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"Why is it that no matter how we attack, nothing seems to work?" Although the immediate crisis had been averted, Jeanette's expression remained grave.
Because so far, neither Beedrill's nor Scyther's attacks appeared to be having any effect on Muk whatsoever.
"No, that's not right! Muk must be taking damage too! Scyther, use X-Scissor!"
No matter how strong Muk was, it couldn't possibly escape completely unscathed from every attack. The effects were just not strong enough yet. Jeanette believed that as long as she continued attacking, she would definitely find an opening.
Following Jeanette's command, several Scyther figures on the field rushed forward simultaneously, making it impossible for Muk to distinguish which was the real one.
Ash didn't deliberately try to search for the true form. Given Muk's movement speed, even if he identified the real Scyther, it would be difficult to catch up with it.
"Sludge Bomb!"
Ash gave the order, and Muk responded by spitting out toxic sludge in retaliation. The projectiles kept sweeping forward, striking several figures in succession, but all of them were merely copies.
Just as it seemed all the clones were about to be eliminated, one figure suddenly leaped from among the few remaining duplicates.
The speed was so incredible that Muk didn't have time to react. Scyther descended directly from above, scarlet light flashing on both of its blade-like arms as it struck in Muk's direction.
The crimson blades slashed downward, and Muk's body compressed inward once again. Its entire form rippled like water under the force of Scyther's powerful strike.
This attack was considerably stronger than the previous one. Muk's body seemed as though it might be cleaved in half, but like a lotus root that remains connected even when cut, there was no way to completely sever it.
"Keep attacking!" Jeanette urged, seeing her advantage. After hearing the command, Scyther raised its other mantis blade, preparing to continue the assault.
"Muk, use Poison Gas!" But Ash had been waiting for Scyther to get close.
Puff!
With Scyther right in front of it, Muk puffed up its mouth and then expelled a stream of purple gas directly into Scyther's face.
The noxious fumes were clearly irritating, and Scyther instinctively closed its eyes. However, it still inhaled the toxic gas that Muk had exhaled.
"Scyther!"
Scyther cried out and reflexively staggered backward, using its mantis blade to brace against the ground. Its face immediately turned purple, and when it opened its mouth, dark purple bubbles unconsciously emerged—the telltale signs of being poisoned.
"Scyther!" Jeanette called out worriedly when she saw this.
"Gunk Shot!"
Seizing the opportunity, Ash commanded Muk to launch its most powerful attack. Purple energy began emanating from Muk's body.
Simultaneously, it raised both arms and opened its mouth wide. An enormous mass of toxic garbage gradually formed, emitting an eerie purple glow.
Gunk Shot was the ultimate Poison-type move, and it was also the technique that Muk had primarily trained during its time at Mount Hideaway.
"Scyther, get out of the way!" Jeanette shouted urgently. Scyther forced its eyes open with difficulty, and more purple bubbles escaped from its mouth.
Although Poison Gas dealt no direct damage, it immediately inflicted the poisoned condition on opponents, making it extremely difficult for them to react properly for a time.
Boom!
With a tremendous sound, Muk's Gunk Shot erupted and flew directly toward Scyther's position. The entire mass of toxic waste was like a mountain bearing down upon the Mantis Pokémon.
Crash!
The devastating Gunk Shot struck Scyther directly, and the concentrated energy detonated instantly. The entire venue was engulfed in explosive flames, and a strong chemical odor filled the air.
The originally vibrant grass all around suddenly became withered and yellowed as smoke from the Gunk Shot explosion spread across the field.
"Gunk Shot is incredibly powerful! How is Scyther holding up?!"
Looking at the flames exploding across the battlefield, the commentator's voice rang out. Jeanette stared worriedly at the inferno resulting from the explosion.
After a considerable time, the flames gradually dissipated. Parts of the grass were still burning. Looking at the charred crater that had been blown into the field, everyone could see Scyther lying motionless within it.
"Scyther has fallen as well! Muk has defeated both Beedrill and Scyther consecutively!"
Observing the situation on the field, the commentator spoke reflexively, secretly wondering whether Ash would continue his winning streak in this match as well.
Roar!
Seeing Ash successfully win two consecutive rounds, the audience erupted in thunderous cheers, overwhelming even the already-popular Jeanette's fan section.
Witnessing Jeanette lose two Pokémon in succession, her supporters had been deflated and momentarily forgot to encourage her.
Watching this scene unfold, Jeanette stood in silence for a moment, then took out her Poké Ball and recalled Scyther.
"Thank you, Scyther."
She put away the Poké Ball and looked across the field at Ash, who had already achieved two consecutive victories. He still maintained his composure, not appearing the least bit arrogant despite his success. Muk didn't seem to have sustained serious injuries either.
"Now I finally understand what you meant, Ash. No wonder Erika spoke so highly of you."
At this moment, Jeanette spoke again. Ash was slightly surprised when he heard Erika's name mentioned. It seemed that she and Erika must know each other.
"I finally realize that it's not pride preventing you from using Moltres—it's that you haven't encountered anyone capable of forcing you to send it out!"
"I know that I'm not your match, but I came here carrying the expectations of my entire town. I will never surrender like this. Even if I must fall, I'll fall with grace and beauty!"
As Jeanette spoke, she took out her Poké Ball, raised it high in her hand, and spoke with firm determination.
When Jeanette finished speaking, her supporters reacted and began cheering for her once more. Even though they knew she was unlikely to turn the battle around, they continued to support her enthusiastically.
"Go, Jeanette!"
"You can do it!"
After listening to Jeanette's words, Ash was silent for a moment before smiling. He reached up to adjust his cap and responded. He appreciated that while she had been presumptuous earlier in thinking she understood him, at least this time her assessment was accurate.
"Come on out, my final Pokémon!"
Jeanette threw her third Poké Ball, and as light shone forth, her third Pokémon appeared on the field.
A figure emerged from the light, considerably smaller in stature than Muk.