Pokemon: Armaldo (Light Cyan)
Gender: Male
Level: 54
Type: Rock/Bug
Ability: Battle Armor
Held Items: None
Egg Moves: Smack Down, Screech, Fury Cutter, Aqua Jet
Basic Moves: Scratch, Harden, Mud Sport, Water Gun, Slash, Ancient Power, Metal Claw, Rock Tomb, X-Scissor, Brine, Crush Claw, Cross Poison, Protect
Learnt Moves: Surf, Bug Bite
TM Moves: Earthquake, Rock Slide, Stone Edge
This Armaldo was clearly the cornerstone of her team.
After reviewing the Armaldo's data, Aoki silently considered its capabilities. The potential and strength of this ancient Pokemon were considerable. For a trainer who started as an ordinary citizen, obtaining TMs for powerful moves like Earthquake and Stone Edge for an Armaldo was no small feat.
The remaining two Pokemon in her party were also documented—a Level 50 Beedrill with dark-green potential and a Level 48 Heracross with light-cyan aptitude. Neither was weak.
With two pseudo-champion-tier Pokemon and three elite-level Pokemon at their peak, this trainer's strength bordered on the pseudo-legendary tier. If her Ninjask and Shedinja had both reached Level 50, she would have been a genuine pseudo-champion-tier trainer.
The difference between elite and pseudo-championtrainers was significant, and the League placed great importance on such individuals. After all, reaching pseudo-champion status was no easy task—it marked one as part of a rare and influential group, the backbone of the League.
It was a shame this trainer hadn't persevered to the end.
Aoki sighed inwardly.
But the battle had already begun!
Without the speed control of Honchkrow and Weavile, but with a frontline anchor like Aggron, combined with the pseudo-champion-tier Metagross, their coordination would significantly enhance their combat effectiveness.
The first to act was the relentless Lairon. Given that the opposing team was primarily Bug-types, the only real threat was Heracross's Fighting-type moves. Other attacks posed little danger, so Lairon positioned itself at the front as the team's physical wall.
At the same time, Drapion moved forward alongside Lairon. The two Pokemon exchanged glances—though they hadn't battled together in a long time, their old synergy remained intact.
Under Aoki's command, Gengar melted into the shadows. The flickering torchlight in the ruins expanded its range of movement, allowing it to maneuver freely.
Ninjask and Beedrill took to the skies, using their aerial advantage to scout for openings.
Armaldo lumbered forward with heavy steps, charging straight at Lairon and Drapion. As a pseudo-Champion-tier Pokemon, Armaldo was expected to break through their defenses.
But Armaldo had underestimated Drapion's raw power. While Drapion might lack in other areas, sheer strength was its forte—it believed no opponent could overpower it.
Armaldo's charge was abruptly halted as Drapion seized it with overwhelming force. The shock in Armaldo's eyes was evident—it hadn't expected such brute strength.
What kind of monstrous power is this?
Yet Drapion wasn't as composed as it appeared. Facing a stronger opponent, it was barely holding its ground.
But Drapion wasn't alone. Aggron, under Steven's command, ignited the twin metal crests on its head, transforming them into massive blades. It lowered its head and rammed into Armaldo with a devastating Double-Edge.
The Rock-type move should have dealt massive damage, given Armaldo's double weakness to Rock. However, a green energy shield flared around Armaldo—Protect had nullified the attack.
Simultaneously, Armaldo triggered Earthquake. Though the ground here was solid, the tremors still dislodged years of accumulated dust from the ceiling. Drapion and Aggron, standing closest, bore the brunt of the attack.
Meanwhile, Beedrill shot toward Slowking. Though its Poison typing made it vulnerable to Psychic moves, its Bug-type attacks were super effective against Psychic-types.
Slowking and Metagross hovered midair, their combined Psychic energy saturating the battlefield. Their powers intertwined, amplifying each other's strength.
Before Beedrill could reach Slowking, it was struck by a combined Psychic assault from both Pokemon. Against a pseudo-champion-tier opponent, an elite-level Beedrill stood no chance—especially when doubly weak to Psychic. It fainted instantly.
But the trainer, Jiaya, didn't panic. Hidden behind Beedrill, Ninjask had closed in at blinding speed. Even Slowking and Metagross's combined Psychic barriers couldn't stop it.
Just as Ninjask was about to strike, Aoki and Steven commanded Slowking and Metagross to unleash another Psychic wave, shaping it into an invisible blade aimed at Ninjask.
But at the last moment, Shedinja emerged from behind Ninjask. Clinging to its partner unnoticed—thanks to its unique ability—it had evaded detection.
The Psychic assault passed harmlessly through Shedinja. The two Pokemon lunged at Slowking, knowing Metagross would be harder to defeat.
Steven's expression darkened as he telepathically ordered Metagross to target Shedinja.
Jiaya smirked, relishing his frustration. Without understanding Shedinja's ability, conventional attacks were useless.
Armaldo, Ninjask, and Shedinja were her true aces.
But what she didn't see was Aoki's own smile.
I've been waiting for this.
Gengar, lurking in the shadows under Aoki's orders, hadn't gone after Jiaya. Since she'd only sent out five Pokemon, at least one was guarding her.
Someone who thrived on danger wouldn't leave herself open.
Emerging from the darkness, Gengar hurled two enlarged Shadow Balls—condensed and compressed for maximum power—straight at Shedinja.
Jiaya's face paled. "Impossible!" she gasped.