Dragonair was currently unable to move at all, making it nothing more than a sitting duck. Without any defense, it was struck directly by the Aurora Beam.
"Fuuu!"
After a shrill scream, Dragonair fell backward onto the ground. The earth shook, and it moved no more.
"Dragonair!" Shino cried out in panic, but it remained completely unresponsive.
A few seconds later, Shino composed herself, recalled Dragonair, and released her third Pokémon. Below the stage, Eichi wore a look that said just as I expected, while a slight smirk appeared on Sato's lips.
Everyone felt that Konan was incredibly strong; she had managed to win even against a formidable opponent like Dragonair. Although Shino still had one Pokémon left, Eichi knew Konan had essentially a 70% chance of winning. It would be very difficult for Shino to turn things around now.
Numerous cracks had spread across Cloyster's shell, but it was still capable of fighting. Shino sent out her third Pokémon, Poliwrath.
Eichi observed that this Poliwrath was also at the Experienced Mid rank. Notably, its Fighting-type moves would deal double damage against Cloyster.
As soon as the battle began, Poliwrath launched an attack, closing in on Cloyster rapidly. Konan didn't panic at all; she ordered Cloyster to use Icicle Crash, causing massive pillars of ice to materialize in the air and slam down toward Poliwrath.
Poliwrath didn't dodge. It braced its arms and caught the falling ice pillars head-on. Its muscles bulged, looking exceptionally sturdy. It then swung the ice pillar with immense force, hurling it back at Cloyster.
Konan had Cloyster use Spike Cannon, condensing countless ice shards to shatter the oncoming pillar before refocusing them into needles that shot toward Poliwrath. Poliwrath couldn't withstand the barrage and was sent flying by the impact of the numerous ice needles.
Seizing the momentum, Konan pressed the attack with Water Pulse. A pillar of water struck Poliwrath, but the Pokémon didn't cry out in pain. Instead, it seemed to enjoy the impact of the water. Eichi's expression froze for a moment.
Is that the Water Absorb ability?
Konan was also surprised and had Cloyster use Hydro Pump. However, just like before, it had no effect on Poliwrath. On the contrary, the injuries on Poliwrath's body began to heal. Konan realized this was a special ability of Poliwrath that allowed it to recover by absorbing Water-type moves.
Once recovered, Poliwrath resumed its assault on Cloyster. It closed the distance quickly and used Double Slap. Cloyster immediately withdrew into its shell. The slaps rained down on the casing, adding several more cracks to the surface.
Seeing it was working, Poliwrath continued using Double Slap. As the cracks multiplied, Cloyster couldn't risk poking its head out, or it would fall even faster. Cloyster was in a precarious position; if this continued, its shell would eventually give way.
Yet, Konan remained unfazed. Suddenly, a spherical light screen appeared around Cloyster.
Protect!
Poliwrath's attack struck the barrier. Cloyster took this opportunity to poke its head out and fire a Hydro Pump at the ground, using the recoil to blast itself back a significant distance. The light screen vanished, and Poliwrath immediately gave chase.
Cloyster began to show its true power, firing off several Aurora Beam shots. Poliwrath dodged left and right while trying to close in again, but Cloyster gave it no openings, saturating the area with Ice-type moves.
After three minutes of intense combat, both Cloyster and Poliwrath were severely injured. However, Cloyster proved to be slightly superior. Konan found an opening and ordered Cloyster to use Spike Cannon.
Countless ice needles shot toward Poliwrath. This time, luck was on their side; they struck Poliwrath's weak point, instantly knocking it out of the fight. Poliwrath could no longer hold on and collapsed to the ground.
The referee made the call: Poliwrath was unable to battle; Cloyster won.
Konan had secured another victory for Silver Academy. The score was now 3-4; only two more wins were needed to take the lead. Shino silently recalled her Poliwrath and left the field, returning to her seat without a word. Even as others tried to comfort her, she remained silent.
On the other side, Konan calmly recalled Cloyster and took her seat. Though both girls were equally silent, their results were worlds apart.
Sato stood up; it was his turn. Before he left, Eichi said, "Don't lose."
"Hmph," Sato replied.
With that, he walked onto the field, taking slow, deliberate steps. Across from him, the boy sitting next to Asen stood up with a determined expression. His classmates cheered for him, and he nodded before heading out.
Not far away, Akemi finally perked up. She paid very close attention to her younger brother's matches.
Sato's opponent was named Mizuki. He was sturdily built with a square face, short-cropped hair, and orange-red locks. The two locked eyes. Though Sato was arrogant and cold, he never underestimated any opponent.
At the referee's signal, both sides released their Pokémon. Two figures emerged amidst flashes of white light.
"Roar!"
"Kar-meh!"
Mizuki released a Blastoise, while Sato sent out his Charizard.
Eichi smiled; this was going to be interesting. Both Pokémon were Kanto starters. Using his Eye of the Bug Emperor, he saw that both possessed Outstanding talent grades and were at the Elite rank. However, since Blastoise had a type advantage over Charizard, winning would be difficult for Sato.
Sato's expression didn't change at all. Even if the typing is unfavorable, so what? I will show my sister how much I've improved, he thought.
"Battle begin!"
"Charizard, take to the sky!"
"Roar!"
Charizard beat its wings, kicking up a gust of wind as it ascended.
"Blastoise, use Hydro Pump and knock him down!"
"Kar-meh!"
Blastoise focused its gaze and aimed at Charizard. The two cannons on its back instantly gathered energy, firing a pillar of water toward the sky. Charizard tilted its body slightly, cleanly dodging the Hydro Pump.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Sato's lips. Charizard's ability to dodge that attack was thanks to Sato's recent training. After his battle with Eichi, Sato had reflected on his style—previously, he had always relied on direct, frontal assaults. Given his background, his Pokémon were naturally well-bred, and brute force had always worked, causing him to neglect other areas of training.
That changed after Eichi gave him a reality check. His Charizard had lost in a head-on clash, so he turned his focus toward speed training. Now, he was finally seeing the results.
"Charizard, Flamethrower!"
After dodging the water, Charizard unleashed a pillar of fire toward Blastoise. Blastoise couldn't dodge in time and took the hit. The scorching flames washed over it, making it roar in pain. Even if a type is resistant, a move with enough power will still inflict massive damage.