The Hundred Schools League had been held for decades, but this was the first time a 4th-year student had broken through to the Elite level. Dylan's achievement was not just a personal milestone; it symbolized the potential of senior students across all major universities.
At Universities like the Big Five, it was common for seniors to graduate as pseudo-Elites, the only difference being whether they were early stage pseudo-Elites or at their peak.
However, none had ever graduated as full-fledged Elite before.
After all, advancing from the peak of pseudo-Elite to Elite level required extensive energy accumulation for the Pokémon. Even with the trainer investing significant resources, the process typically took at least two years to complete.
Of course, there was the possibility that Dylan's Salamence had been pre-trained by his family. However, given the standing of the Drake family in the trainer community, they would never resort to such measures just for Hundred Schools League.
Especially against a family as influential as the Walker family.
Back to the match, the presence of a Elite-level Salamence undoubtedly placed pressure on Julian and Metagross. This wasn't just an ordinary early-stage Elite—Metagross wouldn't even flinch against those.
But Dylan's Salamence, with its Blue-tier potential, clearly demonstrated its exceptional qualities, including the ability to fight above its level.
"Metagross, Mega Evolve!"
Julian opted for Mega Evolution right away. At its current level, Metagross would struggle against Salamence. A loss here would mean failing to clear the additional task, so he decided to go all out.
"Meta!!"
As the evolution light faded, Mega Metagross appeared on the battlefield, now leveled up to 71, equal to Salamence.
However, while Salamence was a genuine Elite-level Pokémon, Metagross had only temporarily reached that tier through Mega Evolution. Still, its strength was absolute.
"Salamence, Dragon Claw!"
In the previous matches, Metagross had demonstrated incredible close-combat prowess, taking down several Pokémon with its Meteor Mash.
Even so, Dylan ordered Salamence to engage up close right from the start.
The emerald-green claws, now extending two to three meters, sliced through the air, brimming with violent Dragon energy that boiled between them.
"Light Screen!"
Julian didn't counter immediately. There was something different about this Salamence, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what.
Dragon Claw struck the Light Screen, causing a brief standoff before a cracking sound shattered the barrier into countless fragments. In that moment, Mega Metagross swung its Bullet Punch directly at Salamence's face.
"Boom!"
The Bullet Punch landed squarely, yet Salamence didn't get sent flying by Mega Metagross' immense power. Instead, it absorbed the impact head-on, surprising even Metagross.
It was the first time a Pokémon had taken a punch from it without being knocked back.
"Dragon Pulse!"
"Teleport!"
As Salamence fired off Dragon Pulse, Metagross vanished from its original position.
However, in the very next second, Dragon Pulse unexpectedly curved midair, colliding directly with Metagross, which reappeared right in its path. It almost seemed as if Metagross had intentionally placed itself in front of the attack.
The powerful energy engulfed Mega Metagross entirely.
Julian's face stiffened slightly. Normally, he used his Aura abilities to predict where opponents' Pokémon would reappear after using Teleport.
But now, the tables had turned—Mega Metagross' Teleport trajectory had been completely read by Dylan.
This feeling really was unpleasant.
Clearly, Dylan possessed some special ability of his own, though it was hard to say what kind.
After all, Aura wasn't the only ability that could track Teleport movements.
"Dragon Tail!"
Wasting no time, Salamence followed up. With a mighty swing, it slashed its glowing tail through the lingering Dragon Pulse energy, scattering it instantly.
"Clang!"
The forceful Dragon Tail then landed directly on Mega Metagross' head, slamming its body into the ground. The impact caused the ground to shatter like a spiderweb.
"Meta!"
Despite its immense defenses, being struck by both Dragon Pulse and Dragon Tail back-to-back left visible damage on Mega Metagross. Black scorch marks marred its once pristine, silver body.
The pain searing through its frame caused an uncharacteristic shift in Mega Metagross' demeanor. Its usually calm, emotionless eyes now flickered with clear violence.
Its four massive arms began to spin rapidly, generating a powerful whirlwind. Debris and loose rocks were pulled into the vortex within moments, creating a chaotic storm.
Salamence, caught in the cyclone's pull, struggled to move. The intense suction immobilized its wings, rendering them unable to flap.
"Gyro Ball!"
Mega Metagross, now resembling a spinning tornado with drill-like precision, surged forward. The sheer force ripped through the air, carving a semicircular trench into the battlefield as it advanced.
Salamence, pinned by the swirling winds, could not escape. The pressure from behind, like countless invisible hands, forced it into the storm's path.
"Boom!!"
Salamence was slammed into the protective barrier surrounding the arena. Mega Metagross didn't let up, continuing its relentless Gyro Ball assault. The protective shield rippled under the repeated impact, each wave of energy threatening to break through.
The audience behind the barrier turned pale with fear. If the shield failed, they'd be at the mercy of the storm's devastation.
Thankfully, the barrier's defenses had been reinforced when Salamence's Elite-level status was confirmed.
Through Salamence's pained roars, the Gyro Ball finally came to a stop.
Seizing the moment, Salamence retaliated with a massive Flamethrower, unleashing the blazing attack point-blank at Mega Metagross.
The fiery onslaught slammed Mega Metagross into the ground, flames spreading across the battlefield until they were halted by the protective shield.
Every move from a Elite-level Pokémon carried immense destructive power. In few hours, such sustained force could obliterate an entire city.
However, the ground had no flammable materials, so the flames quickly fizzled out.
Mega Metagross stood amidst the dissipating fire, with small embers still flickering on its metallic body.
Julian's face darkened.
'Damn it, it's burned.'
Flamethrower had a 10% chance to inflict a burn status on the target.
Unfortunately for Julian, whenever it involved him, that chance felt like 100%.
Dylan, however, didn't seem thrilled by the burn. Instead, his frown deepened as the battle progressed.
Despite battling through seven matches, Mega Metagross was still standing strong. Even after taking hits from Dragon Pulse, Dragon Tail, and Flamethrower, it hadn't gone down yet. Its resilience was unnerving.
"Salamence, Mega Evolve!"
Not hesitating any longer, Dylan decided to unleash Salamence's full power. The looming presence of Mega Metagross gave him an unsettling feeling.
As the dazzling white light of Mega Evolution faded, the battlefield seemed to be bathed in the glow of a crimson moon.
Salamence's transformation was stunning. Its speed now surpassed what the naked eye could track. To the audience, it was nothing but a blur of red streaking across the sky.
With its Mega Evolution, Salamence's level soared from 71 to 75, firmly placing it in the mid-Elite tier.
The difference between early and mid-Elite levels was colossal. It often took multiple early-Elite Pokémon to bring down just one mid-Elite.
Now, it was Julian's turn to frown.
A mid-Elite Mega Salamence was undoubtedly a serious threat.
He turned to Mega Metagross, its body still steadfast despite the damage and burn.
"META!!!"
Mega Metagross let out a thunderous roar, its four massive arms spinning with renewed vigor.
Julian gritted his teeth, his eyes sharp with determination.
"Wreck it!"
*****
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