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"Sha—!!"
With a sharp cry, Scizor's magnificent body—gleaming like polished agate and glass—appeared on the battlefield. In the gradually dimming evening light, it was like a brilliant beacon, giving off an almost sacred presence.
Ding!
As Scizor entered the field, another Pokémon icon appeared beneath Liam's photo on the stadium's big screen, lining up in a slight arc behind Steelix's icon. At the same time, Steelix's icon had already dimmed, indicating it had been defeated.
"Dazzling! Gorgeous! Absolutely radiant! Mr. Liam has sent out Scizor! This is practically a living work of art—so beautiful it makes your heart race!"
Clearly, Scizor's striking appearance captured everyone's attention instantly. Countless spectators fixed their eyes on it, praise pouring in from all directions.
"Sha…"
But Scizor clearly disliked this kind of atmosphere. Somewhat aloof by nature, it preferred quiet and calm far more than noisy admiration.
"So this time it's Scizor and Steelix… Scizor, Steelix… Big Bro Axu, could it be that Senior Liam is like me? A Steel-type trainer too?"
Steven watched as Liam sent out his second Steel-type Pokémon and turned to Axu with a puzzled look—one that also carried a hint of displeasure.
Steven's first Pokémon had been a Shiny Metang, which had originally been a Beldum when he obtained it.
He was deeply fascinated by the texture and feel of steel—simply put, Steven liked hard things. Because of that, he had captured several Steel-type Pokémon during his travels. Seeing someone overlap with his preferred type naturally made him unhappy.
"Uh… not really," Axu replied after thinking for a moment.
"I know a bit about Senior Liam's team. If compared strictly, he feels more like a Ground- or Rock-type trainer. Steel-types only make up a small part of his lineup."
"Then that Steelix just now—and this Scizor—aren't even his strongest Pokémon?!"
Steven's eyes widened in disbelief, his voice filled with shock.
"Ahem—though I'd love to keep admiring it, there's something more important right now! Since Mr. Liam has sent out Scizor, the battle must continue! I now declare—Scizor versus Umbreon! The match resumes!"
The commentator, remembering his duties at last, reluctantly tore his gaze away from Scizor, grabbed the microphone, and loudly announced the continuation of the battle.
"Umbreon! Use Confuse Ray again!"
Using Confuse Ray to disrupt the opponent was a very effective tactic—and it had worked clearly just moments ago. So as soon as the battle restarted, Yasha once again ordered Umbreon to attack!
"Umbreon!!"
At the command, Umbreon's crimson eyes were instantly enveloped in black light. A moment later, Confuse Ray shot out like a bolt of dark lightning, racing straight toward Scizor!
But this wasn't the same situation as before.
Yasha's idea was sound—but Umbreon's opponent was no longer the slow Steelix. Standing before it now was Scizor, known as the Red Lightning!
"Scizor! Use Agility!"
"Sha!!"
At Liam's shout, Scizor vanished from its spot in an instant, effortlessly dodging Confuse Ray. In the very next moment, its radiant body transformed into a streak of gold-red light, dragging a long luminous trail behind it as it charged toward Umbreon at extreme speed!
"What?! So fast! Umbreon—use Double Team!"
"Umbreon!!"
Scizor's speed shocked Yasha. Reacting instantly, he ordered Umbreon to create clones!
Umbreon let out a low growl, and in the next second, numerous shadowy copies appeared across the field!
"Don't worry about them, Scizor! Take them all out in one go—use Bullet Punch!"
"Sha!!"
Charging at full speed, Scizor showed no hesitation despite the sea of clones ahead. Its massive pincers glowed silver as it tore through the illusions like a whirlwind!
The moment it stopped moving—every shadow shattered at once, and the lone real Umbreon was sent flying with a cry of pain, tumbling across the ground!
"Umbreon… breon!!"
However, Scizor's attack lacked a bit of power. Bullet Punch was fast, but its damage was limited. Umbreon gritted its teeth and forced itself back to its feet, crimson eyes locked firmly onto Scizor.
"It's too fast! Umbreon—use Dark Pulse!"
Scizor's speed rattled Yasha, and he no longer dared let Umbreon fight up close, immediately switching to a ranged attack!
"Umbreon!"
Ignoring the pain, Umbreon opened its mouth and fired off a wave of dark energy!
But even Dark Pulse failed to faze Scizor. With a slight tilt of its body, it dodged cleanly. Its figure blurred—and in the next instant, it had already reappeared right beside Umbreon!
"Scizor! Use X-Scissor!"
"Sha!!"
The moment Scizor closed in, Liam's command rang out. Scizor crossed its arms, its pincers glowing bright green, and struck Umbreon head-on with a devastating blow!
Boom!
Umbreon was launched through the air, slamming into a nearby rock. The impact shattered the stone into fragments, burying Umbreon beneath the debris.
"Umbreon is unable to battle! Mr. Liam's Scizor wins!"
Umbreon did not emerge from the rubble. After a brief pause to confirm its condition, the commentator announced the result—his voice tinged with reluctance.
"Come back, Umbreon. You did great. You really are my best partner."
Yasha smiled as he recalled Umbreon, gently pressing the PokeBall to his forehead as he spoke soothingly.
"The Champion's Pokémon really are impressive. Still, I'm satisfied—I managed to take down one. That's it for me. Next up is Mr. Ginko, and he's no joke. Champion, take care of yourself—I'll be heading out."
Seemingly content with his performance, Yasha waved casually, gave Liam a reminder, and turned to leave.
As Yasha exited, a silver-haired middle-aged man slowly emerged from the competitor's tunnel. Silver fireworks erupted behind him as he walked onto the command platform with steady, calm steps.
"Long time no see, Mr. Ginko."
Liam had a good impression of Ginko and greeted him first.
Ginko, however, looked thoroughly bothered. Scratching his silver hair, he replied in an annoyed tone, "Yeah, it's been a while. Such a hassle… honestly, I didn't even want to come. But the old man insisted, so I had to show some respect. Let's just fight casually—no need to get too serious."
Liam: "…"
Commentator: "…"
Audience: "…"
The old man watching from a certain room: "…"