Boom!
In an instant, Grovyle hadn't expected his opponent to explode with such force! Completely unprepared, he was hurled violently through the air.
"That move?"
"It's the move Fury Swipes!"
Seeing Sandslash's attack, Mark Carter also showed an expression of surprise.
On the other hand, Ethan Black's face lit up with overflowing joy. The move Fury Swipes is an advanced version of claw-type moves, its strength lying in the ability to unleash multiple attacks in just a fraction of a second.
When they had trained Sandslash's claws, Ethan Black had already tried to teach him that move. He never imagined Sandslash would end up using it spontaneously in this situation!
"Sandslash, now! Use Sandstorm!"
Ethan Black didn't let the chance slip by and gave the order immediately.
Boom!
Sandslash also understood he couldn't let that key moment go. His body began to spin at high speed, combining the spin with the move Sand Attack, generating a dense cloud of dust and sand that turned into a whirlwind.
"Sandstorm!?"
"This isn't good, stop it quick, use Bullet Seed!"
Upon hearing Ethan Black's command, Mark Carter's face immediately changed. He knew that if the sandstorm was completed, it would be fatal for Grovyle, who already had obvious physical disadvantages.
Grovyle sensed the urgency in Mark Carter's voice and channeled all of his Grass-type energy. From his mouth, he fired countless points of pale green light, like a laser cannon shooting directly into the whirlwind.
But this Sandslash was no longer the same as before! He had complete mastery over the whirlwind. With a roar, the storm absorbed and blocked every attack from Bullet Seed.
Boom!
The next instant, the whirlwind exploded violently, marking the complete formation of the sandstorm. A wave of sand covered everything.
"Grovyle, we have to finish this quickly!"
Seeing the sandstorm take form, Mark Carter's face darkened. He gave the order urgently.
Grovyle sped up again, heading straight for Sandslash in the midst of the storm. His silhouette blurred as he pierced through the gale.
However, just as Grovyle lunged, Sandslash had already raised another whirlwind around himself with Sand Attack, blocking the strike.
At the same time, using the storm's power, Sandslash unleashed waves of sand that pounded Grovyle's body without pause, leaving him staggering like a boat about to capsize in the middle of a sea storm.
"This is already over!"
"Incredible that Sandslash has mastered the move Sandstorm!"
From the stands, the captain of the Pokémon University of Ironvale City team didn't take his eyes off the sand-covered arena. His face reflected a mix of astonishment and doubt.
"Truly surprising," another teammate commented. "The move Sandstorm is still one that hasn't been fully researched. How could Sandslash have learned something like that?"
In their eyes, Sandslash didn't stand out in power or potential. But if he had mastered the move Sandstorm, the story was completely different!
Boom!
In the arena, Grovyle, battered by the abrasive gale, was already on his knees, exhausted and panting. Yet, in his gaze, the determination to not give up still shone.
"Graaaah!"
Suddenly, a brilliant green light burst from his body. A powerful energy spread around him, pushing the storm back and even partially dispelling it.
"That's... the ability Overgrow!?"
"I can't believe it! This Grovyle has already awakened his ability and mastered it perfectly!"
Ethan Black was stunned. Although for most ordinary people abilities were an unknown concept, the major organizations had long been studying them.
After all, abilities could greatly enhance a Pokémon's total strength and enable advanced strategies. It was impossible for them not to pay attention!
"Very well done! Use Leaf Blade!"
Seeing Grovyle activate the Overgrow ability, Mark Carter clenched his fist and gave the attack order.
Boom!
Grovyle lunged forward. An emerald green energy wrapped around his body like armor, pushing through the storm. With a leap, he reached the whirlwind in front of him and, crossing his arms in an X, unleashed a brutal slash.
Boom!
Empowered by Overgrow, the Grass-type move shattered the sand whirlwind in an instant.
But within the destroyed whirlwind... Sandslash was nowhere to be found!
"Was that... Dig?"
Seeing the massive hole in the center of what had once been the whirlwind, Mark Carter's expression turned resigned. He pulled out the Poké Ball and recalled the exhausted Grovyle.
He knew that, even though Grovyle had activated Overgrow, his energy had already reached its limit. After that last failed offensive, continuing was useless.
"All right... I'll concede it. You've won."
"To master the move Sandstorm, your Sandslash is without a doubt special."
Mark Carter looked at Ethan Black with a slight smile. From the beginning, he hadn't participated in this battle for the one-million prize. If the captain hadn't wanted to test this kid, he wouldn't even have stepped onto the stage.
After all, for a veteran trainer to face a rookie... didn't sound very dignified.
"We won?"
Ethan Black narrowed his eyes, sensing those words hid another meaning.
"Ah, no, I meant it literally. Good luck in the final," Mark Carter replied with a relaxed smile as he left with Grovyle's Poké Ball, leaving the stage to the true victor.
At the same time, the referee also announced the result, triggering a great ovation in the stadium.
"Captain, what did you think?"
Outside the gym, Mark Carter approached the ones waiting for him and asked.
"Very good," the captain replied. "That Sandslash has acceptable strength, but the fact that he has mastered Sandstorm makes up for his shortcomings."
"Besides, for a rookie trainer to have that strength already is proof of his great potential."
The captain smiled broadly, then looked back toward the gym with a profound gaze.
"I'm already curious about the afternoon match. If he manages to defeat the young master of the Silver family, we'll put him down as a candidate."
"Pfft! That guy's no pushover," Mark Carter laughed mockingly. "Besides, the move Sandstorm doesn't affect Ground, Rock, or Steel-type Pokémon... That battle looks tough."
(End of chapter)