The next morning, very early.
Ethan Black and the other four, guided by vice-captain Chloe Wells, arrived at the battle field of the school team headquarters.
"Is this the battle field used in professional leagues?" asked Alex Baxter in astonishment.
Everyone was surprised by the battlefield, which was considerably larger than a standard field, and had barrier zones occupying a quarter of each end of the field.
At the same time, the university's Second Team, led by Jason Brooks, was already positioned within the area marked by the barriers.
On one side of the field, vice-captain Chloe Wells acted as the referee.
"You five, come put on your gear."
Hearing Chloe Wells' words, the five quickly ran to receive a set of headphones and a voice amplification device, similar to a portable intercom, which they attached to their waists.
Obviously, this equipment was used to give orders to their Pokémon. By pressing the amplifier button, their voice would transmit at high volume so that their Pokémon could hear the commands even during battle.
Additionally, it also had functions similar to a walkie-talkie, allowing them to communicate quickly with distant teammates.
"Put on your gear properly. Enter the field!"
Following Chloe Wells' instruction, the five ran into the designated battle area.
"Very well. Now we will conduct a 5-on-5 test battle. The rules will be the same as in the professional league: the battle ends when one of the barriers breaks."
"Since this is only a test, the selection phase will be skipped. Both teams, release your Pokémon."
Chloe Wells quickly explained the rules, and then the ten trainers simultaneously released their Pokémon from their Poké Balls.
On Ethan Black's side were Sandslash, Magneton, Metang, Shelgon, and Onix: a formation clearly based on sandstorm tactics.
On the other side, the Second University Team released Magmar, Electabuzz, Golduck, Grovyle, and Mr. Mime.
"I'll say this upfront: these Pokémon are part of what we're training. Their level is not higher than yours. Don't hesitate to attack!" said Mark Carter with a smile—the same one who lost to Ethan Black in the Devon Company tournament. His Pokémon was still the same Grovyle.
"Begin! Activate the barrier!"
At that moment, Chloe Wells announced the start of the battle, and a light green energy barrier rose over the area, surrounding Ethan Black and his team.
"Is this barrier the move Protect?" asked Ethan Black curiously, observing it closely.
Obviously, in Pokémon studies, humanity had made several advances, and these defensive barriers were among the most representative.
"Very well. The battle has begun. As a courtesy from the veterans, you start!" said Jason Brooks with a mocking smile.
"What kind of formation is that on the other side?" someone among Ethan Black's companions remarked.
"Fire, Electric, Water, Grass, and Psychic," listed Alex Baxter.
Everyone seemed confused by that lineup.
"It looks like they're giving us a chance. If we're on equal footing, our sandstorm team should wipe them out!" exclaimed Marcus Foster, eyes shining.
"Don't let your guard down," warned Lucas Silver with a serious face. "If they're evaluating us, they surely have something prepared."
"Mr. Mime, huh?" Ethan Black squinted, thoughtful.
"Then let's get started. Ethan, activate the sandstorm!" ordered Alex Baxter enthusiastically.
Ethan Black nodded slightly, and with a spark in his eyes, commanded: "Sandslash, Sandstorm!"
Boom!
Upon receiving the command, Sandslash executed Rapid Spin combined with Sand Attack. Activating its special ability, the field quickly filled with a fierce sandstorm, simulating the effect of the Sand Stream ability.
Piii!
Piii!
Piii!
Before the five could show any excitement, warning sirens began to sound, and the sand lashed against the barrier with a sharp, constant noise.
"What's happening?"
"The storm is attacking the protective barrier!"
"Quick! Make Sandslash direct the storm toward the opposite field!"
Seeing this, the five began shouting.
Ethan Black nodded and, approaching the microphone on his belt, said: "Sandslash, direct the storm to the opposite side."
His voice resonated clearly thanks to the speaker. Sandslash, calm, raised a paw and directed the storm to the other side of the field.
"Phew, that scared me. Ethan, be more careful next time," said Jasper Reid.
Ethan Black nodded slightly and walked over to the barrier to touch it with his hand, curious.
No one paid attention to his gesture, as all eyes were on the opposing field.
"What's that?"
At that moment, a teammate's voice made him look over there.
And when he did, his face froze for a moment, squinting with an expression of "I knew they were up to something."
On the other side, Mr. Mime was right in front of the defensive barrier. Although the storm surrounded it, the protective wall it generated resisted all impact.
In the games, the move Barrier creates a wall that boosts defense.
But in the real world, this move was far more powerful. Ethan Black remembered that, in the Pokémon manga, during the Indigo Plateau leader tournament, Sabrina used Mr. Mime to build a "transparent house" with Barrier and defeat Bugsy and his Heracross.
And now, the Second University Team had used Mr. Mime and Barrier to build a wall surrounding their entire area, completely blocking the effect of the Sandstorm move.
"So that's how that move can be used?" everyone was surprised.
There was no doubt: Mr. Mime was the defensive core of the rival team.
In a real battle, a barrier like that could greatly protect the trainer.
"Hahaha!"
"Kids, you're still very young."
"How dare you use a strategy like this without preparing a defense against your own sandstorm?"
Jason Brooks burst into laughter upon hearing the siren, even turning on his amplifier so his voice echoed across the field, making the faces of the other team turn serious.
(End of chapter)