"Captain, what was that move?! Its power is comparable to an ultimate Grass-type move like Frenzy Plant!" exclaimed Mark Carter.
Mark Carter stared open-mouthed at the battlefield, which had been left in ruins after the impact. His face showed total disbelief.
"It's still an evolution of the Sand Whip, just a different way of using it," replied the school team captain with a slight nod of his head.
Suddenly, he removed the pendant from his neck and spun it gently in his hand before throwing it forcefully into the air as he said: "This is the first form of the Sand Whip, the direct whip. Its power alone is already impressive."
"But this version seems to use body rotation to move the whip in a chaotic and unpredictable way."
As he said this, the captain raised his right hand and began to spin the pendant quickly, making it trace shadows in the air, exactly like the erratic movements of the sand whip during the battle.
"Uf! If the attack is based on the move Rapid Spin to trigger random strikes... no wonder it was so brutal!"
After hearing the explanation, the other contenders couldn't help but gasp. They weren't only impressed by the strength of the attack, but also by Ethan Black's creativity.
"I did it! This version of the Sand Whip with Counter Shield effects should be called Multiple Sand Whip."
Ethan Black clenched his fists in excitement as he saw Sandslash correctly executing the move. This attack was based on Ash's version of the Counter Shield, but with Rapid Spin and Sandstorm added, its power was considerably higher.
However, this move also had a major drawback: it required maintaining the Sandstorm while spinning the body, which consumed a huge amount of energy. With Sandslash's current strength, it could only be used once per battle.
"Metang is unable to battle! Sandslash is the winner!"
Right at that moment, the referee snapped back to his senses and, after observing the unconscious Metang lying in the crater, announced the final result of the battle.
Immediately, the entire stadium fell into a deathly silence. No one had expected the match to end so suddenly.
But the very next second, a thunderous ovation erupted: Ethan Black had won first place in the competition!
On the other side of the field, Lucas Silver was completely stunned. He never would have imagined such an outcome!
Last time, Ethan Black's Charmeleon had suddenly evolved and defeated his Metang by surprise. But this time... Sandslash couldn't even fly and still managed to turn the tables!
"Are these two kidding me?"
After a long sigh, Lucas Silver finally spoke. His gaze toward Ethan Black now held a trace of admiration.
After the previous tournament, he had investigated Ethan Black... and discovered that he was just a civilian with no backing at all!
For someone with no connections to come this far... there was no doubt: Ethan Black's talent was monstrous!
"Congratulations," he said with a smile, stepping forward to shake his hand.
"Thanks," replied Ethan Black, somewhat surprised, but returning the smile.
At that moment, a huge cheer burst across the stadium. That handshake was the perfect finale for the competition.
"You were amazing, Ethan!"
"That move you used to defeat Metang was insane!" exclaimed Alex Baxter as they returned to the hotel.
"Hehe, I told you it'd be fine, didn't I?"
"By the way, how's the thing I asked you about going?" asked Ethan Black with a smile.
"Don't worry, I already talked to my family. Since we do business with the Devon Corporation, the million voucher you won works perfectly for us. I already gave notice, they should be bringing you the money soon."
That reassured Ethan Black. He had won the one-million voucher precisely to buy the Protector, but if he used it directly at the store, it would draw too much attention. He didn't want to attract curious or malicious eyes.
So he decided to exchange it for cash. Fortunately, Alex Baxter's family solved it without complications.
When they arrived at the hotel, Alex Baxter dove straight into his books. According to him, he would finish his thesis that very night.
Ethan Black encouraged him enthusiastically, then patted the pocket where he kept a nameless bank card with a million on it.
"Good luck, Alex! I'm going to take Sandslash out for something to eat."
Sandslash: ≧ω≦
After saying goodbye, Ethan Black slung his backpack over his shoulder and left the hotel. However, instead of heading to a restaurant, he went into a public restroom.
Sandslash: Ｏ_Ｏ
"Sandslash, first we have to do something important. Then we'll eat."
Inside the restroom, Ethan Black pulled out a cap, mask, and different clothes he had already prepared, and quickly disguised himself. He looked in the mirror to make sure he wouldn't be recognized, and then headed to the Devon Store.
Once inside, he wandered around a bit before approaching the counter for Pokémon items. After a brief inspection, he focused on his true goal: the Protector item.
"Are you going to buy this item, sir?" the sales clerk asked curiously, noticing his strange appearance. That counter usually displayed collectible items, aside from Poké Balls, and almost no customer ever showed interest in them.
"This piece of metal looks interesting. Maybe my Steel-type Pokémon will like it," replied Ethan Black in a deep voice, handing over the nameless bank card.
The clerk accepted it, surprised, and when she swiped it through the reader, the balance was displayed immediately.
But when she looked up to confirm it... Ethan Black had already disappeared!
Back in the restroom, he quickly removed the disguise and carefully hid the Protector inside his backpack. Then he waited a while until a group of young people entered, and discreetly blended in with them to leave without raising suspicion.
Once outside, he headed to a late-night food stall.
"Uf... this should be under control now," he muttered nervously. Even though no one had yet discovered the true value of the Protector, he preferred not to take any risks.
After all, it was an extremely rare item capable of evolving a Rhydon!
(End of chapter)