Upon seeing the two strongest Pokémon on the field move at the same time, the pupils of the trainers present suddenly contracted.
But before they could react, several roots suddenly burst out of the ground, directly wrapping around the Pokémon closest to Lairon.
Then, Lairon was seen lunging forward, the move Metal Claw producing a loud sound upon impact, sending the enemy Pokémon—along with the roots holding it—flying in a single strike against the protective barrier, crashing hard.
However, since these Pokémon had managed to overcome the first round, they naturally had a certain level. So, despite being struck head-on without defense, they still retained the ability to keep fighting.
Even so, the moment it hit the ground, a root immediately wrapped around it. With the use of Absorb, its energy began to drain rapidly.
"That Lucas is going all out, he even wants to destroy my roots in the process!"
"Lairon didn't even defeat it in one blow? Ethan comes out winning again!"
Both, with their own interests, glanced at each other for an instant before quickly shifting their gaze to their next target.
At once, the roots were seen spreading again and, with the same strategy, they severely injured yet another Pokémon.
But to Lucas Silver's frustration, once again he failed to defeat the target in a single blow, allowing Cacnea's roots to continue developing with force.
It was clear that Ethan Black had chosen the most resilient, high-defense Pokémon as his targets, which explained why Lairon couldn't eliminate them immediately.
"This is bad! Those two teamed up!"
Seeing how, with perfect coordination, they had eliminated two consecutive teams, the other six teams' expressions changed drastically.
But by the time they realized it, it was already too late. From the moment Ethan Black and Lucas Silver decided to join forces, the rest's fate was sealed.
When Cubone and the other Lairon joined the battle, the situation became completely one-sided. It didn't take long before only the Pokémon from both teams remained on the field.
At the same time, more than a dozen roots were already stirring across the field, a sign that Cacnea's Root Domain was nearly complete.
But the two Lairon from the opposing team also shone with a metallic glow on their claws. Due to the constant use of Metal Claw, Steel-type energy had built up to the maximum, and their physical attack had risen several levels.
So, when weighing it up, it was difficult to truly say who had the advantage at that moment.
"It's the final battle! Let's go, Lairon, use Iron Head!"
Lucas Silver looked at Ethan Black on the other side of the field and smiled slightly, taking the lead with the command.
"Roots!"
Ethan Black also looked at Lucas Silver, and under his command, Cacnea unleashed the Roots attack, sending dozens of roots to entangle Lairon.
Wham!
Upon contact with Lairon, all the roots tightened to the limit, and the screech of friction was heard as Lairon's charging body came to a dead stop.
"Lairon, break free! Use Superpower!"
With a low roar, Lairon suddenly unleashed a powerful Fighting-type energy. Its strength increased overwhelmingly, and with a single step forward, it activated its full might.
Crack, crack!
Several snapping sounds were heard: Lairon was breaking the roots with sheer brute force!
"What terrifying strength!"
Ethan Black was shocked at such power. His eyes sharpened as he shouted: "Use the roots to absorb water and create a sand pit beneath its feet!"
Cacnea nodded instantly and activated its special way of using Ingrain, quickly drawing water from the ground.
In the brief moment Cacnea was distracted, Lairon pushed forward several more steps with raw strength.
But just as the sand pit formed beneath its feet, Lairon slipped, its legs sank, and it fell heavily to the ground.
"Good chance! Use Absorb!"
Ethan Black's face lit up with joy as he ordered Cacnea to act immediately.
"Not so fast! Use Shock Wave!"
Lucas Silver's command came almost at the same time.
The roots glowed green: Absorb's energy began flowing toward Lairon.
But just then, Lairon's body emitted an electric discharge, and the electricity surged through the roots, completely disintegrating the draining energy.
"Shock Wave!?"
Ethan Black was stunned to see the lightning coursing through the roots.
"Well done!" shouted Lucas Silver, fist clenched. "Lairon, keep going with Superpower! Break those roots and we win!"
Seeing Lairon once again tearing and ripping through the roots, Ethan Black could only order Cacnea to keep using Ingrain nonstop, making more roots grow to hold it in place.
But Lairon's claws and fangs were incredibly sharp, cutting through root after root. Cacnea couldn't fully withstand it.
And with each root broken, the situation tilted further against Ethan Black.
"That Lairon is so fierce!"
Ethan Black clenched his teeth and shifted his gaze to the other front of the battle.
There, Cubone was fighting fiercely against the other Lairon, brandishing its bone.
This Cubone, Sarah Anderson's, had surprisingly high speed. Its movements even left visual afterimages, making Lairon unable to keep up.
Moreover, this second Lairon was clearly inferior to Lucas Silver's. After taking several quadruple-effective hits, it began panting heavily.
Seeing this, Ethan Black's pupils contracted. He looked at Sarah Anderson.
She, with a very serious expression, upon seeing that Cubone had already gained complete control over the enemy, murmured three words: "Finish it."
Boom!
As soon as her words fell, Cubone leapt into the air and began spinning its bone violently.
With each spin, powerful Ground-type energy could be felt concentrating.
After five consecutive spins, the bone was completely covered by a brown energy—an overwhelming force surged from it!
(End of chapter)