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"Roar—ROAR!!"
Although Aggron was famous for its incredible defensive power, a four-times-effective Fighting-type attack still caused it tremendous pain! Unable to endure it, Aggron went into a violent frenzy, twisting its massive body wildly as furious roars rang out one after another!
"Aggron, calm down! Shake it off quickly! Slam yourself into the rock pillar!"
Seeing the situation on the battlefield, Fang couldn't help frowning slightly, worry surfacing in his heart. He immediately shouted instructions, telling Aggron to get rid of the Ambipom clinging to its back.
"Grooon!"
Hearing the command, Aggron instantly stopped thrashing about. It turned its head slightly and nodded toward Fang, then shifted its massive body sideways—mercilessly charging its back straight toward the stone pillar that had just risen from the ground with Stone Edge!
"Dodge, Ambipom!"
"Got it!"
But Aggron was still far slower than Ambipom! The moment Delia's command rang out, Ambipom was already moving—using both hands and feet to scurry around to Aggron's front!
BOOM!!
Unable to stop in time, Aggron slammed straight into the stone pillar! Half of its massive body was embedded deep into the rock!
"Oooh!! Yoba!!"
Seeing Aggron in that state, Ambipom instantly sensed an opportunity. Without even waiting for Delia's command, its twin tails lit up with a crimson glow and began hacking down repeatedly onto Aggron's body, each strike producing heavy, dull thuds!
"Grooon!!"
With its body stuck in stone and Ambipom hammering it head-on, Aggron could only raise both arms defensively, letting out deep, frustrated growls.
"Now, Aggron! Metal Burst!!"
At the moment Aggron endured several consecutive blows, Fang suddenly shouted from the command platform!
"ROAR!!"
With a furious roar, an intensely dazzling platinum-white light erupted from Aggron's entire body!!
The blinding flash instantly engulfed Ambipom, who had no time to react!
BOOM!!
"Ambipom has lost the ability to battle! Aggron wins!"
As the light faded, the referee rushed onto the heavily damaged battlefield. Among the rubble, he found Ambipom unconscious and immediately waved both flags to declare the result.
"...Come back, Ambipom. You did great. You really did."
After a brief silence, Delia took out her PokeBall, recalled Ambipom, and spoke gently with a warm smile.
"Outstanding! Absolutely outstanding! Another heart-pounding battle of offense and defense! Delia's Ambipom was truly impressive, but Fang's Aggron was equally powerful! It is now noon! Delia has already had three Pokemon eliminated, and the battlefield has suffered severe damage! The arena requires repairs, so we will take a break! The match will resume at 1:00 PM! Thank you all for your support!"
As the announcer declared, Delia and Fang's battle was temporarily suspended.
"Phew… that was nerve-wracking. I almost thought my Aggron was going to be taken down. Thankfully, it held on. Looks like we'll have to wait a bit for the next round. Since we have time—Miss Delia, would you care to have lunch with me?"
After stepping down from the platform, Fang quickly approached Delia with a smile, extending his hand politely.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Fang. I need to help my partners recover, and I already have company. Excuse me. We'll meet again this afternoon."
Delia declined calmly and headed straight for the contestant passageway—where Liam was already waiting.
Watching her leave, Fang awkwardly withdrew his hand. Seeing Delia walking away hand-in-hand with Liam, he sighed softly.
"Tsk… so that's the fiancé she mentioned before? Heh, I hear he's a trainer too. If I get the chance, I'd really like to spar with him."
Smiling faintly, Fang turned and walked toward the other contestant passage.
...…
"Don't worry. We'll fully treat and care for your Pokemon and deliver them to your room afterward."
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
"You're welcome. It's our duty."
After leaving the passageway, Liam and Delia went straight to the Pokemon Center, where Nurse Joy helped treat Delia's injured Pokemon. Afterward, they had lunch at a nearby restaurant while waiting for the afternoon match.
Thanks to her impressive performance that morning, it took less than ten minutes for spectators to recognize Delia. Many came over to cheer her on, clearly acknowledging her strength.
That encouragement eased the heavy pressure in Delia's heart.
On the way back to the stadium, Delia clung to Liam's arm and asked softly, her confidence wavering.
"Liam… that Fang is really strong. I underestimated him. I've already lost three Pokemon, and even Blastoise lost… I don't have any confidence left for the next battle…"
She pouted slightly, her voice soft and discouraged.Blastoise's defeat had hit her especially hard.
"Heh. Just do your best. Fang is strong—but you're not weak either. You've already beaten him once. Beating him again isn't impossible. Believe in yourself. Believe in your partners. Never give up so easily."
Liam smiled and spoke gently, looking straight at her worried face.
"…You're right! I have beaten him once! What's wrong with beating him again?! I have you supporting me, and my partners are fighting so hard! I can't lose heart! I'll pull myself together and win this with everything I've got!"
Liam's words reignited Delia's fighting spirit instantly. Her bright, innocent determination was something Liam considered a rare treasure—one worth protecting for a lifetime.
...….
"Welcome back, everyone! The thrilling battle resumes! The unfinished match from this morning is about to begin again!"
At exactly 1:00 PM, the match resumed. Delia and Fang stood once more on their command platforms as the announcer's voice echoed through the arena.
"Attention, trainers! Due to severe damage earlier, the battlefield has been reconfigured! This time, it will be a Grass-and-Ice hybrid field! We hope both trainers make full use of it!"
With the announcement, the arena floor opened. Amid mechanical roars, a strange battlefield slowly rose—a combination of icy mountains and grassy terrain.
The outer ring consisted of frost-emitting ice cliffs, while the center was lush green grass. Massive ice pillars of varying thickness crisscrossed overhead like frozen sky bridges!
"The battle resumes! Trainers, send out your Pokemon!"
"Go, Aggron!!"
"Roar!!"
At the referee's signal, Fang once again sent out Aggron. After resting, its stamina had partially recovered, and it roared powerfully upon entering the field.
Delia remained calm. Without hesitation, she hurled a PokeBall forward. As it opened, a blazing figure burst forth in flames!
"ROAAAR!!!"
"Let's go! Typhlosion!"
"ROAAAR!!"
Delia stared at the Typhlosion standing on the grass, flames roaring around it, and shouted with absolute focus.