BOOM!
Milotic's Hydro Pump was so powerful that it slammed into a large tree, splitting the trunk apart before blasting a deep crater into the ground. The sheer force of the attack sent shockwaves through the battlefield, shaking the surrounding area.
This was the devastating power of Elite-level Pokémon, strong enough to rival a battalion. Aoki had never personally witnessed a Champion-level battle, but considering how Elite Pokémon could already wreak such destruction, he could only imagine what kind of force Champions could unleash—perhaps enough to annihilate an entire city.
Boss Lairon, having been hit squarely on the shoulder by the Hydro Pump, was sent flying backward. It tumbled across the battlefield, kicking up dust and debris as it skidded to a halt, groaning in pain.
"Boss Lairon, hold on! I believe in you!" Aoki called out.
Hearing its trainer's voice, Boss Lairon grit its teeth and forced itself back onto its feet. It was wounded, its armor cracked slightly, but it wouldn't give in. Years of consuming specially tailored Pokéblocks had fortified its body beyond the natural limits of its species, granting it impressive endurance and resistance to damage.
Across from it, Milotic was also panting, showing signs of fatigue. Neither Pokémon had emerged unscathed—both were battling at their limits, locked in a contest of sheer willpower.
"Your Boss Lairon is really impressive," Cynthia admitted, admiration flickering in her golden eyes. "But my Milotic won't go down that easily. Milotic, use Attract!"
Milotic twisted its serpentine body elegantly, eyes shimmering with an enchanting glow. The beauty of its scales radiated under the sunlight, creating an irresistible, mesmerizing aura that even Aoki found himself briefly captivated by.
Boss Lairon's eyes widened as its gaze locked onto Milotic.
…Captivated.
Aoki's jaw nearly dropped. "No way…"
Another Pokémon, however, was enraged.
Standing on the sidelines, Aoki's female Lairon—Boss Lairon's long-time partner—narrowed her eyes dangerously. This was the second time Milotic had used Attract on her mate.
If it had been Aoki's idea earlier, she could tolerate it.
But this time?
Unforgivable.
She let out a threatening growl, visibly fuming.
"Milotic, follow up with Hydro Pump!" Cynthia commanded, seizing the opportunity.
Milotic launched another devastating Hydro Pump, the high-pressure jet of water roaring toward Boss Lairon.
"Boss Lairon, wake up! Your girlfriend's angry!" Aoki shouted urgently.
The words struck like a Thunderbolt.
Boss Lairon's pupils shrank, and in an instant, its dazed expression vanished.
The moment it snapped out of the Attract-induced trance, it was greeted by the sight of Hydro Pump surging toward it.
"Mega Punch!"
With no time to dodge, Boss Lairon clenched its massive steel claws, channeling its energy into a colossal Mega Punch. It swung with all its might, colliding with the oncoming Hydro Pump.
BOOM!
The sheer impact shattered the water blast, sending a massive spray of droplets in every direction. However, the force of the explosion still sent Boss Lairon skidding back, struggling to shake off the residual water clinging to its metallic body.
"Hyper Beam, now!" Aoki commanded.
"Milotic, counter with Hyper Beam!" Cynthia called out.
Both Pokémon opened their jaws simultaneously, gathering intense golden energy before unleashing their Hyper Beams. The two attacks collided in midair, triggering an explosion so powerful that it generated a shockwave, scattering debris and kicking up a violent storm of wind.
Aoki and Cynthia had to shield their faces, bracing against the powerful gusts.
As the dust settled, both Pokémon were visibly exhausted, panting heavily as they struggled to maintain their stance.
Aoki's eyes narrowed.
This is it.
If he wanted to win, now was the time to end it with his trump card.
"Milotic, use Recover!" Cynthia ordered, her battle instincts sharp.
Milotic's body glowed with a gentle white light, preparing to restore its stamina. If successful, it would recover half of its maximum health, creating an even bigger obstacle for Boss Lairon to overcome.
Aoki knew he couldn't let that happen.
"Boss Lairon, it's time for our final move—Mega Spiral Combo!"
Aoki slipped a hand into his pocket, carefully concealing something.
On Boss Lairon's tail, a Z-Pure Crystal shimmered subtly, releasing a transparent white glow.
Since Cynthia was standing directly opposite Boss Lairon, she couldn't see the change happening.
The air around Boss Lairon trembled, and in the next instant, a dazzling silver aura engulfed its entire body.
Cynthia frowned slightly. "Mega Spiral Combo? I've never heard of that move before…"
She was highly knowledgeable, but she had never encountered a technique like this.
Was it some secret technique Aoki had created?
Looking at the sheer intensity of Boss Lairon's energy, Cynthia had a bad feeling.
"Milotic, dodge immediately!" she called out.
"Too late!" Aoki shouted. "Boss Lairon, go!"
Boss Lairon's entire body spun at extreme speeds, generating a blazing silver vortex around itself as it shot into the sky like a missile.
Then, in a flash of silver light, Boss Lairon plummeted toward Milotic at blinding speed.
Milotic barely had time to react.
"Milotic, Protect!"
A green barrier flickered into existence just as Boss Lairon made impact.
CRASH!
Even though Protect blocked a significant portion of the attack, the sheer force still sent Milotic flying. It soared across the battlefield before crashing into the riverbank, carving out a massive crater upon impact.
Cynthia's heart clenched.
"Milotic!"
Immediately, Garchomp swooped down, grabbing Cynthia as it flew across the river.
When she arrived, she saw Milotic lying motionless in the deep pit, its eyes swirling with white spirals—completely incapacitated.
Aoki held his breath.
"…Did I win?"
Cynthia turned back and gave a small smile.
"Aoki, my Milotic is unable to battle. The final winner is… your Boss Lairon."
For a brief second, Aoki froze.
Then—
"YES!"
His entire body trembled with excitement.
He had actually defeated Cynthia.
That meant—
The diamond treasure chest was his!
What kind of legendary treasure was inside?
His hands clenched into fists.
He was about to find out.
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