Countless bolts of electricity transformed into roaring lightning serpents, closing in on Beedrill and leaving it no escape route.
"Beedrill, fly low!"
"Then use [Drill Run]—drive your drill into the ground!"
Facing such an overwhelming electrical assault, dodging was clearly the worst option.
So Guo Yi found another path.
Inspired by how Pikachu in the anime had used [Iron Tail]—a Steel-type move—to ground electricity safely into the earth, Guo Yi instructed Beedrill to use the Ground-type [Drill Run] for the same effect.
The instant the lightning serpents bit into Beedrill's body, their energy was diverted harmlessly into the ground.
Using the grounding effect, Beedrill swiftly flapped its wings and launched a fierce counterattack against Tapu Koko.
Closing in once again, Beedrill's twin lances burst into brilliant light.
With [Fury Attack], Beedrill unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes.
Though each strike did minimal damage, the sheer number made the assault formidable.
However—
Tapu Koko quickly mounted its own counterattack.
Soaring high into the air, it gathered Flying-type energy.
In a split second—
A piercing eagle cry echoed through the sky!
Tapu Koko became enveloped by energy in the shape of a massive bird of prey, diving toward Beedrill at breakneck speed.
It was the ultimate Flying-type move—[Brave Bird].
The tremendous energy smashed directly into Beedrill, decisively shattering the stalemate.
Truthfully—
Guo Yi understood clearly.
Tapu Koko hadn't even begun to unleash its full strength yet.
Otherwise—
With its Master-Tier power combined with such a devastating Flying-type move—
Beedrill would have been defeated instantly on the first direct impact.
It was just like when Beedrill had faced Elite Four-Tier Pokémon earlier.
The weaker you were, the more possibilities there were to overcome stronger foes through tricks and tactics.
But once you reached Champion or Master-Tier, every small level became an insurmountable gap.
Even though Beedrill was now at level 90, just one level lower than Tapu Koko's level 91, that single level was like an immense chasm between them.
I wonder if a [Mega-Evolved] Beedrill, combined with a [Z-Move], could overcome such a gap and win...
With Tapu Koko finally taking the fight seriously, Guo Yi knew the battle was drawing to a close.
Although reluctant, he had to acknowledge Beedrill was still far from being a match for a deity-level Pokémon.
But Guo Yi wasn't disheartened.
After all, Beedrill hadn't fully absorbed the template's power yet and still had room for growth.
Guo Yi didn't set extravagant goals for Beedrill.
He'd be content as long as Mega Beedrill could stand toe-to-toe with a minor Legendary Pokémon someday.
...
"Bzz!"
Covered in injuries, Beedrill slowly returned to Guo Yi's side.
Though wounded, its scarlet eyes burned brighter than ever.
After all, this was the first time Beedrill had ever fought with all its strength.
And it felt exhilarated!
Suddenly, Tapu Koko hovered directly in front of Guo Yi, its eyes filled with confusion.
[Strange!]
[Your Pokémon is so powerful, yet the bond between you two isn't as deep as I imagined.]
Tapu Koko's voice echoed again in Guo Yi's mind.
"Bond?"
Guo Yi froze upon hearing that word.
He glanced at Beedrill and fell silent.
Tapu Koko's words had struck true—their bond really wasn't as deep as one might expect.
Beedrill's power had largely come from the system's template, with little involvement from Guo Yi himself.
Without even realizing it, he'd shifted his attention toward teaching Su Qingxue and his other students, unintentionally neglecting Beedrill and his other Pokémon.
"Bzz?"
Beedrill looked at its trainer with concern.
Although it couldn't understand Tapu Koko's words, it could sense Guo Yi's sinking mood.
"Kooo..."
Watching Guo Yi sink into introspection, Tapu Koko suddenly emitted a radiant glow.
The brilliant light floated toward Guo Yi, settling around his wrist and materializing into a bracelet.
"This is...the Bug-type [Z-Crystal] and a [Z-Ring]!"
Guo Yi stared in astonishment at the Z-Ring on his wrist.
He couldn't understand why Tapu Koko would grant him such a gift, especially given their apparent lack of deep bond.
He looked questioningly at Tapu Koko, seeking an explanation.
[When your Pokémon breaks through once more, you should be able to wield this power.]
Tapu Koko gave this cryptic response, clearly uninterested in further discussion with Guo Yi.
Instead, it flew directly toward Su Qingxue, communicating with the Weedle cradled in her arms.
During their conversation, Weedle glanced between Su Qingxue and Tapu Koko repeatedly.
Finally, with determination in its eyes, Weedle gave Tapu Koko a firm nod.
[When your strength reaches the Pseudo-Elite Four Tier, come find me again.]
After hearing Weedle's decision, Tapu Koko gave Su Qingxue this instruction before turning to leave.
At that moment, Guo Yi suddenly called out.
"Tapu Koko, wait a moment!"