The explosion expanded, sending shockwaves in all directions and forming a powerful blast of air. Having predicted Golem's charge, Gu Yuan had already ordered Alakazam to prepare its evasion. Consequently, at the moment of the blast, Alakazam used Teleport to escape the center of the explosion and deployed its psychic power as a shield to block the remaining impact.
Relying on his memory of Golem's position, Zeta recalled it into its Poké Ball and immediately sent out his second Pokémon.
"Kingdra, Rain Dance!"
From the beginning, Zeta had treated Golem as a sacrificial piece. Regardless of the opponent, he intended for Golem to use Explosion to force a double knockout or, failing that, to buy enough time for Kingdra to set up Rain Dance. This would trigger Kingdra's Swift Swim ability.
"Alakazam, Skill Swap!"
Almost the instant Kingdra successfully executed Rain Dance, Alakazam used Teleport to appear by its side. Skill Swap activated, changing Kingdra's ability to Inner Focus, while Alakazam gained Swift Swim.
"Alakazam, Triple Psychic!"
As the raindrops began to fall, Alakazam felt its move execution speed double. With a wave of its spoons, a Psychic blast surged forward.
"Kingdra, Hydro Pump!"
Supplying no time for shock, Zeta ordered Kingdra to block the assault. The Psychic wave collided with the Hydro Pump, shattering the water into a mist and neutralizing the psychic energy. However, a second Psychic blast immediately followed.
In the chaos, Kingdra only had time to use Water Pulse, which was insufficient to stop the psychic impact. Intense pain radiated through its body, yet Kingdra refused to give up, bracing itself for the third blast. But under the effects of Swift Swim, Alakazam was far too fast. The final Psychic strike slammed into Kingdra, sending it flying.
"Alakazam, use Nasty Plot after you've caught your breath."
Having blasted Kingdra away, Alakazam also needed a moment to regulate its energy. Zeta used this opening to have Kingdra struggle back to its feet. Even without Swift Swim, the power of Water-type moves is increased in the rain; this was Zeta's final chance.
"Kingdra, charge with Surf!"
As Kingdra moved, a glint of cunning flashed in Alakazam's eyes.
"Alakazam, fly into the air with psychic power and use Psychic to press it down!"
At Gu Yuan's command, Alakazam surged into the sky. Boosted by two uses of Nasty Plot, the Psychic attack felt like the heavy footfall of a giant elephant, instantly crushing the Surf wave.
Kingdra quickly dodged to the side and fired a Hydro Pump like a sharp arrow toward the airborne Alakazam.
"Ally Switch, Disable, then Psychic!"
A string of commands rang out. Gu Yuan trusted Alakazam to understand the sequence without detailed instruction. Psychic power expanded, and just before the Hydro Pump hit, Kingdra found itself swapped into Alakazam's position.
Despite the sudden swap, Kingdra didn't panic. It used Bubble Beam at maximum speed, using the recoil to dodge the incoming Hydro Pump. Just as Zeta was about to order Agility to turn the tide with speed, Alakazam's Disable hit Kingdra.
A five-pointed star appeared on Kingdra's forehead, temporarily sealing Bubble Beam. Although it failed to seal Hydro Pump, Gu Yuan only needed the momentary paralysis caused by the move.
Using Teleport, Alakazam appeared above Kingdra and unleashed Psychic, slamming the opponent into the ground. Alakazam then extended its psychic energy like venomous snakes, binding Kingdra and using it like a massive hammer to smash repeatedly against the floor.
The repeated impacts caused such agony that Kingdra could not gather enough energy to retaliate. Zeta pulled out Kingdra's Poké Ball, desperately trying to recall it for a rest before re-entering later, but Alakazam gave him no such opportunity. Under the control of Confusion, the dazed Kingdra was moved so fluidly that it continuously dodged the recall beam while being slammed into the dirt.
Only after confirming Kingdra was unable to battle did Alakazam release its restraint, allowing Zeta to recall it.
"Go, Raichu! Agility!"
The final Poké Ball opened. Zeta was determined to defeat Alakazam at any cost. To be swept 3-0 would be far too humiliating.
"Alakazam, Recover."
Ignoring Raichu's attempt to boost its speed, Gu Yuan had Alakazam prioritize its own health. Recover restored half of its maximum health, making it an even more formidable restoration move than Slack Off.
"Raichu, Thunder!"
In the rain, Thunder has a perfect hit rate. As the thick pillar of lightning fell, Alakazam calmly used Ally Switch. With its stamina replenished, Alakazam had all the time in the world to wear Raichu down.
"Raichu, Agility!"
"Alakazam, Teleport, then Psychic!"
Hearing Zeta's command, Raichu didn't panic, instead using its incredible speed to dodge. However, before it could relax, Alakazam suddenly appeared right in front of its eyes. A Psychic blast sent Raichu flying, straight into the path of the lingering Thunder currents.
Relentless, Gu Yuan immediately ordered Triple Psychic.
"Wake up, Raichu! Use Thunder and then Protect!"
Seeing Alakazam prepare to follow up, Zeta shouted his commands, but the intense pain slowed Raichu's reaction time significantly. Just as the electricity began to gather, Alakazam's assault reached it. In the next second, Raichu's mind went blank as it was slammed into the ground.
Bang! Bang!
Two heavy impacts followed, blasting a giant crater where Raichu lay. In the center of the pit, Raichu was unconscious.
"The match is over! The winner is Gu Yuan!"
The referee's voice signaled the end of the fifth round.
"Unbelievable! Contestant Gu Yuan has won with yet another clean sweep, successfully advancing to the top eight!"
"I cannot wait to see what kind of brilliant performance Gu Yuan will bring us in the upcoming six-on-six battles!"
As the announcer's voice ignited the atmosphere of the stadium, Gu Yuan remained calm. He gave a respectful nod to Zeta and slowly walked off the field.