sunlight, and sandstorms would follow one after another.
But the area around the stadium had an artificial transparent barrier, so there was no need to worry that the audience would suffer a "battlefield execution" while watching the match.
This was not Dragon Ball's World Martial Arts Tournament. There would be no Vegeta murder incident.
And today's first match was the highly anticipated Raihan VS Leon.
Raihan, who had lost seven times in a row, once again challenged Leon's throne. As the contestant with a bye, he should originally have appeared later. However, for reasons unknown—or perhaps to show off Raihan's new strength and heat up the atmosphere—Chairman Rose had deliberately arranged this "unexpected battle."
"Chairman Rose is using me as your stepping stone! But this time, I will not lose, Leon! If I can defeat you in this exhibition match, then I'll replace you and face the final challenger in the ultimate battle!"
"The Child of Weather has been fully completed! A brand-new battle style and partner gained from Paldea's Elite Four—let me show you a weather team whose changes are impossible to predict!"
To be honest, Raihan had done bewildering things like setting up harsh sunlight against Leon's Charizard before. Sometimes, choosing the strategy with the most visible special effects was also a way of chasing attention.
But this time, with Archaludon as his core, Raihan had abandoned harsh sunlight and completely built his team around rain and sandstorm.
"Goodra, use Rain Dance!"
Raihan's lead Pokémon was naturally Goodra, the Pokémon in his team used to set up rain. Although this fellow was pure Dragon-type rather than a Water dragon, paired with the Ability Hydration, it was immune to status conditions in rain and could avoid dirty moves like Thunder Wave.
Leon, however, looked somewhat distracted.
"Last night… it really was…"
"Although it was only a brief sparring match using one Pokémon, it really was defeated. Of course, in Pokémon battles, if it is not a full six-on-six battle, one cannot decide the final outcome. There are also situations where one is forced into a corner by the enemy, but…"
"The outcome remains uncertain? How interesting."
"A Trainer from outside Galar with overwhelming strength… Has my wish begun to come true? How could there be such an enormous Aegislash?"
"A golden body, wrapped in lightning. A red dragon that ignited flames. A great sword of promised victory. An unstoppable attack. A technique that could switch between offense and defense at any time…"
Then Leon returned to his senses and looked forward.
After having Goodra use Rain Dance, Raihan immediately switched it out. Leon did not understand Raihan's action.
"Rain… Rain is indeed a very powerful battle method. Borrowing the rain can increase the power of Water-type moves. But Charizard has Hurricane… and in rain, Hurricane never misses."
"Raihan, your calculations have failed."
"But Duraludon hates rain. Did he undergo special training on the Isle of Armor to resist corrosion from rainwater and sea breeze…?"
Then he saw that new Pokémon.
It was not Duraludon.
Boom! An alloy dragon like a Skyarrow Bridge appeared on the field. Along with fiercely flashing electric light, it fired an electric cannon of unmatched golden thunder.
Leon's pupils abruptly contracted.
Lightning. Lightning again.
But this should not be a move Duraludon could use. What exactly was that Pokémon?
Raihan said, "Archaludon! Knock Charizard out of the sky! Raise the dragon's thunder!"
"Electro Shot!"
(End of Chapter)
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