After completing all the matches of the first round, the big screen soon started the draw for the second round. Rex was drawn to appear in the 15th match, and his opponent was a young man dressed in karate attire.
Since the first round of matches had finished by the evening, the second round of matches would continue the next day, giving the participants a chance to rest and recover.
Fortunately, all the people Rex knew had successfully advanced in this round, so everyone was in high spirits.
However, Rex knew that as the competition progressed and the number of participants dwindled, the chances of them facing each other would increase.
The next morning arrived quickly. Rex felt the atmosphere on the battlefield was exceptionally lively today. Both the participants on stage and the spectators in the stands were highly enthusiastic.
As the matches proceeded, this vibrant atmosphere intensified, driven by the excellent performances of the contestants. After all, those who had made it this far were all strong competitors.
Soon it was Rex's turn to compete. By his opponent's attire, Rex could tell that the young man specialized in fighting-type Pokémon. So, Rex sent out Heracross and Machoke.
Machoke's unusual condition left the spectators silent. After all, sending out a Pokémon with a visible physical disability was somewhat perplexing.
The young man in karate attire was named Gilbert. He sent out Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, confirming Rex's expectation that his opponent specialized in fighting-type Pokémon.
Gilbert was clearly surprised that Rex sent out two fighting-type Pokémon, especially amazed that Rex would use a visibly disabled Machoke.
For this battle, neither side used any flashy moves. Heracross engaged Hitmonlee, while Machoke faced Hitmonchan. Although it was a double battle, each Pokémon focused solely on its respective opponent.
For the four fighting-type Pokémon engaged in rapid attacks and defenses, Rex and Gilbert, the trainers, seemed almost unnecessary.
If not for the competition rules, Gilbert and Rex might have even engaged in a real-life martial arts showdown, as both sensed a strong fighting spirit in each other.
Heracross quickly took control of the battle with Hitmonlee, easily blocking Hitmonlee's kicks and counterattacking with Brick Break, forcing Hitmonlee to retreat step by step.
Meanwhile, Machoke was in the opposite situation. With only one arm, it couldn't block all of Hitmonchan's attacks, and many punches rained down on it.
To the spectators, Machoke seemed to be at an absolute disadvantage, appearing ready to be knocked out at any moment. This puzzled them as to why Rex would send Machoke into battle.
However, they were unaware of Machoke's incredible physical resilience. Despite the seemingly powerful attacks, they barely affected Machoke.
Unable to make progress, Hitmonlee resorted to a High Jump Kick aimed at Heracross, hoping to turn the tide and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Unfortunately, Heracross intercepted with a precise Brick Break to Hitmonlee's other leg, causing it to stumble and crash into the ground.
The backlash from the failed High Jump Kick left Hitmonlee in visible pain, its legs shaky and movement hindered.
Seizing this opportunity, Heracross closed in on Hitmonlee and used Close Combat, transforming into a combat machine and landing countless attacks on Hitmonlee in an instant.
When Heracross finally stepped back, Hitmonlee collapsed, unable to continue the battle.
Seeing Hitmonlee defeated, Gilbert grew anxious. If Heracross now ganged up on Hitmonchan, his situation would become very unfavorable, almost ensuring his defeat.
Fortunately, Heracross, after defeating Hitmonlee, had no intention of intervening in the battle between Machoke and Hitmonchan. It simply stood by, observing the fight.
Relieved, Gilbert pinned his hopes on Hitmonchan quickly defeating Machoke and then facing Heracross in a final showdown, the only way he saw to advance.
The pressure on Hitmonchan increased tremendously. As the town's hope, its movements quickened, aiming to defeat Machoke swiftly.
But soon, Hitmonchan struggled. No matter how it attacked, Machoke stood firm, showing no signs of falling.
In a moment of thought, Hitmonchan distanced itself from Machoke and assumed a stance, gathering energy for its ultimate move, Focus Punch. If Machoke attacked now, Hitmonchan's move would fail.
However, Machoke didn't plan to attack. It also assumed a stance, channeling fighting energy into its left hand for a Dynamic Punch, clearly intending a head-to-head clash.
Seeing this, Gilbert relaxed, knowing the power of Hitmonchan's Focus Punch. He didn't believe Machoke's move could match its strength.
As both finished charging, Hitmonchan's punch, with unmatched momentum, aimed at Machoke. Machoke's left hand struck back, and their fists collided.
Hitmonchan instantly sensed something wrong, feeling an unbeatable force from Machoke's fist. Then, it saw darkness and lost consciousness.
Machoke's Dynamic Punch shattered Focus Punch's resistance, and its follow-through punch struck Hitmonchan's chest, sending it flying.
"Hitmonchan is unable to battle. Rex wins!"
With the referee's announcement, the crowd erupted. This visceral, punch-for-punch battle was a huge visual spectacle.
In this battle, Machoke truly became a one-punch man, delivering a single, decisive blow to defeat Hitmonchan.
Now, all competitors viewed Rex as a formidable rival on their path to victory.
"Rex's strength is terrifying. Ash, you'll be in trouble if you face him!" Brock said to Ash.
"I've known that for a while, but I won't give up!" Ash replied determinedly.
When Rex returned to the stands, Rina and Vivica looked at him as if he were a monster.
"What's with you two and those looks?" Rex asked, puzzled.
"Your strength is always so unpredictable, but just wait, I'll defeat you!" Rina declared, though feeling increasingly unsure about her chances against Rex.
Rex found their reactions strange but didn't dwell on it, continuing to watch the matches.
As the tournament progressed, Ash, Tyson, and Rina all secured victories. Despite some struggles, their superior skills prevailed.
Now, only one round remained to determine the 32 participants in the final championship. The big screen soon began the final grouping, with the last round scheduled for the afternoon.
Rex's final opponent was a young boy, and they would be the first to compete.
(End of Chapter)