"Combusken? didn't expect the Hariyama to sit this one out?"
"Chris's second Pokémon is Combusken. Looks like he's saving the Hariyama for the grand finale."
Combusken's appearance didn't stir much excitement. Compared to Riolu or the Shiny Hariyama, an ordinary Combusken from the Hoenn starter trio wasn't particularly impressive.
"Combusken..." Sensing the sudden drop in energy from the crowd, Combusken's mood faltered slightly, but it quickly shook off the disappointment. "Comb Comb!! (You'll all regret underestimating me!)"
Chris was a little amused by Combusken's mood swings; it seemed this Pokémon enjoyed being in the spotlight.
The referee confirmed both Pokémon were ready, raised his flags high, then swiftly brought them down.
"Let the battle begin!"
"Riolu, Power-Up Punch!"
"Combusken, Double Kick!" Chris and Xavier issued their commands simultaneously.
Both Pokémon had ranged moves, but neither side wanted a battle of attrition.
Since both were Fighting-types, this would be settled up close!
Riolu and Combusken were equally proud fighters.
Riolu's light frame sprang into action, dashing forward like a ninja, its hands glowing faintly with silver energy.
Combusken charged in the opposite direction.
In the blink of an eye, the two Pokémon met mid-air, both launching their attacks simultaneously.
Riolu surged upward, delivering a punch with its right hand, using the momentum of its entire body. Combusken, in turn, kicked off with its left foot, its right leg aiming straight for Riolu.
"Boom!" Riolu's fist collided with Combusken's leg.
The stalemate lasted only a second before Riolu was sent flying backward.
The difference in strength was clear for all to see!
Combusken wasn't finished. After landing the kick, it dashed forward, riding the momentum, its right foot hitting the ground as Quick Attack kicked in.
Combusken's feet seemed to spark with energy as it shot forward like a cannonball, pursuing the airborne Riolu.
"Aura Sphere!" Xavier raised his hand in command.
The audience gasped, all eyes on Riolu and Xavier.
It was rare for a Riolu to master Aura Sphere directly. Most trainers had them use Vacuum Wave until they evolved into Lucario, where Aura Sphere would come naturally.
Using Aura Sphere in the Riolu stage usually required the "assistance" of a skilled Trainer.
Xavier's aura flared, connecting with Riolu like invisible threads.
Mid-air, Riolu winced in pain but, spurred on by its trainer's command, raised its hand, summoning a light blue ball of energy.
Aura Sphere's accuracy comes from its ability to lock onto the opponent's aura like a homing missile, so aiming wasn't necessary!
"Tch," Chris scoffed.
Combusken's Cut wasn't like Frogadier's version. It used its sharp claws as the blade's tip and its arm as the blade itself, slashing rapidly at the incoming Aura Sphere.
A shrill sound like a blade scraping metal rang out as the Aura Sphere split in two before Combusken's glowing claws, exploding harmlessly to its sides.
The next second, Combusken burst through the smoke from the explosion, still propelled by its Quick Attack. With ruthless precision, its Cut attack struck Riolu, sending it crashing into the arena wall.
"Boom!"
The impact shook the wall, leaving a deep impression and a long slash mark that stretched across the surface.
Right in the center of it all was Riolu, embedded in the wall.
The situation was dire.
The referee immediately declared, "Riolu is unable to battle, Combusken wins!"
A hush fell over the audience before whispers and murmurs erupted.
"Was that a one-hit knockout?"
"That's Riolu! The Pokémon that can evolve into Lucario! And it was taken down instantly by Combusken's Cut!"
"Wait, isn't Combusken known for using its legs? What's with this Cut move?"
"I think Riolu's just too fragile. Before it evolves into Lucario and gains the Steel type's defensive boost, its defense isn't that high. It's not surprising that it got knocked out quickly."
It wasn't that Riolu was particularly fragile—Combusken's strength was overwhelming!
Even if Frogadier had faced Combusken head-on with Cut, Combusken would have come out on top.
One reason is Combusken's impressive attack power. The other is that this particular Combusken had just learned *Slash* at level 25. While Cut is sharp, Slash is even more powerful. If Cut is like a sharp sword, then Slash is akin to wielding a heavy axe.
Combusken had mastered combining both Slash and Cut, making its Cut attack as fearsome as a giant blade!
And Combusken's Cut wasn't just any ordinary move—it was a special *Cut*! Its power had been boosted to a whopping 90.
Taking out a Riolu, especially one still in its unevolved state, was an easy feat for such a powerful move.
After about ten seconds of stunned silence, the audience finally erupted into applause, showing respect to the victorious Combusken.
"Geechi!! o(￣ヘ￣o#)"
The situation was dire.
The referee immediately declared, "Riolu is unable to battle, Combusken wins!"
A hush fell over the audience before whispers and murmurs erupted.
"Was that a one-hit knockout?"
"That's Riolu! The Pokémon that can evolve into Lucario! And it was taken down instantly by Combusken's Cut!"
"Wait, isn't Combusken known for using its legs? What's with this Cut move?"
"I think Riolu's just too fragile. Before it evolves into Lucario and gains the Steel type's defensive boost, its defense isn't that high. It's not surprising that it got knocked out quickly."
It wasn't that Riolu was particularly fragile—Combusken's strength was overwhelming!
Even if Frogadier had faced Combusken head-on with Cut, Combusken would have come out on top.
One reason is Combusken's impressive attack power. The other is that this particular Combusken had just learned *Slash* at level 25. While Cut is sharp, Slash is even more powerful. If Cut is like a sharp sword, then Slash is akin to wielding a heavy axe.
Combusken had mastered combining both Slash and Cut, making its Cut attack as fearsome as a giant blade!
And Combusken's Cut wasn't just any ordinary move—it was a special *Cut*! Its power had been boosted to a whopping 90.
Taking out a Riolu, especially one still in its unevolved state, was an easy feat for such a powerful move.
After about ten seconds of stunned silence, the audience finally erupted into applause, showing respect to the victorious Combusken.
"Combusken!! o(￣ヘ￣o#)" Combusken strutted back to Chris, brimming with confidence.
*Dare to underestimate me? This is the result!*
Xavier quietly recalled Riolu back into its Poké Ball, his face showing a tinge of blue. His Riolu, the one he'd trusted from auditions to the finals, had been defeated by Chris's Combusken.
It would be dishonest to say he wasn't upset.
But he had to admit—Chris's Combusken was incredibly strong.
Now, for his second Pokémon…
Xavier's hand, which had hovered over his second Poké Ball, shifted to the last one instead.
He took it off his belt and threw it into the air.
With a flash of silver light, a fearsome Pokémon crashed onto the battlefield.
Its scarlet head, powerful wings, and rock-like body covered in blood-red spikes gave off an aura of pure ferocity.
It was Druddigon!