"Incredible, to have the upper hand despite being at a disadvantage in level!"
"That's Whitney, the Gym Leader! I can't even count how many opponents that Kangaskhan has defeated. Could it really be suppressed one day?!"
"Come on, that's Ash. Do you know who Ash is?"
"Who?"
"The Champion of the Quartz Conference, the Trainer who defeated Elite Lorelei! Elite Lorelei of the Kanto region reads as 'Elite' but writes as 'Champion.' Now do you understand the value of Ash?"
Thanks to some well-informed audience members, the people around gained a new understanding of Ash.
Although Ash is famous, not everyone in the world recognizes him. But now, everyone present knows Ash.
Being able to watch a battle of this level of Trainer without even buying a ticket is definitely hitting the jackpot!
...
"Kangaskhan, use Crunch!" Facing the opponent's aggressive attack, Whitney remained calm and continued to direct.
Kangaskhan swiftly turned its head, opening its massive mouth, with sharp teeth gleaming with a dark light, lunging toward Heracross!
"Heracross, Detect!" A sharp gleam flashed in Heracross's eyes, and it instinctively dodged Kangaskhan's attack.
"Now, use Brick Break!" Heracross raised its right arm high, the edge of its hand glowing white, like a sharp battle axe, slashing fiercely at Kangaskhan's shoulder!
Kangaskhan was caught in a state similar to having just used Sucker Punch and couldn't react to Heracross's attack at all.
"Bang!!!"
Brick Break landed solidly on Kangaskhan's shoulder, the white light exploding with a dull thud!
Kangaskhan let out a painful cry, its massive body stumbling sideways by a couple of steps, leaving a visible bruise on its shoulder.
It was super effective!
Fighting Type Move has a restraining effect on Normal Type Pokemon, coupled with Heracross's full-force strike, even with a level difference, it still inflicted considerable damage on Kangaskhan.
"Kangaskhan, Headbutt!"
Kangaskhan steadied itself, a fierce glow flashing in its eyes, its strong neck exerting force, and its head shooting toward Heracross like a cannonball!
"Dodge!"
This time the distance between the two was very close, making it extremely difficult for Heracross to dodge, especially since Heracross had just used a move.
Although the real world is not turn-based, using a move inevitably comes with lag, which can only be overcome after leveling up and training.
Currently, Heracross clearly couldn't achieve that.
"Bang!!!"
Kangaskhan's head struck Heracross's chest solidly!
The force of this hit was astonishingly strong, sending Heracross's tens of kilograms of body flying like a baseball struck by a bat!
"Hera!!"
Heracross rolled several times in the air, its wings flapping frantically, trying to stabilize itself, but the impact from the Headbutt was too strong.
In the end, it couldn't completely dissipate the force, landing heavily on the ground, and skidding several meters before stopping.
The audience roared with awe.
"What an impressive Headbutt! The impact of this move is undeniably strong!"
"Whitney isn't backing down either. We Goldenrod City people have faith that our Gym Leader won't lose to a visiting Trainer, no matter how 'little' or 'great' Ash is. Whitney will knock them all down!"
"..."
Whitney's counterattack clearly thrilled the surrounding audience. Although they had learned that Ash was a celebrity,
if they had to choose sides, they'd still stand by Whitney. After all, they're Goldenrod City citizens!
"Heracross, are you okay?" Ash asked with concern.
"Hera..." Heracross struggled to get up from the ground, shaking its dizzy head, with a noticeable crack on the shell of its chest.
This hit took almost half of its Physical Strength away.
The level gap was apparent. Despite Heracross's outstanding performance, easily defeating Kangaskhan wasn't going to be simple.
"Still standing? Impressive!" Whitney's eyes revealed a hint of admiration. "But, it won't be that easy from here on out! Kangaskhan, use Giga Impact!"
Kangaskhan let out a low growl, its massive body leaping high, crashing down on Heracross like a small mountain!
The shadow eclipsed, Heracross looked up to see Kangaskhan's gigantic figure overshadowing the ceiling lights, pouncing down with the force of Giga Impact!
