Mega Salamence's ability had changed from Intimidate to Aerilate.
Aerilate: Normal-type moves used by the Pokémon are converted to Flying-type moves, and their power is increased by 20%.
Under this ability, Mega Salamence's Normal-type moves could now unleash even greater destructive power.
"Bullet Punch!"
Mega Metagross, with its Tough Claws ability, enhanced all contact-based moves by 30%. This trait was arguably just as formidable as Aerilate.
Despite being in a burned state, with flames flickering across its silver body and constantly chipping away at its health, Mega Metagross appeared unfazed.
Its silver-white body gleamed, its calm eyes unyielding, and it stood tall with unwavering determination.
"Flamethrower!"
Mega Salamence unleashed a torrent of scorching flames, instantly raising the temperature of the battlefield. The air rippled with heatwaves, and the ground seemed to bake under the fiery assault.
Mega Metagross pressed forward, using its four massive arms to unleash successive Bullet Punches. The powerful punches pushed back the flames, reducing them to flickering embers.
"Bang!!"
A Bullet Punch landed squarely on Mega Salamence's cheek. Its face dented slightly from the impact, and for a moment, it couldn't withstand the blow. Its body was sent hurtling toward the ground like a shooting star.
The speed of the fall compressed the air around it, forming a visible vortex as the pressure bore down on the earth below.
However, Mega Salamence didn't crash into the ground. Just before impact, its crescent-shaped wings erupted with incredible force, halting its fall mid-air.
It stopped just half a meter above the ground, its abrupt maneuver creating enough force to leave a crater below.
Such resilience was a testament to its mid-Elite-level power. If it were still at its earlier stage, it would have undoubtedly slammed into the ground.
Mega Metagross raised its four arms, gathering golden energy between them. A beam of radiant light shot forth—it was Hyper Beam!
Mega Salamence, still recovering from its recent burst of energy, found itself unable to react in time to the incoming attack.
"Protect!"
Dylan's voice rang out instantly.
A green protective barrier materialized in front of Mega Salamence, intercepting the Hyper Beam.
The golden beam collided with the shield, creating ripples that spread outward. Soon, cracks began to form on the shield.
Just as the shield shattered, Mega Salamence counterattacked, launching a powerful Hydro Pump from its mouth.
The water blast not only neutralized the remaining energy from the Hyper Beam but also surged toward Mega Metagross.
After using Hyper Beam, Mega Metagross was momentarily immobilized due to its cooldown period. At its current power level, it couldn't completely eliminate this delay.
Although its body couldn't move, Mega Metagross's psychic abilities were still functional. A transparent light screen materialized before it, successfully blocking the incoming Hydro Pump.
Taking advantage of the moment, Mega Salamence closed the distance, positioning itself directly in front of Mega Metagross before unleashing a Heat Wave at point-blank range.
The intense heat enveloped Mega Metagross, turning its once-silver body into a glowing red hue, akin to a piece of iron heated in a forge.
"Psychic!"
Julian knew that Metagross was in severe pain, but surrender? That wasn't an option—not just him but even Metagross wouldn't agree.
After coming this far, there was no turning back.
Besides, Julian didn't think they would even lose.
On the other side of the field, Wade clenched his fists as he watched Mega Metagross take the full brunt of the Heat Wave, its body visibly turning red by the attack.
As the head coach, he had the authority to call a surrender on behalf of his team if necessary.
But despite the damage, Mega Salamence's choice to engage at such close range worked in Julian's favor. The proximity placed Mega Salamence squarely within Psychic's effective range, making it the perfect opportunity to strike.
Since Julian had already activated Mega Evolution, he couldn't afford to expend extra mental focus to establish a psychic link with Metagross. Doing so would compromise the stability of the Mega Evolution.
Under the influence of Psychic, Mega Salamence suddenly froze mid-air, its movements completely restricted.
Metagross: Let's see you get that close to me again.
Without hesitation, Mega Metagross raised its massive arm and delivered a devastating Meteor Mash directly to Mega Salamence's head.
Enhanced by the Tough Claws ability, the power of Meteor Mash was amplified to an astonishing level.
"Boom!!"
The impact sent Mega Salamence crashing into the ground. The sheer force shattered the battlefield, leaving cracks spidering across an area as large as two soccer fields. It was as if an explosion had gone off beneath the surface.
After landing the Meteor Mash, a flash of white light momentarily enveloped Mega Metagross.
Meteor Mash had a chance to boost the user's attack, and after nearly ten uses since the first round, the odds had finally turned in Mega Metagross's favor.
Julian wiped the corner of his eye, almost moved to the point of tears.
"Mega Metagross, Giga Impact!"
Julian's shout echoed across the field. It was time to end the battle.
"Mega Salamence, Hyper Beam!"
Dylan, recognizing this critical moment, issued a command of his own.
Under the effect of Aerilate Ability, the Hyper Beam not only became a Flying-type move, but also got its power increased by 20%.
The spectators fell silent, the tension palpable. Some even stood up unconsciously, unable to tear their eyes away from the impending clash.
The seven-member group on the bench of Modu Academy stood up straight, staring at the collision between Mega Metagross and Mega Salamence
Giga Impact vs. Hyper Beam.
White and gold beams collided in mid-air, their energies intertwining like two brilliant streams of light meeting head-on.
"BOOM!!!"
A shockwave of white energy erupted from the collision, followed by wave after wave of force rippling outward.
The protective barrier surrounding the battlefield trembled under the relentless assault of the white shockwaves. Although the staff had assured the audience that the barrier wouldn't break, those seated closest couldn't help but turn pale with fear. Yet, their expressions were mixed with undeniable excitement.
For over ten seconds, the clash between the two devastating attacks remained in a stalemate. Slowly but surely, the white Giga Impact began to push the golden Hyper Beam back.
Dylan's expression faltered. At this critical juncture, there was nothing more he could do but trust in Mega Salamence.
"Meta!!"
Metagross's metallic voice rang out, and a slight smirk tugged at the corner of Julian's lips.
"Finish it!"
In disbelief, Dylan watched as the Giga Impact surged in size, breaking all expectations.
The overwhelming energy completely overwhelmed and sliced through the Hyper Beam.
Under the desperate gaze of Mega Salamence, the final shock hit it like a Meteorite.
With a resounding crash, the Giga Impact slammed into Mega Salamence. The already fragile battlefield gave way under the massive attack, collapsing into utter chaos.
Chunks of debris flew into the air, and countless cracks spread across the ground like a shattered mirror.
Parts of the battlefield rose into jagged mounds, while other sections caved into deep pits or crumbled into loose, flowing sands.
The arena was in ruins.
*****
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