Azure flames!
"Blue flames? This color change occurs only when the flame reaches an incredibly high temperature. Has Ash's Infernape's power increased to such an extent after evolving?! However, Flare Blitz is a move that inflicts a thousand damage to the enemy and three hundred to itself. Even if Infernape hits the opponent, can it withstand the recoil of Flare Blitz?!"
The unexpected evolution of Infernape left the host stunned for a moment, but his professionalism quickly brought him back to continue the commentary.
Although Infernape's evolution was quite surprising, his perspective was the same as Paul's. Mere evolution is not enough to turn the tide, not to mention Infernape used Flare Blitz, a move that makes it unnecessary for Magmortar to attack; Infernape would already be down.
Blazing flames descended on Infernape in a 'fire blast' pattern. Covered in azure flames, Infernape pushed off fiercely, rocketing upward like a launched firework.
Even though Fire Blast was fast, Infernape was evidently faster with the boost from Flare Blitz, skimming past the tip of Infernape's toe.
After dodging Fire Blast, Infernape brought its hands to its waist in midair, plunging down like a bursting bullet; the azure flames trailed behind it, forming a dazzling tail. In the blink of an eye, Infernape was face-to-face with Magmortar.
"Use Fire Punch!" Even though Infernape had no chance of surviving the recoil from Flare Blitz at one hundred percent, Paul couldn't just watch Magmortar get hit by its Flare Blitz.
The opponent falling is their business, but if Magmortar's stamina is heavily reduced as a result, it would still be a loss on his side.
Crimson flames burned on Magmortar's arm cannon, making it more like a flaming gun than a Fire Punch.
Infernape plummeted like a meteor, and Magmortar's fist met it.
"Boom!!"
In a deafening explosion, crimson and azure flames collided and intertwined, transforming into a heatwave whirlwind that engulfed the arena. The sweeping heatwave, like an invisible giant hand, struck towards the stands.
Even though a barrier blocked the spread of shockwaves, the spectators in the front rows could vaguely feel heat passing through the protection.
At the center of the field, the fiery shockwave exploded from the collision point, the ground cracking with web-like patterns spreading, the air filled with the acrid smell of burning, and thick smoke unfurling in the center of the arena.
Paul remained calm, like an untroubled sea, as if the battle had nothing to do with him. Unless something particularly shocking occurred, Paul usually maintained a poker face.
On the other side, Ash clenched his fists, showing a hint of agony on his face.
The smoke and dust on the field slowly dissipated, and Magmortar stayed in a punching posture, while Infernape had already passed Magmortar, standing behind it. The flames on its body had vanished, and there were traces of electric-like currents running around its body.
This was the backlash effect from Flare Blitz's recoil, manifesting as electrical damage.
"Thud!" Infernape knelt on one knee to the ground, its body finally leaning forward, completely collapsing as if it had lost its combat ability, while Magmortar turned around with a cold expression, as if the Flare Blitz had not affected it.
"Still can't do it... the gap in power remains too great. If Infernape had another month..." Brock sighed, a hint of dissatisfaction in his words on behalf of Ash.
Ash had always been a miracle worker, yet this time, it seemed miracles weren't on his side. When Monferno evolved into Infernape, even knowing it couldn't be done, many still believed Ash might pull off another miracle, including Brock and the others.
After all, Ash's miracles weren't just once or twice.
But as Infernape fell, it proved Ash's miracle-working was at an end. This didn't negate Ash and Infernape's impressive performance in this match, but some were still somewhat disappointed, because it's Ash!
"Infernape is out of the fight..."
"Woah..." Just as the referee was about to declare the result, a faint voice came from the field, even changing Paul's usually unshakable expression.
Took a Fire Punch, plus the recoil from Flare Blitz, and it's still standing up? What a joke?!
"That's right, this difficulty cannot defeat us. As long as we hold the thought of battle, we will not fall here. Stand up, Infernape!!" Ash straightened his hunched body and shouted loudly.
Infernape supported itself on the ground with both hands, slowly standing up bit by bit. Finally, it stood on both feet, its determined eyes fixed firmly on Magmortar, filled with an unyielding spirit.
It stood up!
The result was so shocking that neither Paul nor Magmortar seized the opportunity to attack Infernape, with disbelief in Magmortar's eyes as well.
It seemed to understand why Paul had expectations for Chimchar, setting aside power and talent; in terms of will, Infernape was practically unmatched.
With this will, regardless of what's done, Infernape could succeed—it was just a matter of time. At least in a swapped situation, Magmortar believed it could never stand up like Infernape.
"Ohhhh!!" As Infernape stood, an overwhelming cheer echoed through the arena, but Brock and the others didn't look much better, because even with Infernape standing up, the situation hadn't changed.
Now, Infernape's stamina was still like a flickering candle in the wind, arguably worse than before—truly a fleeting candle, like it could fall with just a puff of air.
Now Ash's only option seemed to be recalling Infernape to its Pokeball to prevent it from losing its combat ability.
If Infernape could rest in the Pokeball for a bit, it might regain some combat capacity, possibly appearing again later.
But would Ash and Infernape agree?
This battle was not just Infernape proving itself but also a showdown between him and Paul's Fire Type ace, staking the dignity of Fire Type Pokemon, Infernape wouldn't back down.
Just as Brock and the others guessed, neither Ash nor Infernape had any intention of retreating.
Infernape's eyes glowed fiercely, contradictory to its physical condition, not believing it would lose.
"That's the spirit, Infernape. Use Flare Blitz once more!" Ash shouted joyfully, choosing to have Infernape use Flare Blitz again!
This bewildered not just Paul, but even the Elite Four couldn't understand it. In such a state, let alone using Flare Blitz, even using Ember was questionable; the recoil from Flare Blitz wasn't even worth discussing, because using Flare Blitz assumes you can execute it!
With such stamina, how could it use Flare Blitz? Just because Ash was loud?
"Boom!!" The blazing flames engulfed Infernape, the azure fire rising, rendering the entire venue silent.
Damn, you actually used it!
No, are you really in a candle-in-the-wind state?!