"What Pokémon is it?"
"Could it be that it just appeared and it's already over?"
Seeing the silhouette sealed inside the rock on the field, the spectators opened their eyes wide.
In the previous battles, the fights had been back and forth. But now that it was a 6Vs6 confrontation, it seemed that everything had changed.
Bang!
Suddenly, amid the murmurs of the audience, a loud crash was heard on the field.
Immediately afterward, a robust blue figure appeared in the arena.
"It's Swampert, a Water and Ground type!"
Upon seeing the figure that emerged breaking through the ground, the audience burst into cheers.
"Swampert, in sandstorm weather, is undoubtedly an excellent choice."
Ethan smiled slightly. From any point of view, Swampert was an outstanding member for a sandstorm team.
As he thought about it, he took out a Poké Ball and withdrew Tyranitar.
A white flash shone, and his next Pokémon appeared once again on the field.
At the same time, as soon as the white light appeared, Swampert launched the move Hydro Pump at the silhouette emerging from the glow.
However, the explosive clash the audience expected did not occur.
The powerful column of water, upon striking the figure emerging from the white light, was directly absorbed.
Water splashed in all directions.
Then the green body of Cacturne appeared.
"A Cacturne with the Water Absorb ability!"
Seeing this, Jorge's gaze sharpened.
"Cacturne, it's our turn. Use Ingrain!"
After hearing Ethan's command, Cacturne quickly used the move Ingrain in the same place.
Immediately, a large number of roots began to spread, absorbing the moisture underground thanks to the move Ingrain and its Water Absorb ability.
With Cacturne's actions, the terrain began to desertify instantly, turning into a genuine desert field.
Compared with Tyranitar, which used the move Sand Tomb to shape the terrain, Cacturne's ability to draw water through the move Ingrain was even more radical. Not only did it absorb the moisture from the soil: the spreading roots were also capable of absorbing moisture from the air, further strengthening the power of the sandstorm.
The wind roared endlessly.
Having lost the Sand Veil ability, Cacturne also took damage from the sandstorm.
However, as a cactus-like plant, it possessed a certain natural resistance to sand. In addition, the move Ingrain constantly absorbed energy from the earth and, combined with the Water Absorb ability, provided it with a continuous source of vitality, allowing it to stand firm under the storm.
"A dual-core tactical system!"
Sensing the change in the field, Jorge's face turned serious.
Just by observing the terrain, the coordination between Tyranitar and Cacturne could already be seen.
Tyranitar initiated the sandstorm, and then Cacturne strengthened it through the move Ingrain. That already constituted a true dual-core tactic.
"So it isn't a single-core system centered on Tyranitar... but a reinforced dual-core system based on Tyranitar and Cacturne?"
Not only Jorge was surprised; even the high-ranking officials of the League in the guest stand showed astonishment.
The concept of a "core tactical system" is usually only associated with Elite-level trainers. To a large extent, it is also a criterion used to measure their strength.
When a trainer reaches a certain level—Quasi-Elite, Elite, or Champion—the individual strength of a Pokémon is no longer enough to measure their true power.
The real difference lies in the strength of the team. That is why battles between Elite-level trainers are all in the 6Vs6 format.
If a team can be built around a strategic core, the power of the whole increases considerably; sometimes it even allows the weak to defeat the strong.
For example, Champion Leo Cross. Individually, his six Pokémon might not surpass certain elite-level Pokémon, but in 6Vs6 combat, his multi-core sunny-weather team—based on Ninetales with the Drought ability, Charizard, and other Fire-type Pokémon—can easily crush opponents whose Pokémon are individually more powerful.
Back on the field, thanks to the coordination between Tyranitar and Cacturne, the terrain had turned into an extreme sandstorm. Both the intensity of the weather and the power it granted to the Pokémon that depended on it had increased to another level.
"We can't let this continue. If it keeps stealing energy, Cacturne will become stronger and stronger."
After realizing this, Jorge ordered Swampert to advance.
Thanks to its Ground type, Swampert moved without obstacles in the sandstorm, rapidly closing the distance.
"Swampert's physical strength is enormous. Since its Water-type moves are countered, is it planning to fight in close combat?"
"Then let's see who is stronger. Cacturne, use Growth!"
In fact, Cacturne had already been preparing the move.
As soon as Ethan gave the order, the move Growth activated instantly.
At great speed, Cacturne's body began to lengthen. Under the effect of the move, its height directly reached five meters.
"Use Needle Arm!"
When Swampert was about to reach it, Cacturne raised both arms and launched its Grass-type move.
Boom!
Cacturne's Needle Arm collided with Swampert's Ice Punch.
Under the tense gaze of the audience, the two Pokémon locked together, measuring their strength.
"It stopped it! That Swampert's strength is incredible!"
From a visual perspective, the downward strike of a five-meter Cacturne was terrifying. Although Swampert was also robust, the difference in size was evident.
And even so, it managed to withstand it.
But those who knew Jorge's Swampert well were even more surprised.
That Swampert had possessed tremendous strength since birth. And yet, the strength Cacturne was displaying was comparable.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
The two began a high-speed close-quarters battle.
"Swampert... is being suppressed!"
As the battle continued, Swampert began to retreat.
"Look at Swampert! Something isn't right!"
Someone suddenly shouted.
Upon noticing the faint purple hue emanating from its body, everyone was stunned.
"It's poisoned! Swampert is in a poisoned state!"
"How is that possible? When did Cacturne use a Poison-type move?"
Even the experienced trainers, who mastered control of the battle's rhythm, had not detected the exact moment. That was terrifying.
Boom!
Amid the commotion, Cacturne's Needle Arm struck Swampert heavily.
Weakened by the poison, it failed to defend itself and was sent flying.
After receiving a Grass-type move—with quadruple effectiveness against the Water/Ground type—Swampert was severely injured.
Afterward, under a barrage of attacks from the move Magical Leaf, it finally lost the ability to battle.
"Defeated! Ethan eliminates one of Jorge's Pokémon first!"
"That Ethan is incredible!"
"He's barely twenty years old! And he's dominating Jorge, who is also a prodigy and two years older!"
Before the battle, many had lamented Ethan's bad luck. But now it was clear that he could face him on equal footing.
(End of Chapter)