As Charizard X fell in defeat, the crowd erupted into its most thunderous cheers yet. Many spectators didn't fully understand the strength of a Mega-Evolved Charizard X, but after some quick explanations from others nearby, they realized it had reached the level of an Elite-tier Pokémon.
Elite Pokémon are exceedingly rare. In all of Drakoria, there are only around 500 Elite-level trainers, compared to tens of thousands at the pseudo-Elite ones.
This disparity isn't due to pseudo-Elites finding it extremely difficult to advance to the Elite level, but mainly because a Pokémon's own potential often limits its growth.
Still, the gap in power between the two levels is vast.
An Elite-tier Pokémon has the destructive capability to level an entire city—though it would require continuous effort rather than a single move.
Meanwhile, a pseudo-Elite Pokémon could potentially be countered by a sufficient number of well-trained Pokémon at the Advanced level.
What made Metagross's victory so astonishing was that it hadn't even used Mega Evolution. It defeated Charizard X, which possessed Elite-level power, while remaining at a pseudo-Elite level itself.
Salamence, Dragonite, and Goodra had all fallen to Metagross, but their losses now seemed justified.
If even an Elite-tier Pokémon could be defeated, then their defeats were completely understandable.
"A pseudo-Elite beating an Elite? Am I dreaming?"
"King Julian truly has the potential of a Champion."
"In Drakoria, many of our Champions have records of defeating Elite-tier Pokémon while still at the pseudo-Elite level. Even some international Champions have achieved this."
"It's like his Metagross is breaking the laws of nature!"
"If it can take down an Elite-tier Pokémon, who could possibly stand against it now?"
"King Julian's Metagross is ridiculously overpowered."
The audience buzzed with heated discussions, and the internet exploded with debates and excitement.
Over at Imperial University, countless students cheered loudly. Some were even requesting leaves of absence from their professors to witness the matches in person.
"Metagross, use Icy Wind to cool the field."
The battlefield had been heated to unbearable temperatures by Charizard's fiery attacks, reaching as high as 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. While the extreme heat hadn't negatively affected Metagross's performance, it was still somewhat uncomfortable.
With the effect of Sunny Day now gone, the temperature rapidly dropped under the chilling influence of Icy Wind.
Among the Imperial University team, Faye stood with her mouth agape before finally closing it. She muttered slowly, "Do you think Julian plans to sweep the entire opposing team by himself?"
Her initial instinct was to dismiss the idea, but recalling how Metagross had just taken down an Elite Pokémon, she hesitated. Changing her mind again.
"That's probably the plan. No wonder he insisted on going first," Coach Wade commented.
Though he hadn't interacted much with Julian, he knew enough about his personality to be certain of one thing: Julian never acted without purpose. If he volunteered to go first, he likely had a very specific goal in mind.
Two months ago, during the Shu University exchange team's visit to Imperial University, Julian had asked to go first and then single-handedly swept through their ten-member team.
This precedent had already been set.
"Now, there are four more Pokémon remaining, each either at pseudo-Elite or pseudo-Elite peak. If they can Mega Evolve, they'll reach Elite-tier, and their captain hasn't even stepped onto the field yet."
The comment came from Mark, a senior in his final year.
"Mark, are you underestimating my little brother?" Thea snapped back, visibly annoyed.
"I'm not underestimating Julian, the strength he's showing now is even greater than our captain's. I wouldn't dare," Mark replied with a wry smile.
Previously, Mark might have looked down on Julian for being a first-year, but after seeing his Metagross in action, he knew full well that Julian alone could annihilate his entire team.
--
The next match began.
The fifth member of Modu Academy stepped forward.
Their choice was an Altaria, Level 66—slightly weaker than the pseudo-Elite peak levels of the previous four challengers.
However—
"Altaria, Mega Evolve!"
In an instant, Level 66 turned into Level 71.
Another Elite Pokémon entered the fray.
Modu Academy truly lived up to its reputation as the wealthiest academy in Drakoria. With Dragon-type pseudo-legendaries and Mega Stones-both rare and highly coveted in the outside world and they seemed to equip almost every student with these.
Metagross was currently at Level 64, it had just leveled up after defeating Charizard X.
Pseudo-legendary Pokémon inherently leveled up slower and Metagross, with its immense accumulation of resources overtime, required even more effort.
Though Metagross had taken minimal damage over four battles, it did consume a lot of stamina.
All its recent opponents were best among bests, capable of battling well above their level, and some even Mega Evolved.
Every move Metagross used had been at full power, unlike fights against wild Pokémon where a fraction of its strength would suffice.
"Mega Altaria, use Disarming Voice!"
A melodious yet eerie sound echoed across the battlefield.
Don't be fooled by its pleasant tone; the attack directly targeted minds.
This type of sound based attack was difficult to counter—either it had to be interrupted before execution, or the opposing Pokémon needed soundproof ability
Metagross got hit by Disarming Voice head-on.
Its eyes briefly flickered with discomfort, a testament to the sheer strength of an Elite-tier move.
Julian chose not to Mega Evolve Metagross because it wasn't the right moment. Although his mental and physical stamina could sustain a Mega Evolution for over 20 minutes, he wasn't about to reveal this hole card in public.
Exposing your ace for the sake of showing off would be downright foolish.
"Mega Altaria, Perish Song!"
The opponent was truly ruthless, going straight for an all-or-nothing approach.
Perish Song was one of the most devastating area-of-effect moves. Any Pokémon weaker than the user that heard it would faint within three turns.
In the games, Perish Song lasts three turns, roughly translating to about a minute in real life.
However, in reality, the user doesn't simply faint; they fall into a critical state, barely clinging to life. Without immediate medical attention, this could lead to death.
Fortunately, large-scale tournaments have top-tier medical support, which is one of the reasons the opponent dared to let their Mega Altaria use Perish Song.
The real reason for such drastic measures, though, was Julian.
Modu Academy, a prestigious institution ranked alongside Imperial University in the top five, was being utterly dominated by a freshman. Their reputation was in tatters. If they didn't defeat Julian soon, their team's legacy would become a stain on Modu Academy's history.
"Metagross, use Psychic—shut it up!"
A surge of powerful psychic energy rushed toward Mega Altaria, but it swiftly dodged with a flap of its wings.
Once Perish Song begins, it cannot be interrupted, otherwise the effect will be lost.
Metagross's Psychic failed, and the effect of Perish Song on it deepened further.
"Keep it up, Mega Altaria!"
By now, nearly 30 seconds had passed.
The effects of Perish Song continued to intensify. Julian could feel Metagross's discomfort resonating through its Aura, paired with a growing sense of rage.
A faint smirk formed across Julian's lips. A furious Metagross was not something anyone wanted to face.
"METAGROSS!!!"
It was Psychic again but this time, the psychic energy was far stronger, crashing across the battlefield like a relentless tidal wave.
Mega Altaria couldn't evade in time and was seized by the overwhelming force of Psychic. Its song was abruptly cut off as its beak clamped shut, rendering it mute.
*****
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