"It seems that, when we return, it will be time to discuss more thoroughly with Alex the principles behind Defense Curl and Rollout," thought Ethan Black.
"If we can fully understand how both moves work, maybe we can develop the combined move Spin Drive."
"After all, both Defense Curl and Rapid Spin involve the use of Normal-type energy, and it was thanks to Defense Curl that Sandshrew learned Rapid Spin. If we can use Rapid Spin as a substitute for Defense Curl..."
While watching the field, Ethan Black sank into thought. He had come up with a new training method for the combined move Spin Drive. Maybe it wouldn't work, but at least it was a viable possibility.
If they succeeded, Sandslash's power would increase even further.
"ROAR!"
Just then, a roar snapped him out of his concentration.
From within the rubble, Primeape's figure suddenly leapt up. Roaring in rage, his eyes were completely bloodshot, locked furiously on Sandslash with murderous intent.
"Hm?"
"He hasn't gone down yet?"
"And from the looks of it... he seems even more dangerous!"
Ethan Black frowned as he saw Primeape's red eyes.
And in the very next instant, before Dylan Scott could give a command, Primeape had already charged. His fist, cloaked in tangible fury, was far stronger than before. His rage had intensified to the point of becoming almost solid.
"Back to that Berserker state again?"
Ethan Black shook his head slightly. Without needing a command, Sandslash had already started using Dig.
It was a well-practiced strategy: if the opponent went berserk and attacked without thinking, Sandslash would simply flee underground. As long as he avoided that critical moment, the battle was as good as won.
However, Primeape had completely lost his reason. Seeing Sandslash vanish underground, he also dove in to chase him through the tunnel! As if he truly would follow him to the ends of the earth.
"What...?"
"Primeape, get out of there right now!"
Dylan Scott went pale. Entering a tunnel created by the enemy was a disastrous decision. If Ethan Black ordered Sandslash to seal the exit with Dig, Primeape wouldn't just lose the battle—he could even be buried alive!
"I... I surrender!"
Desperate, Dylan Scott shouted with pleading eyes.
He was clearly afraid Ethan Black would order the tunnel sealed. And between winning the battle or saving Primeape, he chose the latter without hesitation.
"Come out, Sandslash!"
Ethan Black nodded slightly and shouted toward the battlefield.
At that instant, a large hole opened and Sandslash leapt out.
And right behind him, Primeape emerged roaring, his eyes still crazed, lunging once again at Sandslash.
"Gyro Ball!"
Ethan Black reacted immediately, ordering a defense.
BOOM!
Primeape's attack struck Gyro Ball with force. But this time there was no immediate explosion. Instead, both energies entered a tense balance, violently clashing against each other.
"What is this...?"
From the highest section of the stands, Alex Baxter was the first to react. He quickly adjusted his instruments and began carefully recording the energy reactions on the field.
According to his readings, the energy of Rage was pounding against Gyro Ball, while the latter responded with its recoil force. A balance had formed, as fine as it was dangerous.
As time passed, the energy accumulated within Gyro Ball began compressing, like a spring being pushed to its limit. At any moment, that spring could either explode or rebound with equal force.
Alex Baxter smiled with excitement. He had never before so clearly witnessed the recoil force of Gyro Ball. Perhaps, at last, its true secret would be revealed.
"We can't let this continue! Sandslash, retreat into the tunnel!"
Ethan Black and Dylan Scott both turned pale.
If the battle went on like this, no matter who won, both Pokémon could end up severely injured.
"Shaa!"
Sandslash also understood the danger. Following the order, he tilted his head slightly: the tunnel entrance he had dug earlier was still right behind him.
With extreme caution not to break the energy balance, Sandslash stepped back.
Swish!
Once at the tunnel's mouth, Sandslash gathered his strength and pushed himself down underground again.
BOOM!
Losing its point of resistance, Primeape was launched by the force of his own attack. He went flying and crashed violently against the field barrier. The unleashed energy was so intense that an explosion erupted on impact.
"Primeape!"
Without hesitation, Dylan Scott jumped from the stands and rushed to his partner.
The medics, already prepared, ran over, placed Primeape on a stretcher, and hurried him to the Pokémon Center.
"Shaa..."
Sandslash emerged from the tunnel, dropped onto his back on the ground, and began panting heavily. Though still conscious, he no longer had the energy to continue. He was completely exhausted.
But he had fulfilled his duty. Dylan Scott was his final opponent in the ring defense tournament.
"OHHHH! We have a winner!"
"After ten intense battles, Sandslash held out until the end! Congratulations to Ethan Black, the second trainer to successfully defend his ring, officially qualifying for the afternoon Tournament!"
The announcer, seeing the danger had passed, sighed in relief. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he lifted the microphone and enthusiastically announced the result, unleashing a wave of cheers.
Sandslash had completely won over the crowd, especially with his last confrontation against Primeape. The intensity of the clash left everyone amazed, and the applause came pouring in.
But Ethan Black didn't stop to bask in his victory.
After returning Sandslash to his Poké Ball, he ran after the medics toward the Pokémon Center.
After ten fierce battles, Sandslash was exhausted and covered in wounds. He needed urgent medical care.
(End of chapter)
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My bros, sorry for the delay. These past few days have been crazy (it was the last days of my university's cultural week, and early this morning my mom got sick; she spent the whole day in the hospital—don't worry, she's fine now). I haven't had time to upload chapters.