Chapter 229: Battle Against Volker (Part 2)

Luxray charged directly at Sandslash. Although the sandstorm was still raging, Luxray, like Raichu, could locate Sandslash hidden in the sandstorm due to the Electric Terrain.

At this moment, Sandslash felt a deep frustration. After painstakingly learning the Sandstorm technique, hoping to be a sneaky old trickster, it was disheartening to have its position detected by the opponent. With no other choice, Sandslash had to confront Luxray head-on.

As Luxray pounced, Sandslash responded by using Slash, its claws tearing through the air with a ripping sound.

Luxray didn't evade Sandslash's attack. Instead, cold air enveloped its teeth as it used Ice Fang to bite Sandslash's arm, tossing Sandslash into the air.

"Bang!"

Luxray then swung its tail, which shimmered with a metallic sheen, sending Sandslash flying with a heavy blow.

Sandslash rolled several times on the ground before coming to a stop. It tried to get up but, after a few attempts, lost consciousness.

"Do you still want to continue?"

Although Volker felt some enjoyment battling Rex, he was now aware of the significant gap between them.

"Of course, I have no intention of giving up midway."

Rex admitted that his opponent had the advantage, but he still wanted to see the battle through.

"Go, Swellow!"

Despite the type disadvantage, Rex sent out his ace Pokémon, knowing that the rest of his team might not be able to take down Volker's remaining Pokémon.

Seeing that Rex's final Pokémon was a Swellow, not only Volker but even Lenka found it puzzling. Using a Flying-type Pokémon against an Electric-type seemed too risky.

Though Swellow was quite large, its size was no advantage against Electric-type attacks.

Volker, having lost interest in the battle, wanted to finish it quickly so he could reflect on his future path. He didn't believe Swellow could defeat his Luxray.

"Luxray, use Thunderbolt!"

Volker commanded casually.

With Electric Terrain still active, Luxray's Electric-type moves were boosted, and a terrifying bolt of lightning shot toward the airborne Swellow like a raging dragon.

"Swellow, use Tailwind, then Aerial Ace!"

Despite Luxray's fearsome attack, Rex calmly issued his commands.

Rex's calmness stemmed from his trust in Swellow's abilities. Upon receiving the order, Swellow's body was surrounded by swirling winds, and before Thunderbolt could strike, Swellow vanished from the sky.

Volker's pupils contracted upon seeing this, realizing he had underestimated his opponent.

But it was too late. Swellow reappeared above Luxray, delivering a powerful blow with a wind-covered wing, sending Luxray flying.

Immediately after, Swellow unleashed several Air Slashes, which shot toward Luxray.

Knowing it couldn't dodge, Luxray enveloped itself in electricity, creating a protective shield. However, this shield could only block a few of the Air Slashes; the remaining ones left deep cuts on Luxray.

But Swellow wasn't done. It gathered energy in its beak and unleashed a devastating Hyper Beam that tore through the air and struck Luxray.

Like Sandslash before, Luxray rolled across the ground and eventually lost consciousness.

After recalling Luxray, Volker finally began to take Rex seriously. He could sense that Swellow's strength far exceeded that of the previous two Pokémon.

Swellow's power and its synergy with Rex were on a different level compared to Carbink and Sandslash.

"This Swellow is your starter, isn't it?"

Volker didn't immediately send out his third Pokémon but instead asked a question.

"Yes, Swellow is my starter and my best partner!"

Rex responded earnestly.

Swellow, hearing Rex's words, let out a cry in agreement.

"I understand. I'll give it my all in the upcoming battle."

Volker felt a fire ignite within him, a passion he hadn't felt since becoming a Trainer. Somewhere along the way, he had lost that flame.

Volker then sent out his third Pokémon, Jolteon, knowing that only Jolteon's speed could match Swellow's.

However, Jolteon was hit by Carbink's Stealth Rock upon entering the field, taking some damage.

"Jolteon, use Agility!"

Volker commanded, and Jolteon began moving at lightning speed, leaving afterimages on the battlefield as if it had used Double Team.

Swellow didn't rush to attack, enjoying the challenge of a speedy opponent. Once Jolteon had reached its maximum speed, Swellow transformed into a bomber.

But Jolteon wasn't to be outdone, dodging Swellow's Hyper Beam and counterattacking with Thunderbolt.

Dust clouds filled the battlefield as Hyper Beam and Thunderbolt clashed, with deafening explosions echoing all around.

Lenka and Buneary, watching from the sidelines, were stunned by the intensity of the battle. They hadn't expected such a fierce fight and exchanged amazed glances.

Buneary, in particular, felt relieved that it had only faced Carbink earlier. If it had been this giant bird, it feared one attack would have turned it into a defeated rabbit.

At this point, Volker was fully engrossed in the battle between Jolteon and Swellow. Although the fight was intense, he was patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike a decisive blow.

In terms of energy reserves, Jolteon was no match for Swellow, and as the battle wore on, Jolteon's counterattacks became less frequent until it was focused entirely on dodging Swellow's attacks.

Rex knew Jolteon was likely conserving energy for a final counterstrike, trying to outlast Swellow or waiting for it to make a mistake.

"Swellow, use Brave Bird!"

Rex knew the opponent was waiting for an opening, so he decided to create one himself.

As Rex issued the command, Swellow stopped its seemingly endless Hyper Beam barrage, folded its wings, and shot toward Jolteon like an arrow.

Seeing this, a glint appeared in Volker's eyes—this was the opportunity he had been waiting for.

"Jolteon, use Protect, then follow up with a full-power Thunder!"

Volker commanded.

Before Swellow could strike, Jolteon surrounded itself with a protective shield. Swellow's Brave Bird collided with the shield, cracking it but not breaking through. However, the recoil dealt some damage to Swellow.

Jolteon didn't waste any time, discharging a massive Thunder at the close-range Swellow.

"Swellow, use Protect!"

Rex ordered calmly.

Swellow wasn't the only one who could use Protect. At Rex's command, Swellow quickly generated a protective shield around itself, just in time to block Jolteon's Thunder.

Without giving Jolteon a moment to react, Swellow arced through the air and delivered a powerful Beak Break, sending Jolteon flying.

Jolteon, airborne, had no chance to counterattack. Swellow appeared and disappeared repeatedly, each time inflicting significant damage on Jolteon.

By the time Jolteon hit the ground, its consciousness was fading, and it felt as though it were falling into an endless darkness.

(Chapter End)