As a seasoned Champion, Lance's strength is absolutely not to be underestimated.
In last year's Master League, Lance secured second place, narrowly losing to Leon's Gigantamax Charizard.
Cynthia, though ranked third, had a minimal gap with Lance, and the outcome often hinged on their performance during the match.
The cheers surged like a tidal wave, coming from all directions.
Witnessing this world-class duel in person, even Natsume couldn't help but feel his heart racing.
"Haunter!" Haunter used its claws as a megaphone, cheering loudly for Cynthia.
Eevee gazed at the battlefield, its dark eyes gradually lighting up with excitement.
"Pay close attention. This match is going to be brutal!" Natsume deliberately clicked his tongue.
As long as these two could be discouraged from pursuing battles, coming to watch the match live was already a huge win!
Eevee and Haunter nodded seriously.
"Both contestants are in position!" the commentator roared.
"Who will emerge victorious? Let's wait and see!"
Clair, dressed in a light blue bodysuit with her blue hair tied into a high ponytail, frowned slightly and glanced sideways.
Is he... invited by Cynthia?
But I've never heard of Miss Cynthia inviting a man to watch the match live!
Usually, the invitation seats are reserved for her close friend Diantha...
How could she invite someone else?
Unable to figure it out, Clair shook her head.
She turned her complicated gaze toward Lance on the field.
As heirs of the Blackthorn family, both Clair and Lance were naturally talented descendants.
But Clair's brilliance had always been overshadowed by Lance, the prodigy of their clan.
Looking at this man who had always walked ahead of her, leaving only his back, yet filled with a sense of justice and passion, Clair sighed quietly.
"I hope... he can really win this match."
The cheers on the field grew louder. With the referee's whistle, two Poké Balls were simultaneously thrown onto the battlefield.
Red light flickered, and the ground rumbled.
A Red Gyarados covered in crimson scales emerged, its menacing figure standing tall, letting out an ear-splitting roar!
"Contestant Lance's Red Gyarados has entered the field!"
Gyarados typically measures around 6.5 meters in length, but Lance's easily exceeded 8 meters, exuding an overwhelming presence.
Gyarados's "Intimidate" ability silenced the crowd momentarily before they erupted into cheers once more.
In front of this colossal beast, the golden-haired beauty seemed so small.
Yet, a smile of "expected as much" appeared on Cynthia's lips.
The commentator shouted, "Contestant Cynthia has sent out the blessing Pokémon, Togekiss!"
Togekiss, as light and agile as a bird, spread its triangular wings like a glider, instantly securing an advantageous aerial position.
In the invitation seats.
Natsume opened the System Pokédex while teasing the two Pokémon: "Scared?"
Haunter and Eevee didn't respond, simply staring in awe at the two Pokémon on the field.
Natsume nodded in satisfaction.
Look, they're so scared they can't even speak!
In the System Pokédex, the densely packed (dense) list of moves for both Pokémon made Natsume's scalp tingle, but it also proved their immense strength.
"Red Gyarados, Dragon Dance for offense, likely carrying a Mega Stone..."
"Togekiss isn't heavily affected by Intimidate and can counter Mega Gyarados's Dark type."
"As expected of Cynthia! She's always thinking five steps ahead!"
"Let's see if Lance will force the Dragon Dance..."
Clair's eyebrow twitched, and she couldn't help but respond in Japanese: "Lance's winning move should be Dragonite!"
Natsume glanced at Clair in surprise, then nodded:
"Dragonite is indeed strong, but its Speed is a weakness, and its sweeping efficiency isn't as good as a Dragon Dance-boosted Gyarados."
"Lance's strategy for this match will definitely be Dragon Dance!" Natsume declared confidently.
Clair opened her mouth but couldn't find a rebuttal, so she sullenly picked up her whip and gave it a sharp flick.
Natsume's eyebrow twitched, and he coughed, refocusing on the battlefield.
Togekiss VS Gyarados.
Natsume began simulating the battle in his mind, running through various possibilities.
Although most of his experience came from virtual games.
