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Even though the match wasn't over yet, Luther was already deep in thought as he watched the Eelektross on the field.
This was definitely something worth learning from.
While all of Dakota's other Pokémon were trained in a balanced manner, Eelektross had been specially trained for offensive capability and speed. It had developed its own unique battle rhythm.
The moment Eelektross entered the field, the entire style of the match changed. That was the kind of impact an overpowering Pokémon could bring to a battle.
Luther felt as though a new door had opened before him. He wanted a Pokémon like that, too, a pure embodiment of violent damage output. It was simply too tempting.
It absolutely had to be trained in physical and special offense to avoid being stalled by defensive Pokémon. Its speed talent also had to be exceptional, so focusing on speed training would produce even better results.
"Light Screen."
Etorre's command pulled Luther back into the match.
After entering the field, Magnezone's first move was Light Screen, which reduced incoming special attack damage. On the surface, it seemed like a perfectly normal choice, yet Luther vaguely sensed that something was wrong.
Etorre's mentality seemed to have shifted slightly.
Eelektross's overwhelming offensive power had shaken him. Even after successfully dodging Eelektross's attack, he didn't counterattack; he chose to defend instead.
"But Eelektross is trained as a mixed attacker, right? Didn't Etorre consider that?"
The moment Lucian finished speaking, Eelektross's seemingly limp, spike-covered arm pierced the Light Screen and smashed into Magnezone's eye.
The force of the blow terrified Magnezone, making its entire body tremble. It could barely even think, let alone use a move.
And the point of impact happened to be its weak spot.
Eelektross triggered Magnezone's Sturdy Ability with a single punch. Magnezone, in agony, could barely maintain its hovering posture.
As he watched Eelektross charge forward fearlessly, Etorre finally realized the meaning of that fleeting moment of hesitation.
His retreat had already affected Magnezone.
As a Pokémon Trainer, he had been pathetic!
"Magnezone, Hyper Beam!"
Etorre's furious roar instantly restored the timid Magnezone's strength. Enduring the pain, Magnezone rushed straight toward Eelektross.
Hyper Beam and Flamethrower crossed paths, striking the two Pokémon with full force.
Magnezone was blasted backward and crashed onto the ground. Even though it was completely exhausted, it struggled to rise. Only after confirming that Eelektross was unable to continue battling did Magnezone collapse, overcome with regret.
"Magnezone and Eelektross are both unable to continue battling."
"All six of Etorre's Pokémon are unable to battle. Therefore, the winner is Dakota!"
Ettore let out a self-mocking laugh as he recalled Magnezone. Walking around the ruined battlefield, he stopped in front of Dakota.
"Congratulations."
He shook Dakota's hand, then gave him a brief hug.
"Did you find that feeling again?" Etorre asked.
Dakota glanced at his Girafarig, who was still resting at his feet, and smiled.
"A little bit. Honestly, battling like this every once in a while isn't bad."
"Is that so?" Etorre replied. "My strength still isn't enough. Maybe my bond with my Pokémon isn't strong enough. This is as far as I can go."
"Your next opponent will be either Ash or Luther. Honestly, I really want to know what would happen if you faced Luther. If he were your opponent, the moment Magnezone appeared, he definitely wouldn't have hesitated, would he?"
Victory and defeat are decided in an instant. No trainer could maintain a perfect mentality throughout an entire match.
Eelektross's fighting style was completely outside of Etorre's expectations. Its relentless, suicidal offensive pressure caused Etorre, who was already under a great deal of mental strain, to instinctively shrink back.
And that single moment of hesitation cost him his final chance at victory.
'Luther, huh?'
Dakota truly wanted to face him.
He wanted to stand before Luther and show him his strength face-to-face.
Since Luther and Ash said that bonds could surpass everything else, he would prove it on the battlefield!
In the Competitors' Passage, Luther and Lucian ran into Dakota, who was walking out leisurely.
Dakota's Girafarig peeked out from behind him, looking around curiously before sniffing the air and turning toward Lucian.
The two Girafarig blinked their large eyes, pressed their necks together, and rubbed against one another. Only after confirming each other's scent did they separate.
Dakota nodded toward Luther before greeting Lucian.
"Your Girafarig is pretty ordinary."
Even though Lucian was a Psychic-type Elite Four member, the remark came off as rather tactless.
Dakota showed no sign of displeasure, simply nodding.
"That's true. Compared to yours, mine really doesn't measure up. But..."
One day, he'll surpass your Girafarig and all your other Pokémon."
The same goes for me. I'll win this tournament, challenge all of you, and earn the right to fight in the Champion Battle."
Lucian smiled faintly.
"Though I admire your courage and performance today, I must pour a little cold water on that."
He stroked Girafarig's back as he continued.
"I'm not Bertha's opponent. As for Flint and Aaron, I don't know about them, but even Bertha, in her current state, isn't Cynthia's match."
Lucian pointed at himself, then upward.
"I don't know the exact situation in other regions, but in Sinnoh, Champion Cynthia has surpassed us by far. She's on a whole other level. If Bertha retires but continues to pursue improvement, maybe she'll eventually reach Cynthia's level. As for me, Flint, and Aaron, we still need to explore, gain experience, and find our own paths before we have that opportunity."
Dakota stood there stunned for a moment, causing Lucian to chuckle.
"What's wrong? Lost your confidence?"
"No," Dakota answered. "Now I want to challenge her even more."
Lucian burst into laughter. He seemed to be in an excellent mood.
"If that was your first reaction, then you really do have hope."
After patting Dakota on the shoulder, Lucian suddenly put on an expression Luther knew all too well.
It was the expression he always wore when stirring up trouble.
Luther immediately sensed danger.
"Actually, I think Luther has the greatest potential among all the competitors this year. He's probably the one closest to Cynthia and Bertha's level."
Dakota glanced at Luther after Lucian finished speaking and walked away.
"Hopefully, we'll get the chance to face each other."
Dakota chose not to leave through the same passage as Lucian. Instead, he turned toward another corridor.
Luther gritted his teeth in irritation and hurried after Lucian, throwing sarcastic remarks at him the whole way. Finally, he angrily demanded,
"Is stirring people up really that fun? We're at least half friends, aren't we? And this is how you sell me out?"
"It's fun. Extremely fun. I suggest you try it sometime, too. It's exhilarating."
"You really are the disgrace of the Elite Four. The shame of the Sinnoh League."
Lucian's face was as thick as a city wall; he was completely unfazed.
"Let me ask you something. If you win the tournament, is your plan really to take the prize money, do odd jobs for the Pokémon League, build up some achievements, and then spend the rest of your life relaxing in your own little estate?"
"What else would I do?" Luther asked in return.
(End of Chapter)