Out of curiosity, Aaron pulled up Dragapult's attribute panel.
[Name: Dragapult]
[Gender: Male]
[Nature: Naughty]
[Type: Ghost/Dragon]
[Ability: Clear Body]
[Base Stats Total: 600]
[Level: Gym (Mid Stage)]
[Potential: Champion]
[Known Moves: Phantom Force (Apotheosis), Dragon Dance (Perfect), Dragon Rush (Perfect), Quick Attack (Master), Dragon Darts (Master), Assurance (Master), Agility (Master), Dragon Breath (Master), Double Team (Master), Acrobatics (Proficient), Dragon Pulse (Proficient), Thunderbolt (Proficient), Flamethrower (Proficient)...]
[Description: Dragapult, the Stealth Pokémon and the evolved form of Drakloak. It allows Dreepy to live inside the cavities in its horns and can launch them like missiles during battle.]
...
Aaron's eyes narrowed slightly.
Not only did this Dragapult have Champion-level potential and mid-stage Gym-level strength, it had even mastered an Apotheosis-level move.
By any standard, it was an exceptional Pokémon.
Aaron could not help taking another look at the boy in the black hat.
His opponent was a blond-haired student using a Blaziken.
And not just any Blaziken.
It had the Speed Boost Ability.
"Heh... this one should actually be worth watching."
One of the students nearby leaned forward.
"Do you guys know who Dorian's opponent is?"
"Who? Is he famous too?"
"He's ranked fifteenth on the Hidden Dragon Rankings. He's seriously strong."
The student grinned.
"Now this should be a good fight."
"Nice. I've gotta see this."
"I still think Dorian has the better odds."
"Obviously. He's the Ghost Champion's grandson. There's no way he's lacking resources."
"Yeah, probably."
"Quiet. It's starting."
...
The spectators around Aaron were already getting into the match.
Down on Field 3, both Trainers were ready.
"Blaziken! Blaze Kick!"
The blond boy gave the command with obvious excitement.
"Blazi-ken!"
Flames burst to life around Blaziken's leg.
It lunged forward and swung the burning limb straight at Dragapult.
Dorian lowered the brim of his hat slightly.
"Dragapult. Agility."
"Dra-pult!"
A purple glow flashed across Dragapult's body.
In the next instant, it blurred out of the way.
Blaziken's kick missed completely.
BOOM!
Its flaming leg smashed into the ground instead, blasting open a crater and sending chunks of rubble flying.
The power behind the attack was no joke.
Dorian barely reacted.
"Dragapult. Dragon Darts."
"Dra-pult!"
The two Dreepy nestled inside Dragapult's horns shot forward like missiles.
They streaked straight toward Blaziken.
The blond boy's expression changed.
"Blaziken, move!"
Too late.
BOOM! BOOM!
"Blazi-ken!"
Both Dreepy slammed into Blaziken's back.
Two explosions erupted almost simultaneously, sending it flying across the field.
It hit the ground hard and skidded several meters before stopping.
Blackened scorch marks covered part of its body.
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
Dragon Darts packed quite a punch.
The blond boy clenched his fists.
"Stay with me, Blaziken!"
Blaziken pushed itself back up.
This was already the second exchange.
And thanks to Speed Boost, its speed was climbing with every passing moment.
The blond Trainer knew it.
He still had a chance.
"Dragapult. Dragon Darts again."
Dorian's tone remained perfectly calm.
"Dra-pult!"
The two Dreepy launched from its horns once more.
"Blaziken, dodge!"
"Then use Flame Charge!"
The blond boy's expression sharpened.
"Blazi-ken!"
Blaziken moved.
This time, it was noticeably faster.
It slipped past the first Dreepy.
Then the second.
Both Dragon Darts missed.
The instant Blaziken cleared them, flames exploded around its body.
Whoosh!
Wrapped in fire, it charged straight toward Dragapult.
Flame Charge pushed its speed even higher.
"Blazi-ken!"
Blaziken crashed into Dragapult head-on.
BOOM!
The impact sent Dragapult sliding several meters across the field.
A few scorched marks appeared along its body.
The blond boy immediately broke into a grin.
"Beautiful, Blaziken!"
For the first time, Dorian's gaze sharpened.
He lowered the brim of his hat.
"Dragapult."
His voice turned cold.
"Enough playing around."
"Finish it."
"Agility into Quick Attack."
"Then Dragon Rush."
...