Oh?
The spectators immediately became excited when they saw what Shiko had done.
They had originally assumed that he would fight the entire match with a single Pokémon, just as he had before.
Even before the match began, many people had predicted that it might be the easiest confrontation of the current round.
Some had even wondered whether Shiko would defeat all six of his opponent's Pokémon with only one of his own.
However, after thinking about it carefully, most people considered that outcome somewhat unlikely.
Anyone who had advanced this far could no longer be dismissed as an inexperienced novice or an unknown competitor.
Okada's strength was still worthy of his current ranking.
Therefore, the most popular prediction in the betting markets was that Shiko would win after losing two Pokémon.
Even that prediction demonstrated how overwhelmingly confident everyone was in Shiko.
What no one had expected was for him to recall Dragonite immediately.
That was completely different from his previous behavior.
However, the arena soon erupted with cheers and excited screams.
There was only one reason.
Shiko recalling Dragonite meant he would send out a different Pokémon.
The spectators would have another opportunity to witness one of his long-awaited, powerful pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
Sure enough, when Okada sent out his second Pokémon, Braviary, Shiko also selected his second Pokémon.
A blue draconic Pokémon with blood-red wings appeared on the battlefield.
It was none other than Salamence, which had previously delivered a spectacular performance.
The instant Salamence appeared, it released a deafening roar.
Its vicious expression was reflected in Braviary's eyes.
Braviary's body immediately stiffened.
Its aura then weakened considerably.
Salamence's Ability was Intimidate!
That instantly placed Braviary at a disadvantage.
However, the situation changed again in the next moment.
Just as Braviary's aura was about to weaken, it suddenly became powerful again.
Its strength continued rising.
It eventually surpassed the level it had possessed when it first entered the battlefield.
What was happening?!
The spectators were dumbfounded by what they had witnessed.
However, some of the more knowledgeable members of the audience quickly understood.
This Braviary possessed the rare Hidden Ability Defiant!
When an opponent lowered one of its stats, its Attack would rise sharply instead.
In other words, Salamence's Intimidate had not left Braviary weakened.
Instead, Braviary's Attack had ultimately risen above its original level.
A battle that had previously appeared completely predictable had finally gained an element of uncertainty.
Braviary might truly be capable of causing Salamence considerable trouble.
"Go, Braviary!"
"Tailwind!"
Braviary beat its wings violently.
The powerful air currents lifted its body and made it feel considerably lighter.
Its speed immediately increased.
With the speed enhancement provided by Tailwind, both Braviary's offensive momentum and mobility had reached impressive levels.
Even though Salamence was at a higher level, Braviary's eyes were filled with fighting spirit.
"Crush Claw!"
Braviary released a piercing cry.
It shot toward Salamence like a meteor.
Braviary's fearless charge immediately enraged Salamence.
As the overlord of Dragon Valley and the undisputed leader of its group, Salamence felt that its dignity and authority had been challenged.
Blue light appeared around its claws.
It beat its wings and charged directly toward its opponent.
Dragon Claw was unleashed.
The two attacks collided.
Bang!
The Pokémon became locked against each other.
They struggled for supremacy high above the battlefield.
The spectators' eyes lit up when they saw this.
They immediately began cheering.
As expected!
After receiving those enhancements, Braviary truly possessed enough power to confront Salamence directly!
Excellent!
The match had finally become interesting!
However, something unexpected occurred in the next instant.
After maintaining the struggle for barely a second, Braviary was hurled backward.
It shot through the air like an arrow released from a bow, driven away by an overwhelming force.
It was obvious that Braviary had been completely defeated during the clash.
Salamence immediately seized the opportunity.
It rapidly caught up with Braviary and twisted its body, unleashing a thunderous Dragon Tail.
Its thick blue tail struck Braviary without mercy.
The downward blow sent Braviary plummeting toward the battlefield.
Salamence briefly hovered in the air.
It then dove straight downward.
Blue Dragon-type energy enveloped its body, making it resemble a blue meteor.
In a single breath, Salamence crossed nearly a hundred meters.
It crashed directly into Braviary before the latter could recover.
The impact blasted a deep crater into the battlefield.
Braviary released a miserable cry.
In the next instant, spirals appeared in its eyes.
After enduring that overwhelming combination of attacks, it had completely lost the ability to battle.
Salamence flew above the battlefield and released a triumphant roar, seemingly venting the emotions raging inside it.
(End of Chapter)
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