If this hit landed, given Heracross's current state, it would certainly be dire!
Yet Ash didn't instruct Heracross to dodge.
"Heracross, use Endure!"
Endure — a move that allows a Pokemon to withstand a fatal attack and cling on with 1 point of Physical Strength.
Heracross clenched its teeth, determination flashing in its eyes, planting its feet firmly on the ground.
"Boom!!!"
Kangaskhan's body fell heavily onto Heracross, shaking the entire battle field with that hit. The ground caved in with a visible crater, stones scattering!
Amidst the lingering dust, everyone held their breath.
"Heracross!" Serena couldn't help but call out.
As the dust gradually cleared, Heracross still stood at the center of the crater, covered in scars but refusing to fall!
The effect of Endure allowed it to weather the blow forcibly!
"Now, Heracross, use Counter!" Ash's voice exploded across the field!
Counter — this skill can double the physical attack damage inflicted by the opponent and bounce it back!
The damage that Heracross just endured will now be converted entirely into Heracross's attack power!
Heracross's body suddenly tensed, and a visible wave of energy erupted from within him!
With unparalleled force, the fist struck Kangaskhan, sending its massive body flying as if hit by a heavy hammer!
"Kangaskhan!" Whitney's voice was full of shock.
Kangaskhan rolled twice in the air and landed heavily on the ground, sliding several meters before coming to a stop, letting out a painful groan.
The damage from this hit was even more terrifying than the previous Brick Break!
Counter doubled the damage from Giga Impact; even if Kangaskhan had a higher level and stronger defense, this level of retaliation was still capable of inflicting terrifying damage!
Whitney gritted her teeth, she never expected Ash to have such a trick up his sleeve.
"Kangaskhan, can you still fight?" Whitney asked.
Kangaskhan let out a low growl, shakily standing up, though its physical strength was nearly depleted, its eyes showed no sign of retreat.
"Alright! The last blow will decide the victory!" Whitney clenched her fist, "Kangaskhan, use Giga Impact!"
She hadn't anticipated that Kangaskhan, which held a level advantage, would be forced to this extent, now needing to unleash a decisive blow against Heracross!
Otherwise, if this continues, Heracross, equipped with Detect and Endure, might maneuver to defeat Kangaskhan.
The battle must be swift and decisive!
Kangaskhan's body was enveloped in white light, transforming into a meteor, charging towards Heracross with the momentum to destroy everything!
If this hit lands, victory will be decided!
"Heracross, use Close Combat!" Ash's voice rang out simultaneously.
He didn't bother with any more tricks, if you wanted to settle with one decisive blow, then let's use one decisive blow!
Heracross's only S-Class ability value was attack, in terms of attack, he wouldn't lose to Kangaskhan!
Heracross's wings flapped sharply, his body infused with Fighting Type energy, before launching out fiercely!
"Boom—!!
A deafening explosion shattered across the field, with shockwaves dispersing in all directions, raising clouds of dust!
Within the explosion's center, Kangaskhan continued to pour its energy outwards, while Heracross's fists left afterimages, and his expression grew fiercer!
This was his first battle for Ash, he had reasons why he couldn't afford to lose!
On the other side, Kangaskhan felt the same; every fight had reasons he couldn't afford to lose, she needed to win every battle for her trainer!
The roars from both sides resonated in the center of the field, triggering a secondary explosion!
The violent shockwave spread again, causing the audience to close their eyes, shielding their faces with their arms.
Even Whitney couldn't help but shield her face, whereas Ash stood tall and straight, eyes fixed on the inside of the haze.
After a moment, Ash's lips curled into a pleased smile: "Thank you, Heracross."
As Ash whispered this, the commotion on the field gradually settled, with the smoke slowly dissipating.
On the field, Heracross and Kangaskhan were both lying down, unmoving.
Heracross's carapace was shattered, wings drooping helplessly, eyes closed, with no strength left.
Kangaskhan lay nearby as well, bruises covering its body, breathing faintly, with its massive frame unable to rise.
