Chapter 79

Even though Luke had playfully nicknamed Lance as 'Dudu,' he knew very well that Lance, as a Champion with years of experience, shouldn't be underestimated. In last year's Masters League Trophy, Lance secured second place, narrowly losing to Leon's massive Charizard. Meanwhile, Cynthia took third place, with a minimal gap between their performances. The true test of victory or defeat lay in their on-the-spot performance.

The resounding cheers of the crowd echoed from all directions, resembling a powerful tide. Witnessing this grand showdown in person, Luke couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by his emotions.

"Jie jie~!" Haunter raised his claws like horns and cheered loudly for Cynthia.

Eevee gazed at the arena, its dark eyes gradually filling with brilliance.

"Pay close attention, this match is bound to be intense!" Luke remarked, adding a playful tone.

As long as these two Pokémon, Eevee and Haunter, could enjoy the thrilling match and stay engaged, the decision to bring them along to the event was a wise one!

"Jie jie~!"

"Vui~!"

Eevee and Haunter nodded solemnly in agreement.

"The players are now taking their positions!" the commentator announced energetically, "Let's wait and see who will emerge victorious!"

Claire, sporting a light blue tights and a high ponytail, secretly cast a puzzled look to the side.

He's... here at Cynthia's invitation?

She had never heard of it before—Miss Cynthia inviting a man to watch a match!

The usual invitation seats were reserved for the likes of intimate figures such as Diantha...

How could it possibly be for someone else?

Claire shook her head in bewilderment, her gaze shifting to Dragon Tamer Lance on the field.

As an inheritor of the Dragon Tamer Clan, Claire shared the extraordinary natural talents of her lineage with Lance.

But Lance's brilliance had always overshadowed Claire's within the same family.

Looking at the man who had always walked ahead of her, leaving only his back for her to see, Claire sighed silently.

"I hope... he can truly win this match."

...

The cheers in the arena grew more intense. With the sound of the referee's whistle, two Poké Balls were simultaneously hurled onto the field.

Red light danced, and the stadium trembled with energy.

A scarlet-scaled Red Gyarados emerged with a fearsome visage, its upper body erect, and let out a thunderous roar.

"Roar——!!!"

"Here comes the Red Gyarados from the challenger!"

Lance's Gyarados measured almost 6.5 meters in length, an imposing presence even though Lance himself stand by its side it look over 8 meters tall.

Gyarados's aura of "intimidation" silenced the arena in awe. After a brief moment, cheers erupted, shaking the atmosphere!

In the presence of this colossal creature, the blonde beauty Cynthia seemed dwarfed.

Yet, a hint of an "expected" smile curved at the corner of Cynthia's lips.

The commentator announced, "Cynthia, the contestant, sends out her Pokémon to bless—Togekiss!"

Togekiss, a bird-like Pokémon, spread its triangular wings like a glider and occupied a strategic position in the air.

In the VIP section, Luke opened the system Pokédex and playfully taunted his two Pokémon, "Are you feeling nervous?"

Haunter and Eevee didn't reply but instead stared intently at the two Pokémon on the field.

Luke nodded in satisfaction.

See, they're too stunned to even respond!

As he consulted the system Pokédex, the extensive list of moves available to the two Pokémon sent shivers down Luke's spine. However, it also served as a testament to their strength.

"Red Gyarados, focus on Dragon Dance to enhance its output, likely equipped with Mega Stone..."

Luke muttered to himself.

"Togekiss isn't easily intimidated and can counter Dark-type Mega Gyarados."

"As expected of Cynthia!"

"It all hinges on whether Lance opts for the Dragon Dance strategy..."

Claire furrowed her brow and responded in Chinese, "Lance's victor should be Dragonite!"

Luke looked at Claire with surprise, nodded, and said, "Indeed, Dragonite is formidable. However, it suffers from speed issues, and its efficiency in battle doesn't match the enhanced output of Dragon Dance on Gyarados."

"Lance's approach must involve using Dragon Dance!" Luke asserted.

Claire opened her mouth, unsure how to counter, and picked up her whip, letting it snap in the air.

Luke frowned, cleared his throat, and turned his focus back to the field.

