This is bonus chapter for 50 power stones. Next chapter will at 100 power stones and for every 100 power stones 2 bonus chapters will be posted.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In the aqua-blue light, a massive Tentacruel gracefully emerged in mid-air.
Its two long, ruby-like tentacles swayed gently, and its umbrella-shaped body emitted a dangerous yet alluring luster.
"Tentacruel, Bubble Beam!"
Wallace was the first to give an order, his posture composed.
The rubies atop Tentacruel's head flashed, and countless multicolored bubbles gushed from its mouth like a brilliant galaxy, blanketing Lairon from all directions.
Beneath the beauty lay a hidden killing intent.
Ariel's eyes narrowed.
Although the Steel-type is immune to Poison, Lairon's Rock-type attribute was doubly countered by the Water-type.
Wallace's move was intended to use the elemental advantage to exert long-range pressure.
"Protect."
Steven's voice was calm and steady.
Lairon gave a low growl, and an emerald-green energy barrier instantly expanded in front of its body.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
The Bubble Beam slammed into the barrier, letting out a series of dull explosions; water splashed everywhere, but it failed to injure Lairon in the slightest.
"Hydro Pump!"
Wallace's command followed immediately after.
Tentacruel took a deep breath, and a thick pillar of water suddenly erupted, carrying immense force as it blasted directly toward Lairon's position!
"Dodge it."
Steven's command remained concise.
Lairon's heavy body displayed an agility that belied its appearance at this moment; it rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the direct impact of the Hydro Pump.
Boom!
The Hydro Pump smashed into the field, blasting a shallow pit into the hard ground as water vapor filled the air.
For a time, the field was shrouded in mist. Tentacruel continuously used long-range skills to wear down its opponent, while Lairon, under Steven's calm direction, constantly adjusted its positioning and defense. Though it appeared passive, its defense was airtight.
From the stands, Ariel could see clearly.
This wasn't simple defense; Steven was letting Lairon adapt to Tentacruel's attack rhythm and patterns. He was waiting for an opportunity—an opportunity to win with a single blow.
This was a true battle between top Trainers. Every step was filled with calculation and strategy.
Wallace clearly realized this as well, and his offensive became even more fierce.
"Tentacruel, use Rapid Spin to whip up a water curtain, then use Water Pulse!"
Tentacruel's long tentacles spun rapidly like propellers, churning the water on the ground into rotating curtains of water. This not only obscured the line of sight but also restricted Lairon's movement.
Immediately after, the rubies on its head fired a pulse of water that pierced through the water curtain and shot toward Lairon.
It was a Combo move!
If hit by the Water Pulse, Lairon might fall into a state of confusion, turning it into a complete sitting duck.
However, just when everyone thought Steven would choose to defend or dodge again, he issued an unexpected command.
"Now's the time." Steven's voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly into the field. "Lairon, charge through!"
Charge through?
Charging through the Confuse Ray and the curtain of water?
Ariel's pupils constricted sharply.
This wasn't madness; it was the only way to break the deadlock!
"Lairon!"
Lairon let out an earth-shaking roar. Abandoning all defensive postures, its limbs exerted sudden force, and its heavy body, like an out-of-control armored tank, slammed boldly into the rotating water curtain!
Water splashed high into the sky, and the Water Pulse barely grazed its steel helmet as it flew past, leaving a barely visible scorch mark.
Lairon burst through the water curtain; it was now within arm's reach of Tentacruel!
Wallace's expression changed slightly: "Quickly, pull back!"
But it was already too late.
"Stomping Tantrum."
Lairon raised its front legs high and then, with all its strength, slammed them down!
Thud—!
With a loud bang, the entire battlefield shook violently! Centered on where Lairon's feet landed, the hard ground cracked inch by inch, and countless pieces of rubble were jolted into the air, turning the once-level field rugged and uneven in an instant.
Tentacruel's gracefully floating body lost its balance in the violent tremors and involuntarily plummeted toward the ground.
An opportunity!
Ariel's heart skipped a beat.
"Metal Claw."
Steven's final command was like a death sentence.
Without a moment's hesitation, a blinding metallic glint lit up on Lairon's front claws. An instant before Tentacruel hit the ground, Lairon turned into a silver afterimage and swung fiercely!
Slash!
The sound of metal tearing through flesh was exceptionally piercing.
Tentacruel let out a cry of pain. Its soft body was slashed with a deep wound by the Metal Claw, and it then collapsed weakly onto the shattered field, losing its ability to battle.
Steven recalled Lairon, his face still bearing that unruffled expression as if the thrilling reversal just now had nothing to do with him.
He walked up to Wallace and extended his hand.
Wallace also recalled Tentacruel. He sighed, then regained his signature smile and shook Steven's hand:
"That was truly a magnificent battle, Steven. This little fellow of yours is growing so fast."
"You aren't bad yourself."
Steven was concise.
In the stands, Ariel slowly exhaled.
He looked at the two men shaking hands in the field, then at the mess left by the "Stomping Tantrum," and a somewhat amusing thought popped into his head.
After that stomp, the field's repair costs... probably won't be cheap, right?
He was just pondering this when he suddenly felt a gaze land on him.
Ariel looked up and happened to meet Steven's gaze.
-=-=-=-=-=-
100 power stones for extra chapter
-=-=-=-=-=-
۞۞۞۞
p-atreon.com/PokeFicLord
40+ Chapters in p-atreon.com.
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)