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Sterling's expression was dark.
Just minutes ago, he had confidently declared that Kai wouldn't be so lucky a second time. And yet here they were his Electabuzz was being crushed by another brutally bad type of matchup.
So much for strategy...
Worse yet, Electabuzz had it tougher than Slugma. At least Fire moves could hit Larvitar. But Electric-type attacks? Completely nullified. They did absolutely nothing.
Sterling took off his glasses and rubbed them with a cloth, trying to calm his frustration.
No use losing it now...
What was done was done. The best he could do was adapt and fight smart. But the more he thought about it, the more annoyed he became.
We agreed to release our Pokémon at the same time! How was I supposed to know he'd keep the same one out?!
Doesn't he worry someone might use a Water or grass type to counter him?
Across the field, Kai looked calm, even relaxed.
In truth, he hadn't put too much thought into sending Larvitar out again. The little guy was still in great shape, had barely taken any damage, and was riding high after its win. There was no reason to bench it when it was still raring to go.
And now? With another favorable matchup and no signs of weakness?
Unless Sterling suddenly turned into Ash Ketchum, Kai couldn't imagine losing this one.
Yeah… he was getting a little cocky.
The battle resumed and right on cue, Electabuzz found itself on the back foot.
With Electric moves useless and Larvitar bulldozing forward with powerful Rock-type attacks, Electabuzz had to rely on normal and physical strikes, none of which were doing much damage.
Larvitar opened with Rock Slide, forcing Electabuzz to close the distance to avoid being pinned.
Kai followed up. "Larvitar Bite! Lock it down!"
Larvitar lunged and clamped its jaws onto Electabuzz's arm. The electric type let out a growl of pain and instinctively triggered Discharge in response.
Sparks exploded but they fizzled against Larvitar's rock-like skin. No effect.
Sterling quickly ordered, "Roll—shake it off!"
Electabuzz hit the ground and rolled, finally knocking Larvitar loose, but the damage had been done.
Spectators watching from the sidelines were starting to murmur and shake their heads.
The second match was playing out just like the first completely one-sided.
Sure, type advantages played a part. But even beyond that, Kai's calm control and battle instincts were simply on another level. The difference in power was clear.
No wonder he's the Indigo League Champion… someone whispered in awe.
Back on the field, Electabuzz fought hard. It used Quick Attack, landed a few solid punches, and even threw in a Low Kick. But Larvitar remained relentless.
Finally, after dodging another charge, Kai called out, "Now—Rock Slide, one more time!"
Boulders crashed down, and Electabuzz couldn't avoid them. The Electric-type groaned and finally collapsed in a heap, unable to continue.
Sterling didn't move. His lips pressed into a flat line as Starla raised her hand.
"Electabuzz is unable to battle. Larvitar wins again!"
As the crowd responded with applause and surprise, something unusual happened in the ring.
Larvitar began to glow.
A brilliant white light engulfed its body, radiating outward in waves. Those watching immediately recognized the sign.
"Evolution?!" Starla gasped.
Kai raised an eyebrow in surprise but then quickly smiled.
Larvitar had been through countless battles since he'd caught it. Now that he thought about it, yeah… it was about time.
The glow intensified. Larvitar's small figure grew larger, its limbs retreating inward, its rocky skin replaced by a tougher, shell-like casing. And then, as quickly as it started, the light faded.
In Larvitar's place stood a new Pokémon: Pupitar.
Its body was covered in tough, blue-gray armor. Four spikes jutted from its sides, and a trio of small horns ran down its forehead. Blood-red eyes glared through the slits in its shell sharp, alert, and hungry for more.
Kai pulled out his Pokédex.
> Pupitar, the Hard Shell Pokémon. Ground/Rock type. Pupitar encases itself in a solid shell of armor. Though it appears immobile, it can generate pressurized gas from within, propelling itself like a missile. Its power and destructive force are formidable even mountains have been known to crumble beneath its fury.
A smirk tugged at Kai's lips. Not even a Tyranitar yet… and it's already a beast.
He returned Pupitar to its ball just as Sterling and Starla walked over from the other side of the field.
"We lost," Starla muttered with a sigh.
Though they tried to keep their composure, both of them were clearly frustrated. The losses had been swift, brutal, and humiliating.
Still—they didn't ask for a rematch. A loss was a loss.
Both siblings reached into their coats and pulled out two shining pins.
Starla held hers out. "This is the Thrill Badge. Take it."
Sterling followed. "And this one's the Oversight Badge. Don't lose it."
Kai accepted both with a small nod. Their designs were similar to the Heartbeat and Despair badges he'd received from Stella and Stellan. Only the colors and names had changed. Still—he appreciated the meaning behind them.
He tucked the badges away and thanked them briefly before turning to Erika.
"Let's go."
They walked away together, slipping back into the crowd.
Behind them, Sterling cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Don't get too cocky! The Week Siblings still have three more members! They'll take you down for sure!"
Kai didn't even turn around. He simply scratched his head and muttered, "Did I even look cocky?"
He blinked and glanced at Erika. "Did I?"
She just laughed softly.
Sterling really was adding drama where there wasn't any.
Kai could only hope the remaining Week Siblings were a little more reasonable…
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