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Jacob's eyes locked onto Charizard. In truth, Mega Charizard Y's power wasn't significantly different from Gyarados's. The real issue was the disadvantage in type matchups and move availability.
As a Fire/Flying-type, Charizard suffered from a devastating four-times weakness to Rock-type attacks.
Meanwhile, Gyarados, being Water/Flying-type, had its own four-times weakness to Electric-type moves.
The problem was that Charizard could only learn one Electric-type move—Thunder Punch, which was a physical attack. On the other hand, Gyarados had access to Stone Edge, a powerful Rock-type move.
This was completely unfair! Jacob wanted a rematch where his Charizard could Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X instead, and with its ability Tough Claws boosting Thunder Punch, it could defeat Gyarados decisively.
Of course, Jacob knew this was just wishful thinking. His Charizard specialized in special attacks, so while Mega Evolving into Mega Charizard X would still increase its strength, the result would be rather mediocre compared to its current form.
"Gyarados, finish this with Stone Edge!" Ariana's voice rang across the battlefield. Once she defeated the Charizard before her, Jacob's remaining Sceptile would be easy to handle.
Seeing Gyarados preparing another attack, Jacob made a decisive choice to switch Pokémon: "Return, Charizard! Go, Sceptile! Use Detect!"
Jacob's timing for this switch was strategic—he wanted to prevent Gyarados from activating its Moxie ability. If Gyarados knocked out a Pokémon, its Attack stat would increase dramatically. Having Sceptile enter the battle after such a boost would make victory nearly impossible, so switching now was the better option.
"Chamo!"
Sceptile felt particularly unlucky today. Every time it entered a battle, it had to immediately take a hit. Last time, it endured a Rock Slide from Hippowdon for no good reason, and now it faced Gyarados's Stone Edge. Both were Rock-type moves, but each seemed more brutal than the last.
Where was the peace and tranquility it deserved? This king was shouldering all the burden for its trainer.
Jacob, you're truly ruthless!
As soon as Sceptile materialized on the battlefield, it faced the incoming Stone Edge. Fortunately, Sceptile could now use the Detect move effectively.
A protective light barrier formed around Sceptile, successfully blocking Gyarados's Stone Edge and allowing for a safe entry onto the field.
Ariana studied Sceptile with no trace of fear in her eyes, her confidence radiating strongly.
The great mountain that was Charizard had been conquered. The Sceptile standing before her was merely a small hill to climb. The Champion's throne felt within her grasp.
In stark contrast to Ariana's confident expression, Jacob's face showed deep concern. He had never expected that even with Mega Evolution, this battle would prove so challenging.
"Hoo."
Jacob took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, and his gaze became resolute. It was time to begin another experiment.
Jacob placed his hand on the jade pendant resting against his chest once more. He wanted to test whether he could make two Pokémon Mega Evolve in a single battle!
"What is Jacob doing? He's placing his hand on that mysterious item on his chest again. Does he intend for his Sceptile to Mega Evolve as well?"
"This is absolutely incredible. If Sceptile also undergoes Mega Evolution like Charizard did, then Jacob will surely win this battle."
"Wait, Sceptile's neck appears to have a gem just like the one on Charizard's neck."
"Is it really going to Mega Evolve?"
Amid Julio's excited commentary, Jacob gently touched the Mega Evolution Stone on his chest with his finger, carefully sensing the bond he shared with Sceptile, and stared at the red Gyarados with unwavering determination.
If one Mega Evolution wasn't sufficient to claim victory, then he would use two. Jacob's heart swelled with ambition. He looked around the arena and shouted boldly:
"The Champion's title will definitely be ours! Sceptile, Mega Evolve!"
As Jacob's voice echoed throughout the stadium, everyone held their breath in anticipation. However, a gentle breeze swept across the field, and nothing happened, leaving Jacob feeling slightly embarrassed.
Had it failed?
"It appears Jacob has failed?"
"Sceptile didn't Mega Evolve as he had hoped. It seems Jacob's item doesn't guarantee success every time it's used."
"If Sceptile can't Mega Evolve, then facing off against the already injured Gyarados, it's really anyone's guess who will emerge victorious. The situation has become quite puzzling."
"Gyarados, use Bounce!"
Fortunately, at that moment, Ariana commanded Gyarados, breaking the awkward silence that had settled over the arena.
Ariana had also been startled moments before. She gritted her teeth, feeling relieved that Jacob's attempt had failed. If Sceptile had actually Mega Evolved successfully, she truly wouldn't have been able to defeat Jacob.
Gyarados suddenly exerted tremendous force, launching itself directly into the air before diving toward Sceptile with incredible momentum.
Jacob had already witnessed the overwhelming power of Ariana's Gyarados in physical combat, so he naturally wouldn't choose to have Sceptile engage in direct confrontation this time.
"Sceptile, use Agility!"
Upon hearing Jacob's command, Sceptile began moving at high speed around the battlefield. Its nimble body became a blur, constantly increasing the distance between itself and Gyarados.
"Roar!"
But Gyarados, diving from the sky, moved with extraordinary speed. It locked onto Sceptile and crashed down with tremendous force.
"Boom!"
A massive collision sound reverberated through the arena. Gyarados hadn't struck Sceptile but instead created a large crater in the ground where it landed.
Sceptile had barely managed to evade Gyarados's attack. Without the speed boost from Agility, dodging such a powerful assault would have been impossible.
There remained a significant gap between a Gym Leader level Gyarados and an Overlord Class Sceptile. Victory wouldn't come easily for Jacob in this battle, but he had prepared a second strategy.
"Sceptile!"
At that moment, Jacob's voice suddenly rang out with renewed determination. Jacob reached into the pocket of his battle suit and withdrew a ring.
The ring was embedded with a brilliant Evolution Keystone that sparkled magnificently in the sunlight, radiating dazzling light.
"Jacob has produced a new item. This item appears to be a ring."
"Wait, the gem embedded in that ring seems to be identical to the gem on his jade pendant?"
"What is Jacob planning to do? Does he still intend to try making Sceptile Mega Evolve?"
Jacob focused on Sceptile. His previous experiment had only proven that one Evolution Keystone could facilitate Mega Evolution for a single Pokémon, but what if he possessed two Evolution Keystones?
You all have seriously underestimated me, Jacob. I never enter battles without proper preparation. Today, I'll demonstrate how I earned my reputation as a formidable strategist!
"Sceptile, are you ready? Let's attempt this again."
As Jacob spoke, he could feel the ring in his hand beginning to emanate warmth.
He firmly believed that this time, Mega Evolution would definitely succeed!
"Sceptile, from the day we first met, I made you a promise that I would take you to explore this vast world and help you become the strongest Pokémon possible. So let's continue growing stronger together."
"One day, we will stand at the very pinnacle of this world!"
Jacob carefully slipped the ring onto his finger, slowly positioning it properly, and simultaneously declared with powerful conviction: "Mega Evolution!"
The instant the ring settled on his finger, the Evolution Keystone burst forth with brilliant radiance, exactly like the light that had appeared when Charizard underwent Mega Evolution—dazzling and magnificent.
Similarly, the Mega Evolution Stone adorning Sceptile's neck began emitting an equally dazzling light.
"Again?"
"It's another Mega Evolution attempt from Jacob?"
"Ariana is definitely going to lose this time."
The crowd watched in amazement as the familiar light of Mega Evolution began to envelop both trainer and Pokémon, wondering if Jacob's second attempt would prove successful where his first had failed.