A flash of red light streaked across the battlefield, and a powerfully built Swampert appeared.
"Swampert?"
So it was this one. That made perfect sense. As a Water-type Gym Leader of the Hoenn region, how could Juan possibly not have one of the most iconic Water-type Pokémon of Hoenn?
Juan did not say anything further. Instead, he raised the Mega Evolution bracelet on his wrist. The Key Stone embedded within it and the Mega Stone on Swampert's forehead simultaneously burst into dazzling light.
"Swampert, Mega Evolve!"
The brilliant light of evolution enveloped Swampert's body. Within the glow, its form rapidly changed. Its originally well-proportioned physique began to expand dramatically, especially its upper body, which seemed to inflate as if filled with power.
Its muscles bulged outward, its arms became extraordinarily thick, and deep blue patterns emerged across its skin, resembling surging currents of water flowing within.
When the light faded, the evolved Mega Swampert stood firmly on the field. Its upper body now made up nearly two-thirds of its entire mass, every muscle packed with explosive strength, while its gaze had grown sharper and more intimidating.
Theo's system panel immediately displayed its information:
[Pokémon: Mega Swampert]
Type: Water / Ground
Category: Mud Fish Pokémon
Ability: Swift Swim (Greatly increases speed in rainy conditions)
Moves: Rain Dance, Waterfall, Earthquake, Hydro Pump, Surf, Ice Punch, Rock Slide, Rock Smash, Hammer Arm, Brick Break, Bulk Up, Liquidation, Outrage…
From Juan's earlier explanation, Theo already knew that this Swampert was considered part of Juan's second-tier team.
With the growing popularity of Contests, Juan had begun exploring a new path as a Coordinator. He wanted to see whether Pokémon that excelled in battle could also shine brilliantly in Contest performances.
Because of this, he had raised quite a number of Water-type Pokémon, including Blastoise, Feraligatr, and Gyarados.
"I see."
Theo suddenly understood.
Even if this Swampert was not one of Juan's main Pokémon, its move pool was extremely rich, especially with powerful techniques like Liquidation and Outrage.
Combined with its current Mega Evolution, its strength was already not inferior to Juan's primary team.
"Your turn, Metagross."
Theo raised his Mega Evolution bracelet.
"Mega Evolve!"
A deep humming sound resonated as Metagross erupted with dazzling white light, once again revealing its eight-limbed Mega form from the previous battle in Mossdeep City.
The evolved Mega Metagross floated in midair, its four massive claws crossed before it as its gaze locked firmly onto Mega Swampert, its fighting spirit surging.
"Let us begin! Swampert, use Rain Dance!"
Juan made the first move.
Mega Swampert raised its head and let out a roar, then slammed both hands heavily onto the ground.
In an instant, dark clouds gathered above the battlefield. A light drizzle began to fall, quickly intensifying into a torrential downpour.
As the rain poured over Mega Swampert's body, a faint blue glow spread across its surface. Its ability Swift Swim had been activated under the rain!
"Metagross, use Magnet Rise!"
Theo immediately issued his command.
Electric light flickered around Mega Metagross, currents weaving into an invisible net that lifted its body even higher, allowing it to float completely above the ground.
This time, Magnet Rise was essential.
Swampert possessed the Ground type, and Ground-type moves had a natural advantage over Steel-type Metagross. Although Metagross could hover using psychic power, in close combat, if it were forced into contact with the ground, Swampert could easily follow up with a Ground-type attack.
That would undoubtedly deal significant damage.
However, Magnet Rise allowed Metagross to become completely immune to Ground-type moves, effectively adding an extra layer of protection.
As for the rainy battlefield, if this Swampert had been one of Juan's main Pokémon, Theo would have used Sunny Day or Sandstorm to regain the advantage.
But this Swampert was only part of Juan's second-tier team. From what Larvesta had sensed, the energy fluctuations within it were roughly on par with Metagross.
Since that was the case, Theo wanted to take this opportunity to engage in a true head-on battle.
It was rare for Metagross to encounter an evenly matched opponent, and since Swampert was also a close-combat-oriented Pokémon, it was the perfect chance for Metagross to fully enjoy the thrill of battle.
As for whether he might lose, that possibility had never crossed Theo's mind.
With Magnet Rise granting immunity to Ground-type attacks, and with the defense (Iron) and special defense (Zinc) vitamins produced by the system, Theo only hoped that Swampert could endure a little longer so that Metagross could fight to its heart's content.
Juan's pupils shrank slightly as he observed the electric glow surrounding Mega Metagross.
He had not expected Theo's response to be so decisive, immediately neutralizing Swampert's Ground-type advantage with Magnet Rise.
However, his expression remained calm as he issued his next command.
"Swampert, use Waterfall!"
"SWAMP!"
Mega Swampert straightened its body, its powerful hind legs stomping rapidly against the ground, sending water splashing in all directions.
Blue energy surged across its body as water gathered around it, forming a spiraling curtain like a surging waterfall. With unstoppable momentum, it charged straight toward the airborne Mega Metagross.
"Metagross, Meteor Mash!"
Theo responded without hesitation.
Mega Metagross's right claw flared with brilliant white light, shining like a blazing meteor. With a sharp, tearing sound that cut through the air, it surged forward to meet the oncoming Mega Swampert.
In that moment, it was as if two visions appeared simultaneously on the battlefield.
One was a cascading waterfall, roaring downward with overwhelming force.
The other was a meteor streaking across the night sky, radiating destructive brilliance.
Boom!
The two attacks collided violently. Water and light clashed with explosive force, producing a deafening roar.
Water sprayed in all directions as the white light shattered, kicking up waves of mist and dust.
Within the swirling haze, one figure staggered backward. It was Mega Swampert.
The impact of Meteor Mash forced it to retreat repeatedly, its thick arms dragging across the ground and carving deep grooves before it could finally stabilize itself.
Meanwhile, Mega Metagross merely trembled slightly in the air before regaining its balance.
"So it has already fallen into a disadvantage… as expected of an offspring of Steven's Metagross…"
Juan murmured softly. Yet there was no surprise in his eyes, only a growing sense of anticipation.
"Swampert, use Bulk Up!"
Mega Swampert took a deep breath, and its already massive muscles swelled even further. Its body expanded once again, its height increasing by nearly half a meter.
Every muscle tightened, radiating an even more terrifying pressure. Its Attack and Defense were significantly enhanced under the effect of Bulk Up.
"Metagross, Iron Defense!"
Theo chose to strengthen his side as well.
(End of Chapter)