"It seems the one challenging me this time will be this boy."
"Such a powerful Totem Sandslash isn't something you see every day. I'll have to take it seriously."
Connor Wolfe, the Fighting-type Elite of the Federal League, stroked his chin while showing a thoughtful expression.
And just as he had said, after Darkrai was defeated, Stefan completely lost the will to keep fighting.
Although Totem Sandslash, after defeating Darkrai, had been left without the strength to keep battling due to the great exhaustion, the Lucario Ethan sent out afterward still completed a sweep with great ease.
Thus, Ethan decisively defeated the Divine Envoy Stefan and won the championship of this edition of the Federal League's Pokémon League.
After that, the match for third and fourth place was held, while Ethan withdrew to begin preparing for the battle against Elite Connor.
"Congratulations, Ethan."
At the Pokémon Center, the ambassador of the Daleron League also congratulated him.
Beside the ambassador stood a middle-aged man.
He was Sebastian Pierce, one of the Elite-level Trainers of the Daleron League, specializing in Fire-type Pokémon.
"Your Sandslash is truly very strong. I'm sure the battle in a while will be very exciting."
At that moment, Sebastian was also looking at Ethan with appreciation.
Having such great power at such a young age meant that Ethan's future achievements would undoubtedly be immense.
It was certain that, in the coming years, there would be a place for Ethan among the Elite-level Trainers of the Daleron League.
"Then I'll accept your good wishes, Elite Sebastian."
Ethan replied with a smile, full of expectation.
Just then, the nurse at the Pokémon Center finished healing his Pokémon and returned them to Ethan.
...
On the battlefield, the match for third and fourth place was already entering its final stretch.
What was about to begin next was the closing ceremony of the Federal League's Pokémon League.
And within that ceremony, what everyone was naturally looking forward to the most was the battle between the tournament champion and an Elite-level Trainer.
"It's Elite Connor."
"We'll finally be able to see an Elite in action again. I'm really looking forward to it."
As soon as Connor stepped onto the stage, the spectators became excited.
"Yes, yes. And besides, this time the champion is a Trainer from another League. There's no need to hold back at all."
"I have the feeling this will be the fastest-ending Elite exhibition in history."
"Ah, if that's the case, it would really be a pity."
"Honestly, I'd rather see a battle between an Elite and a Divine Envoy."
The spectators commented among themselves, and some even joked, all with relaxed expressions.
In their way of seeing things, how could an Elite possibly lose?
"An Elite against a Divine Envoy?"
"Perhaps this time you'll see your wish fulfilled."
Naturally, Ethan had also heard the comments from the crowd, and he smiled.
When he stepped onto the battlefield, that indicated that the confrontation was about to begin.
"Then, let's begin."
After repeatedly greeting the audience, Connor looked at Ethan and spoke.
"Very well. Then, Elite Connor, please guide me well."
Ethan replied very politely. After all, he was abroad and could not afford to neglect his manners.
Connor nodded, took out a Poké Ball, and opened it. Hitmonchan's figure appeared on the field.
As a Fighting-type Pokémon, Hitmonchan could be said to be one of the undisputed favorites of Trainers specializing in that type.
"That's Elite Connor's Hitmonchan."
"It's one of his main Pokémon. It seems that, indeed, Elite Connor wants to settle this quickly."
Seeing Connor's choice, the spectators erupted into cheers.
"Hitmonchan? Then my Pokémon will be this."
Seeing that his opponent was Hitmonchan, Ethan narrowed his eyes, with a certain expectation.
When his Poké Ball opened, a Pokémon formed entirely of nuts and mercury appeared on the field.
"That Pokémon... it's neither that Lucario nor Sandslash!"
Seeing Melmetal on the field, the spectators were quite surprised.
They had thought that those two Pokémon were Ethan's aces, but now, facing an Elite, he had brought out another Pokémon.
"It looks a lot like that Meltan from before. It must be that Meltan's evolution."
"I didn't expect that Meltan, which was already so rare, to have an evolution."
"Back then, that Meltan was already incredibly strong. Now that it has evolved, it must be even more powerful."
Outside the field, Stefan looked at Melmetal, the same Meltan that had fought against him back then, and his expression turned serious.
"A Steel-type Pokémon?"
"Facing me, a Fighting-type Elite, and you still send out a Steel-type Pokémon. It seems you have a great deal of confidence in it."
Connor also smiled as he said that. Although he sensed that this Pokémon would not be simple at all, his expression remained relaxed.
"Both sides are ready. Now, let the battle begin!"
After receiving confirmation from both sides, the referee announced the start.
And since it was an exhibition match between an Elite and the tournament champion, the challenger, Ethan, still had the first turn.
"Melmetal, charge at him!"
As soon as it began, Ethan gave the order directly.
Dong, dong, dong!
Melmetal reacted and began running quickly.
Its weight, close to a ton, made the entire ground immediately begin to tremble.
"What a heavy body... Do you intend a frontal confrontation?"
"As a Fighting-type Elite, I would never fear close combat!"
Connor smiled broadly when he saw that.
Immediately afterward, Hitmonchan struck its two fists together and also rushed forward.
"Double Iron Bash!"
When both Pokémon drew close, Ethan gave the order.
Double Iron Bash is Melmetal's exclusive move.
By spinning around the nut on its chest and swinging its arms twice in succession to strike the opponent, it could unleash a powerful attack.
In an instant, Melmetal's mercurial body began spinning around itself as if twisting into a spiral.
In reality, Ethan had already focused a great deal on developing Meltan's mercury body when it was still in its previous form, so now using it was completely natural.
Fuuu, fuuu.
Melmetal's two fists spun like windmill blades, sweeping toward Hitmonchan.
Seeing it, Hitmonchan responded by using the great Fighting-type move, Focus Punch.
Boom!
In the center of the field, the attacks of both Pokémon collided!
Immediately, a terrifying gust rose in the arena.
And soon, under everyone's incredulous gazes, Hitmonchan's figure was sent flying through the air!
In that instant, everyone was literally stunned.
That was Elite Connor's Hitmonchan, a true Elite-level Pokémon!
And now, in the hands of that Pokémon called Melmetal, it had been sent flying with a single blow!
Furthermore, that had happened precisely in the field Elite Connor was best at: close combat. It really was something hard to believe.
"Good work, Melmetal!"
Seeing that, Ethan did not show too much surprise.
Although Hitmonchan was very strong, Melmetal also possessed Elite-level power!
(End of chapter)