"This battle will follow a one-on-one format. Both sides are only allowed to use a Dragonite," Blaine announced, glancing at the two trainers for confirmation. After seeing them nod, he continued, "The battle will end when one side surrenders or when their Pokémon loses the ability to fight."
This match was the result of Lance's persistent insistence. He had long been unable to hold back his curiosity and wanted to personally experience just how much stronger Dragonite became after undergoing Mega Evolution.
Silas found it hard to refuse, and decided to treat it as a way to work off his meal.
The two stood facing each other in the open field, their respective Dragonite appearing before them.
There was no need to elaborate on Lance's strength. He was the champion of the first World Coronation Series. Although he currently held the position of an Elite Four member, his true strength had long reached the Champion level.
Sometimes one could not help but marvel at how talented trainers from Kanto were. With Lance's ability, he could easily become Champion in almost any other region.
Yet in Kanto, things were different. Among the Elite Four, there was Lorelei, the Ice-type master; Agatha, who was nominally a Ghost-type user but in reality specialized in both Ghost and Poison types; and Bruno, the Fighting-type master who was practically a human Pokémon himself.
Among them, Bruno might appear slightly weaker on paper, but even so, defeating all three in succession was extremely difficult. Lance had failed several times already.
Recently, he had even considered returning to Johto, his homeland, and simply becoming Champion there.
"Silas, let your Dragonite fight with everything it has. Let me witness the power of Mega Dragonite," Lance said, flicking his cape as he spoke with confidence and passion.
"Alright," Silas replied. He also wanted to compare Mega Dragonite with a normal one, and this was the perfect opportunity.
The Key Stone on his wrist emitted a brilliant glow. Silas and Dragonite connected through the resonance between the Key Stone and Mega Stone.
A deep roar echoed.
Moments later, Mega Dragonite appeared on the battlefield.
"What overwhelming power. So this is Mega Dragonite, the strongest Dragon-type Pokémon."
Lance's tone was filled with excitement and admiration, but then his expression shifted. "Now let it see our strength as well."
He raised his hand, and a special power flowed into his Dragonite.
"Viridian Power… how fascinating."
Silas recognized it instantly. Among the rare abilities humans could possess in the Pokémon world, Viridian Power and Aura were among the most notable.
In Silas's understanding, Viridian Power was usually more focused on healing and support. However, judging from Lance's use of it, he had clearly developed it into something applicable in battle.
That made things far more interesting.
Silas raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharpening. "Dragonite, use Dragon Breath!"
"Dragonite, use Extreme Speed and close the distance!"
The two commands were issued at the same time, showcasing completely different battle styles.
"Draaa!"
Mega Dragonite's Dragon-type energy surged, and a purple-red draconic breath shot out from its mouth.
Meanwhile, Lance's Dragonite, empowered by Viridian Power, transformed into a streak of golden lightning, advancing at incredible speed.
But the target of Dragon Breath was not where Dragonite currently was. It was aimed at where it would appear next.
The purple-red energy engulfed its landing point, distorting the air with intense heat.
Lance's pupils shrank slightly in surprise, but he quickly regained confidence. "Tear through it!"
"DRAA!"
In battle, disadvantage was not what one feared most. What mattered was avoiding being dragged into the opponent's rhythm.
Dragonite's claws were coated in pure Dragon-type energy as it charged forward and slashed directly into the Dragon Breath.
Its claws pierced through the attack, splitting it apart. The scattered energy grazed its scales, leaving only faint scorch marks.
Without hesitation, Dragonite flapped its wings, increasing its speed in an instant. Carrying massive Dragon Claw energy, it rushed toward Mega Dragonite.
It struck toward Mega Dragonite's flank with a powerful slash, producing a sharp tearing sound in the air.
A glint flashed in Lance's eyes. If that attack landed, even a Mega Evolved Pokémon would suffer significant damage.
Years spent battling criminal organizations and dark forces had shaped Lance's aggressive and domineering fighting style.
"Block it. Use Icy Wind."
Mega Dragonite's biggest changes compared to its normal form were its flexible tail and the broad wings on its head.
With incredible speed, Mega Dragonite swung its tail in a sweeping motion. The tail collided head-on with Dragon Claw.
In terms of raw strength, Mega Dragonite was at a disadvantage.
But it was not trying to overpower its opponent.
Using the force of the collision, Mega Dragonite retreated.
At the same time, it flapped the wings on its head, releasing a chilling wind mixed with ice particles that blasted toward the pursuing Dragonite.
The Icy Wind struck Dragonite directly.
Being four times weak to Ice, it immediately felt the effect. Frost began forming across its body and wings, slightly reducing its speed.
Lance observed the exchange closely.
From that brief clash, he had already drawn conclusions.
Compared to a normal Dragonite, Mega Dragonite had slightly lower physical attack, but surpassed it in other aspects. It leaned more toward a special attacker.
He shook his head. If that was the case, Mega Evolution might even feel like a downgrade for him.
"Mega Dragonite, use Snowscape, then Blizzard."
Silas quickly gave his command. This was the perfect moment to set up weather.
Due to Icy Wind, Dragonite's speed had already been reduced by one stage, widening the gap between them.
Even if Dragonite used Extreme Speed again, Mega Dragonite could react and counter with another Icy Wind to further reduce its speed.
Lance knew he could not stop the weather setup. Forcing it would only put him at a disadvantage.
He flicked his cape and issued commands rapidly. "Use Dragon Dance, then Dragon Rush!"
There could be a speed gap, but it could not be too large.
If the opponent set up weather, then strengthening oneself on the spot was the best option.
Thus, both Dragonite began executing their own strategies.
Mega Dragonite created a snowy field, with snowflakes drifting down like feathers. The weather shifted into snowfall.
The moment it was complete, Mega Dragonite did not pause. The orb at its tail glowed as the temperature dropped even further.
It flapped its head-wings rapidly, generating a raging Blizzard. Snow and ice blades filled the battlefield, crashing down toward Dragonite.
Under snowy conditions, Blizzard became a massive area attack with near perfect accuracy.
Considering Dragonite's fourfold weakness to Ice, if it could not defeat Mega Dragonite quickly, it would likely fall within two Blizzards.
Whether it had the Multiscale ability or not did not matter. Taking two Blizzards head-on was not something it could survive.
So, Lance, how would you break this situation?
Silas's eyes seemed to pierce through the storm, locking onto Lance on the other side.
Lance's answer remained the same: relentless offense.
He firmly believed that offense was the best defense.
Just as Mega Dragonite could defeat Dragonite in two attacks, Dragonite could do the same in return.
With its attack boosted by Dragon Dance, Dragonite roared and shot straight into the sky. Upon reaching its peak, it became enveloped in Dragon-type energy and began a powerful descent.
Dragon Rush.
(End of Chapter)