In this situation, Cynthia only had one choice!
"Thunder Wave!" Natsume and Cynthia spoke almost simultaneously.
Paralyze Gyarados first!
Clair gave Natsume a strange look.
But what made her scalp tingle was that when she looked back at the field, Cynthia's command was exactly the same!
This guy... predicted Cynthia's move?!
Meanwhile, Lance's voice rang out coldly:
"Gyarados, Dragon Dance!"
Gyarados roared to the heavens, its momentum climbing to new heights. Its Speed was astonishing, instantly shattering the rock pillars in the battlefield.
With such a massive target, Thunder Wave couldn't possibly miss.
But Gyarados's tail slammed into the ground, and the shattered rocks rose into the air, deflecting the weak Thunder Wave!
"The weak Thunder Wave was meant to make it harder for the opponent to notice."
Clair smirked, explaining to Natsume with a hint of pride, "But this恰好 (coincidentally) gave Lance the chance to use the terrain to his advantage!"
Although Lance's strategy was correctly guessed by Natsume.
Clair's timely commentary for Lance helped even the score.
Natsume broke out in a cold sweat.
The two support groups are actually competing...
This guy... is she really a brother-con?!
"But," Natsume glanced at Togekiss and muttered,
"I think I know how she plans to win."
Thunder Wave failed, and under the effects of Dragon Dance, Red Gyarados's eyes glowed crimson, its ferocious appearance resembling a grim reaper.
At that moment, a dazzling light erupted from the triangular crest on Gyarados's head—
Lance closed his eyes, suddenly flicked open his cape, and reached out, gripping the air.
A wave of rainbow light burst from the Key Stone on his wristband. Lance opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as a blade.
"Gyarados, Mega Evolution!!"
The entire arena was stunned.
The Mega Gyarados, covered in sharp scales with wing-like fins, drew gasps of awe from the crowd!
Observing this colossal beast, Cynthia's lips curled into a faint smile.
Brushing aside her golden bangs, her aura shifted dramatically. Cynthia's eyes were as sharp as a saber:
"Togekiss, dodge Ice Fang, then use Sweet Kiss!"
Togekiss held the advantage in the air.
But Mega Gyarados had also mastered the ability to glide.
A powerful jet of water shot from its side, propelling Red Gyarados into the air. It opened its massive jaws, frost-covered Ice Fang aiming to tear into Togekiss!
Togekiss nimbly dodged, blowing a sweet kiss.
Gyarados momentarily faltered, plummeting downward and crashing into the sharp rock pillars on the battlefield.
Gyarados slammed into the ground, the rock pillars leaving a gruesome gash on its body!
"Gyarados is confused and has even dealt significant damage to itself!" the commentator shouted.
"Dazzling Gleam!" Cynthia commanded.
A brilliant light surged, enveloping the entire battlefield.
Under the double damage from the Fairy-type move, Mega Gyarados let out a furious roar.
A misty aura of blood rose from its body, snapping it out of confusion.
Lance flicked open his cape, waving his hand sharply, his gaze icy: "Gyarados, Ice Fang!"
Leaping into the air, Red Gyarados's Ice Fang clamped down hard on Togekiss, sending it plummeting to the ground!
Togekiss landed awkwardly, but the massive Red Gyarados paused for a moment, its eyelids growing heavy.
"It's Togekiss's Yawn!" the commentator exclaimed in shock.
Lance frowned: "Waterfall!"
A powerful surge of water slammed Togekiss into the protective barrier at the edge of the field.
"Togekiss is lose battle capability!"
At the same time, Red Gyarados swayed and fell into a deep sleep.
🌟 Join My and Unlock Exclusive Pokémon Content! 🌟
👉.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
Are you a fan of the Pokémon series? Become a member today and enjoy amazing benefits!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Gold Champion
Unlock access to 31 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 2 new chapters every day!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Platinum Legend
Unlock access to 106 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 5 new chapters every day!
Join now and immerse yourself in the exciting world of Pokémon like never before! Your support means the world to me!