The referee blinked for a moment before rushing over to check.
"Kangaskhan is unable to battle! Heracross is unable to battle! Both are unable to battle!"
Silence filled the stadium.
A moment later, the audience erupted into applause and cheers.
"That was amazing!"
"Both fell at the same time! That's so dramatic!"
"Ash's Heracross is so strong, able to tie with Whitney's Kangaskhan!"
"Strictly speaking, Ash still won this match, right? Managing a draw despite the level disadvantage is a notch above, isn't it?"
"Do you seriously think level has anything to do with winning? I'm a newbie trainer and if I went three seconds against a Champion's Pokemon, does that count as winning?"
"Exactly, a draw is a draw, saying it's a notch above. Are you an Ash fanboy?"
"..."
The discussion buzzed while Ash and Whitney retrieved their Pokemon.
"Thank you, Heracross, you did a great job."
"Rest well Kangaskhan, your partner will handle the rest."
Comforting Pokemon that lost their ability to battle is something all seasoned trainers would do, unlike a certain trainer yesterday who said nothing after his Pokemon's defeat.
"I didn't expect your Heracross to push my Kangaskhan to this extent." Whitney looked at Ash, her eyes full of fighting spirit, "But the battle is far from over!"
"My second Pokemon is this one, go Clefable!" Whitney retrieved a Pokeball from her belt and threw it high.
With a flash of light, a pink Fairy-Type Pokemon appeared on the field. Clefable was significantly larger than a typical Clefairy, its ears were long and pointed, and its small wings flapped gently on its back; its rotund body appearing both cute and enigmatically mysterious.
She stood with hands on hips, a radiant smile on her face, appearing as a very gentle Pokemon.
Clefable, a Fairy-Type Pokemon, although this Pokemon was considered a Normal Type several years ago.
Until one day, Fairy-Type energy appeared in the Pokemon Realm, and the Fairy-Type power within some Pokemon was awakened, Clefable being one of them.
So it's quite reasonable for a Gym Leader specializing in Normal Types to have a Clefable.
But... a Fairy-Type Clefable is somewhat disadvantageous against the Pokemon Ash plans to send next.
However, without hesitation, Ash threw out the Pokeball he had prepared long ago.
"It's decided, Annihilape!"
A figure gradually emerged from the light.
It was a robust primate Pokemon, its body covered in dense gray-black fur, its arms as thick as steel columns, a face bearing a naturally imposing expression, resembling a Pokemon straight out of Hell.
In stark contrast to the cute and gentle Clefable.
"What... what kind of Pokemon is that?"
"Never seen it before! What's its type? Fighting Type?"
"Such a dark aura, but really cool!"
The audience was in an uproar, everyone widened their eyes, eager to identify the never-before-seen Pokemon.
Whitney was also stunned, observing Annihilape's appearance closely, feeling it appeared somewhat familiar but unable to pinpoint where she had seen it.
"Ash, what Pokemon is this..." Whitney couldn't resist asking.
"Annihilape." Ash wiped his nose with an air of pride, "He's the evolved form of Primeape."
"Primeape's evolution?!" Whitney's voice suddenly increased, her beautiful eyes round, "Primeape can evolve further?!"
Whitney's shock was understandable; in the entire Pokemon Realm's understanding, the final evolutionary form of Primeape was Primeape itself, with no records of further evolution.
"Currently, I'm the only one in the world with Annihilape." Ash added, "He appeared a few times in the Quartz Conference matches, and evolved during that time, but perhaps since he hasn't appeared for a while, many people have forgotten."
"However, Professor Oak will soon release information about Annihilape and the evolution method, then Annihilape's fame will be known to the public."
Although Professor Oak had recorded research on Annihilape, he had yet to publish details about Annihilape and its evolution method, so even if one used a Pokedex, they couldn't retrieve information on Annihilape.
Meanwhile, thanks to Ash's reminder, Whitney finally recalled where she had seen Annihilape, on the footage of the Quartz Conference!
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