Chapter 22: Intense Battle

"Damn it, how is this possible?!"

The members of the Devon Team looked at the setup of the Sky Crown Team, and their expressions turned extremely grim.

It was important to note that as the blue side, they had already suffered a significant disadvantage by having to send out their Pokémon first, which they hoped to compensate for by attacking first.

After all, the attacking side could quickly arrange their strategy, while the responding side undoubtedly faced delays in issuing commands!

But now, their advantage in attacking had been simply negated by the opponent's D plan.

Moreover, since the opposing team had laid out their strategy before the battle, it was likely they had already deciphered the Devon Team's strategies. If that were the case, it would be terrifying!

"What kind of D plan is this? The battlefield changes rapidly; what good is a meticulously laid plan if it cannot adapt to the situation?!"

"Electabuzz, knock that Pelipper down!"

Seeing that there was no Pokémon from the opposing team to intercept his Electabuzz's attack, the Trainer chuckled loudly.

Thunderbolt had a quadruple advantage against Pelipper, and his Electabuzz was focused on being a Special Attack powerhouse. If this Thunderbolt landed solidly, he was confident it would take Pelipper out!

"Is that so?"

"Rhydon, use Lightning Rod and attract all that lightning!"

The Trainer of Rhydon sneered, directly commanding his Rhydon to maintain Rock Slide while diverting some attention to attract the electricity.

As Ryoma had suspected, this Rhydon indeed had the Lightning Rod ability, and at its low growl, all the lightning in the air was drawn towards it, subsequently absorbed and transformed into power to boost its Special Attack.

"What?"

"Why can that Rhydon absorb Thunderbolt?!"

The Trainer of Electabuzz, witnessing this scene, showed disbelief, unable to comprehend what was happening in front of him!

"Now it's our turn to attack; taste the Ice Ball and Rock Slide!" The Trainer of Rhydon laughed heartily.

"Oh no! Feraligatr, use Hydro Pump to block it!"

In contrast, the Trainer of Feraligatr looked very grim at that moment. Faced with the combined attack of Walrein and Rhydon, he could only order Feraligatr to defend with all its strength!

Boom!

In mid-air, the Hydro Pump shot out by Feraligatr collided violently with the Ice Ball, resulting in a brief stalemate before the first Ice Ball was shattered.

However, at that moment, Rhydon, who had cleverly created a timing difference, used Rock Slide to hurl a massive rock, slamming it into Feraligatr, which was still vulnerable after using Hydro Pump. The impact sent Feraligatr flying, crashing into the Safety Barrier!

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Instantly, the Safety Barrier emitted a warning sound due to the impact from Feraligatr, which caused some damage to the Barrier.

This was the allure of the Pokémon Alliance Professional League; it simulated reality completely, meaning even the battle's aftermath could affect the Safety Barrier!

Thus, while striking the opponent, stopping all attacks from the opposing side and preventing damage to the Safety Barrier was the essence of battle!

"Damn, what's going on with that Rhydon?!"

Everyone in the Devon Team looked at the Rhydon that could absorb electricity, their expressions turning extremely grim.

"Nice job! Pelipper, follow up and hit Charizard with Hydro Pump!"

"Damn it! Charizard, use Flamethrower to block it!"

Just as one wave settled, another began, and both sides commanded their Pokémon to battle again.

"Flygon, use Dragon Breath on Altaria!"

"Electabuzz, unleash Thunderbolt again!"

"Altaria, intercept that Dragon Breath!"

"Rhydon, use Lightning Rod again, and aim Rock Slide at Charizard!"

All four Pokémon moved simultaneously under their Trainers' commands. Electabuzz was the fastest to execute its Thunderbolt, but it was naturally drawn away by Lightning Rod, absorbed by Rhydon once more.

Meanwhile, Dragon Breath from Altaria and Flygon clashed again, resulting in no clear winner.

However, Rhydon had already unleashed Rock Slide, targeting Charizard. Feraligatr attempted to intercept with Hydro Pump, but it was blocked by Walrein's second Ice Ball.

In this situation, Charizard couldn't evade the incoming Rock Slide while dealing with Pelipper. If hit by Rock Slide, Charizard would definitely be heavily injured due to the four times type disadvantage!

"Sneasel, use Blizzard to block Rock Slide!"

In a critical moment, Sneasel's Trainer was forced to have Sneasel appear to intercept the attack!

"Finally drawn out! Heracross, use Force Palm!"

Upon seeing this, Heracross' Trainer let out a cold smirk. As Sneasel came into play and used Blizzard, he commanded the prepared Heracross to unleash its Fighting-type powerful move, sending Sneasel flying!

The Fighting type has a four times advantage against Sneasel, which is both Ice and Dark type, and Focus Punch is a devastating Fighting-type move with a terrifying power of 150!

As a result of this attack, Sneasel was sent to its knees, clutching its belly with a pained expression on its face!

"Finish it, Heracross! Use Brick Break!"

"Oh no! Electabuzz, jump in and use Thunder Punch to intercept Heracross's attack!" Electabuzz's Trainer quickly commanded.

Without the advantage of long-range electric firepower, Electabuzz had no choice but to engage in close combat!

Boom!

In mid-air, Electabuzz came crashing down, hand crackling with electricity, directly colliding with Heracross's Brick Break.

However, Electabuzz was trained for Special Attack, and as a Fighting-type Pokémon, Heracross was simply not something Electabuzz could contend with in close quarters.

In an instant, Electabuzz was suppressed and on the back foot, but Sneasel took advantage of the moment and quickly vanished into the grass!

"Hmph, has it escaped again?"

"Well, then it's your turn. Heracross, take down Electabuzz!"

"Electabuzz, do everything you can to block!"

Electabuzz's Trainer's expression had turned extremely grim. At this point, the only purpose of Electabuzz seemed to be holding up against Heracross!

"Do you want to finish this quickly?"

"Rhydon, come back and use Spike Defense!"

Rhydon's Trainer glanced around at the surrounding grass and called Rhydon back to the area near the Safety Barrier.

Spike Defense is essentially Spike Attack, but instead of launching them outward, Rhydon created a circle of rocks to enclose the Safety Barrier, clearly aimed at defending against any potential ambush from Sneasel.

In this situation, if Sneasel dared to attack the Safety Barrier, its fragile body—already injured—would undoubtedly meet its end upon being struck by the spikes!