"Machamp, use Focus Energy!"
Instead of attacking right away, Shen chose to add a layer of strength to Machamp. With Focus Energy, Machamp could concentrate better, making it easier to hit the enemy's weak spots.
As its name suggests, Machamp is incredibly powerful. With four arms, it can throw a thousand punches in just two seconds and is skilled in many fighting styles.
This power makes Machamp a popular choice in construction and at harbors. Need a crane? Just have Machamp carry it on its back. Its hardworking nature also makes it a great family Pokémon.
"Infernape, use Close Combat!" Shen's rival wasn't going to let Machamp power up without interference.
She commanded her Pokémon to rush in and disrupt Machamp's Focus Energy.
But Machamp had already completed its preparation.
"How is that even possible?" Shen's rival gasped in surprise.
Even Julian looked surprised. Machamp's Focus Energy had taken less than two seconds—about half the usual time. It was clear now that Shen had planned this from the start.
"We'll use Close Combat too!" Shen shouted.
At that moment, Infernape lunged toward Machamp. It was too late for its Trainer to change tactics. The fists of both Pokémon became streaks of white light as they struck each other at incredible speed. Initially, they seemed evenly matched, but Machamp's earlier preparation began to show its advantage.
Thanks to Focus Energy, Machamp could hit its rival more easily. Plus, having four arms gave it an inherent edge over Infernape.
As Machamp tracked Infernape's punches, it held its breath and caught one of Infernape's fists with its upper arms while delivering powerful blows to its opponent's stomach and neck with its other arms.
Infernape let out a pained scream but remained caught by Machamp's grip, leaving it exposed.
"Machamp, Dynamic Punch!"
Dynamic Punch is a powerful Fighting-type move, but it has a low hit rate. Most trainers save it for when they have a high chance of hitting. But now, with Infernape right in front of Machamp, it was almost impossible to miss.
"Infernape, use Swagger!" commanded its Trainer.
Caught off guard, As Infernape shouted at Machamp, something strange happened. Machamp suddenly became enraged. In its fury, it lost focus and ended up hitting itself with the Dynamic Punch instead of its opponent.
"Machamp!" Shen yelled in panic.
Just when she thought victory was within reach, things had taken a turn for the worse.
Swagger confuses the opponent and boosts their attack power. It was a risky gamble, and in this case, Shen was out of luck. Machamp, filled with rage, had struck itself hard with the boosted Dynamic Punch, resulting in significant damage.
The opposing Trainer had won the gamble, not only freeing Infernape but also throwing Machamp into disarray.
"I'm afraid Shen is also very unlucky" Will muttered, watching closely.
Julian shot him a disapproving glance. Why bring up Shen's luck? What was he implying?
In Pokémon battles, it's not just about strength and skill; luck plays a crucial role too. If Machamp remained in its confused state and managed to hit Infernape with another Dynamic Punch, it could change the outcome entirely.
"Infernape, Cross Chop!"
Seeing Machamp still confused, the rival Trainer seized the opportunity to go for the win.
Infernape, despite its pain, charged at Machamp, fueled by frustration at being held down.
"I don't believe this! Machamp, Counter!" Shen shouted, willing her Pokémon to respond.
Since the other Trainer had gambled earlier, Shen decided to take a risk too. She hoped Machamp would follow her command this time.
With a heavy Cross Chop, Infernape struck Machamp, but just then, Shen's voice broke through the confusion. Machamp's mind cleared at the last moment, allowing it to unleash a powerful energy wave that sent Infernape flying.
Counter allows the user to double the damage of the opponent's attack back at them, as long as the user can remain standing. Thankfully, Machamp was strong enough to withstand Infernape's Cross Chop.
"Infernape is unable to battle; Machamp wins!" announced the referee.
Shen breathed a sigh of relief as she recalled Machamp and made her way down from the arena, joining Will.
"If you lose your next match, I swear I'll kill you," she said playfully, shaking her fist at him.
Will instinctively took a step back, feeling a bit embarrassed as he caught sight of the live broadcast camera overhead. His cheeks turned slightly red.
"A mere Grass-type Trainer and you think I'll lose?" he replied confidently.
He was a Fire-type Trainer, and his opponent was a Grass-type. With such a clear advantage, he couldn't imagine a scenario where he would lose.
"Charizard!" he called, sending out his Pokémon.
"come out, Venusaur!" came the reply.
Will grinned. Fate was certainly interesting; he was up against Venusaur.
Among starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur is one of the most cost-effective and worthwhile choices to train. Just like Charmander, which is a fan favorite among Fire-type starters.
However, both of these Pokémon are valued at over a million, making them out of reach for an average family.
Charizard soared above Venusaur at a height of about ten meters.
The protective barrier around the battlefield rose to thirty meters, meaning no Pokémon could fly higher than that. If they did, it would count as a rules violation and result in an automatic loss.
In official matches without energy shields, there are still limits to how high Pokémon can fly, ensuring that grounded Pokémon still have a fighting chance.
"Charizard, Flamethrower!" Will commanded, snapping his fingers with flair.
A torrent of flames shot down from Charizard, starting narrow at half a meter wide and quickly spreading to five or six meters as it neared Venusaur.
The temperature around the area skyrocketed.
*****
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