"So strong!"

Liuqia gazed at the roaring Hydreigon with heartfelt admiration.

She had never imagined that the usually foolish-looking Pokémon, always hovering around Baimu, could be so powerful.

Was this really the Hydreigon she knew?

Liuqia suddenly speculated, "Could the exchange be to counter Gyarados’ Climbing Waterfall?"

She knew very well that Baimu’s battle habits wouldn’t involve meaningless actions.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt it was possible.

Though Gyarados’ Climbing Waterfall wasn’t an all-encompassing move, given its size, it could sweep across the field in mere seconds once it charged forward.

Instead of letting Dragapult in Evasion dodge around, it was better to switch to Hydreigon to block it and counter!

It proved correct.

Choosing Hydreigon was absolutely the right choice.

Once Gyarados was hit by Dragon Arrow, its condition plummeted; with just a well-timed Thunder Fang post-Climbing Waterfall, it could be defeated.

"Awesome! Truly awesome!"

Liuqia couldn’t help but applaud Hydreigon. Knowing what to say and actually achieving it are two different things; accomplishing what one sets out to do surpasses at least 95% of trainers.

"..."

Adam nodded but didn’t respond.

He simply glanced at Mikoli on the other side.

As Mikoli’s mentor, Adam knew he was already influenced by Baimu and Hydreigon’s brilliant performance, causing an emotional transformation.

Indeed Mikoli, that’s no longer a challenger!

But rather an opponent!

There’s no point in holding back!

On the field.

Retrieving Gyarados into the Pokeball, Mikoli paused before slightly lifting his chin and slowly exhaling.

"Hoo..."

He squinted his eyes.

How long had it been?

How long since he last felt the true passion since battling Da Wu again?

It was truly regrettable.

The established rules couldn’t be changed at will, but he could only fight within the framework of the Gym Battle.

Yet even so, it was worth giving it his all!

"Go! Swampert!"

Mikoli seemed to flare his Champion’s Cloak, raising his right hand and loudly exclaiming, "Show your elegance!"

Bang!

White light shimmered.

"Glug!"

The deep blue robust salamander landed in the pool; the orange sacs on its cheeks swelled slightly with its breathing, appearing especially steady and powerful.

At first glance.

Baimu seemed to see a dark reef standing in the vast, turbulent sea.

This guy...

Definitely one of Mikoli’s champion team Pokémon!

"Sha snarl."

Hydreigon’s previous arrogance vanished, looking with heavy expressions at the formidable Swampert opposite, its roar growing deeper and hoarse.

A powerful Pokémon’s physique and momentum differed entirely from ordinary ones.

Faced with this Swampert, it was likely the strongest opponent it had encountered in an official match, enough to ignite its chest like a furnace, its sharp teeth extremely itchy—

It was almost unable to hold back!

"Roar!"

The moment Baimu ordered, Hydreigon’s flat chest and belly rapidly swelled, sending a massive pale white sound wave towards Swampert!

With Mikoli having only two Pokémon left, forcing a switch with the roar would expose the rest of the Pokémon.

That was absolutely a sure-win trade.

Of course. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

That depended on the success of using Roar.

The center field’s water waves were affected by the sound waves, creating a surge pressing towards Swampert.

"Muddy Stream."

Mikoli ordered softly.

Swampert fiercely slapped the water with its powerful forearms, sending a muddled wave soaring under massive force, colliding with sound waves and tides.

Effortlessly suppressing them all.

"What a powerful Muddy Stream."

Baimu squinted, realizing that though Roar wasn’t a swift attack move, its depiction in animation was enough to send smaller Pokémon flying.

Swampert’s ease in suppression confirmed Baimu’s guess even more.

Mikoli might have trained another Swampert after becoming a Gym Leader.

But attaining this level of power wasn’t as simple as in games; without cheats or similar aids, it’s certainly a long-term process measured in years.

Should I probe further?

No.

No need to waste precious attack chances...

Suddenly.

Baimu’s eyes widened.

"Wait!"

The trainer’s shout halted the eager-to-charge Hydreigon.

"Sha snarl?"

It turned its largest head, full of confusion.

Faced with such an opponent, wouldn’t it be advantageous to strike first?

What was it waiting for?

The confusion quickly found an answer.

Hydreigon’s two smaller heads, reserved for guarding against enemy attacks, noticed Mikoli silently turning his hat brim.

A small sparkling glass bead swayed beneath the brim.

Key Stone!?

"Return!"

The trainer’s command echoed by its ears, causing Hydreigon to first widen its eyes in disbelief, then respond with a deep growl.

"Sha snarl."

Returning to the Pokeball now was clearly saying it couldn’t defeat Swampert post-Super Evolution!

...Even if that was true, it still left Hydreigon feeling intense frustration and humiliation.

Indeed, given its current strength.

Going against Swampert wouldn’t guarantee a win, especially against one post-Super Evolution; fighting head-on was feasible, but losing would be unfavorable.