Togekiss versus Gyarados.

Luke began to deduce various possibilities, contemplating the probable outcomes in his mind.

Though most of his experience came from virtual games, in this particular situation, Cynthia had only one viable choice!

"Thunder Wave!" Luke and Cynthia almost simultaneously issued the command.

The objective was to paralyze Gyarados right from the start!

Claire cast a peculiar glance at Luke, but when she turned her attention back to the arena, she was taken aback to find that Cynthia's instructions mirrored her own!

Could this guy... actually predict Cynthia's commands?

On the other side, Lance's voice carried a cold undertone as he ordered, "Gyarados, Dragon Dance!"

"Hoo!"

Gyarados roared triumphantly, surging with power and achieving its enhanced state. With astounding speed, it shattered a nearby rock pillar within the Rock field.

Given the enormous size of Gyarados, it was virtually impossible for Thunder Wave to miss its target.

Yet, as Gyarados's Dragon Tail struck the ground, the shattered rocks mysteriously reassembled and repelled the weak Thunder Wave!

"Thunder Wave was weakened to minimize its impact," Claire explained to Luke with a faint sense of triumph, "But this inadvertently played into Lance's hands, utilizing the terrain to his advantage!"

Although Luke had accurately guessed Lance's strategy, Claire had promptly informed Lance, which was a tactical victory.

Luke's face bore a look of frustration.

Both groups of allies seemed to be on equal footing...

Could this guy really be Cynthia's brother?

"But..." Luke cast a glance at Togekiss, murmuring to himself, "I think I've figured out her approach."

...

With Thunder Wave proving ineffective against the Dragon Dance-blessed Red Gyarados, the beast's eyes gleamed ominously, emanating an aura of impending doom.

And now, at this very moment, a radiant light blossomed atop Gyarados's triangular crown.

Lance closed his eyes, spread his cloak, and clenched his hand into a fist.

A dazzling rainbow light surged forth from the Key Stone embedded in his wristband. As Lance reopened his eyes, his gaze brimmed with determination.

"Gyarados, Mega Evolution!"

The crowd was awestruck.

The Mega Gyarados that emerged, adorned with sharp scales and fin-like wings, elicited exclamations from all around!

Observing the colossal creature, Cynthia's lips curved into a smile.

Brushing aside the blond locks cascading down her forehead, her demeanor transformed abruptly. With sharp eyes, she declared:

"Togekiss, dodge the Ice Fang and use Sweet Kiss!"

Togekiss, a master of the skies, held a distinct advantage.

However, Mega Gyarados, too, had gained the ability to glide.

With a forceful spout of water jetted from its side, Red Gyarados soared into the air, jaws agape, as an icy Ice Fang bore down upon Togekiss!

Ka-cha!

Togekiss agilely evaded the attack and responded with a sweet kiss.

Gyarados appeared momentarily dazed, suddenly crashing headlong into the sharp rock pillar at the center of the arena.

Bang!

Gyarados collided with the ground, carving a grievous gash into the rock pillar!

"Gyarados has fallen into confusion and inflicted significant self-harm!" the commentator exclaimed.

"Dazzling Gleam!" Cynthia commanded.

A brilliant radiance enveloped the arena, illuminating the entire battleground.

Under the combined assault of the Fairy-type moves, Mega Gyarados roared furiously, its body suffused with misty blood. Gradually, it snapped out of its confusion.

Lance unfurled his cloak, extending his arm. His eyes radiated determination as he ordered, "Gyarados, Ice Fang!"

With a powerful leap, Mega Gyarados embedded its fierce Ice Fang into Togekiss's body, causing the Flying-type Pokémon to plummet from the sky!

Dong!

Togekiss landed awkwardly on the ground, while Mega Gyarados, its imposing form momentarily frozen, blinked its eyes, gradually turning ominous.

"It's Togekiss's Yawn!" The commentator announced.

Lance's brows furrowed. "Waterfall!"

The powerful torrent propelled Togekiss into the protective barrier along the sidelines.

"Togekiss is incapacitated!"

Simultaneously, Mega Gyarados trembled before slumping into a deep slumber on the spot.