The first battle in Ethan Black's tournament run was extremely easy.
Machoke, as a Fighting-type Pokémon, couldn't mount an effective offense when completely overpowered in raw physical strength. Under Sandslash's fierce Crush Claw, it was taken out without complications.
"Ohhh! Contestant Ethan Black's Sandslash is way too strong! Machoke has been defeated with ease!"
"Who will be the next challenger? Will anyone be able to stop the mighty Ethan Black and his Sandslash?"
After Sandslash's victory, the announcer shouted excitedly into the microphone, provoking a widespread ovation from the audience.
"Good job. We can't fall behind. Metang, use Psyshock!"
On Platform 1, Lucas Silver calmly smiled. His gaze sharpened immediately, and with a single order, his Metang launched a Psychic-type move that blasted its opponent right off the field.
Very soon, Ethan Black's victory was like a spark igniting a fuse. Reports of battles ending came from other platforms. Except for Number 4, all the ring kings had successfully defended their positions.
As the first round concluded, a strange silence fell over the stadium.
Clearly, after witnessing the strength of the ring kings, the challengers started hesitating.
After all, each challenger only gets one chance. The first ones to go up are usually cannon fodder, while those who wait may face an opponent already exhausted, giving them a better chance to win.
However, that silence didn't last long. There are always those too proud to take advantage of a weakened opponent. Confident in their strength, some stepped up onto the stages with determination.
"It's you!"
Ethan Black was a little surprised to see the figure before him.
"Hmph! Last time I slipped up. This time, I'm going to defeat you."
Ashley Morgan stared him down. Clearly, she hadn't forgotten the humiliation of being caught by Ethan Black's Sandshrew with Rollout.
As the battle began, Ashley Morgan threw her Pokéball without hesitation. Persian appeared in a flash of white light.
The moment Sandslash appeared, Persian's eyes narrowed. It had recognized the opponent it bore such resentment toward!
"Meow!"
With a fierce roar, and without waiting for orders, Persian charged straight in. It was so fast Ethan Black could only see a flash of white before the Pokémon was already beside Sandslash, its claws glowing threateningly as it used Slash.
But Sandslash was ready. At the same instant, its own thick claws began to shine: Crush Claw!
Clang, clang, clang!
A rapid series of blows followed, like steel striking against steel.
"Use Sand Attack!"
Ethan Black finally caught the right moment to give his command.
Sandslash lifted a paw and dragged it hard across the ground, kicking up a powerful cloud of sand that engulfed Persian at close range.
Boom!
Amid the whirlwind of dust and stones, Persian was quickly pushed back.
Taking advantage of the sand curtain, Sandslash lunged forward. Crush Claw struck once again, sending Persian flying into the air.
"Well done, now use Rapid Spin!"
Ethan Black mentally praised the smooth combo and gave the next order.
"Shaa!"
Sandslash let out a low roar, pressed down with its paws, and began spinning rapidly. Covered in Normal-type energy, it became a living top, charging straight toward Persian.
"Stop it, use Swift!"
"Meow!"
Sensing danger, Persian growled low and unleashed a rain of shining stars at the spinning Sandslash.
Boom boom boom!
Thanks to Rapid Spin's natural defensive effect, many of those stars were deflected. But Persian's idea wasn't to stop it — only to slow it down. Once the spin slowed slightly, Persian began darting around the field.
"That's it! Keep firing Swift nonstop!"
Using its speed, Persian fought a guerrilla-style battle. Every so often, it fired more stars from different angles, constantly harassing.
Boom boom boom!
Though Sandslash managed to destroy each barrage, the spin came to a complete stop.
Swoosh swoosh swoosh!
Persian had no intention of letting up. It continued attacking and running, using its speed and ranged moves as its main tactic.
"Sandslash, use Dig!"
Seeing such an annoying, evasive strategy, Ethan Black gave the order without hesitation.
This had turned into an endurance battle. He couldn't afford to waste too much stamina against Persian.
Boom!
Following the command, Sandslash raised its claws imbued with Ground-type energy and slammed them into the earth, burrowing quickly into the hard ground and vanishing. The stars whizzed past and exploded harmlessly against the surface.
"Persian, watch the ground!"
Seeing Sandslash use Dig, Ashley Morgan instantly tensed up.
Boom!
A hole burst open right beneath Persian's feet. Sandslash shot out, its claws glowing brown, and slashed Persian's belly.
Persian tried to leap away, but it was too late. Crush Claw struck cleanly, sending it flying. In midair, Sandslash leaped again and delivered another crushing blow, slamming Persian into the ground.
Persian's eyes turned into spirals. It could no longer continue fighting.
"I lost again...?"
Ashley Morgan sighed as she recalled Persian into its Pokéball, utterly resigned.
Last time she could blame her carelessness, but this time her Pokémon had been defeated without question.
"He didn't even use Rollout this time!"
From the audience, Dylan Scott —ring leader of the Pokémon Island Adventure Club— clicked his tongue. He himself had lost to Sandslash by underestimating its combo of Rollout plus Sand Attack.
And now, Ethan Black had easily beaten Ashley Morgan without even relying on that combo. His strength was truly terrifying.
"But if he fights head-on... my Primeape won't fear him one bit!"
Dylan Scott narrowed his eyes as he glanced at the registration area, debating whether or not to step up.
But just then, Ethan Black's next challenger climbed onto the platform and released a Kingler, a Water-type Pokémon. Clearly, this one wanted to take advantage of type advantage and keep Sandslash from recovering.
(End of chapter)