"Hah!!"
Doublade successfully forced out its other hidden personality.
But now was obviously not the time for an argument, Mudsdale's Heavyweight Collision was right in front of it. It was too late to dodge, and its trait didn't allow it to do so.
No choice.
Clang!
The two swords collided and rubbed against each other, sparking wildly as if motivating and stimulating each other.
Soon after, both swords of Doublade manifested a massive blue phantom image.
Holy Sword.
Unlike usual, this time there were two!
Even when Doublade would utilize both blades for continuous attacks, the phantom image of the Holy Sword would only quickly appear on the second blade after the first one fell.
Although the interval was very short and Doublade's grasp of attack rhythm and timing was excellent, it was never truly simultaneous, inevitably leaving gaps and flaws.
In battles with ordinary Pokémon, such flaws were not easily caught, or even unnoticed.
However, when facing a sufficiently powerful opponent with high combat proficiency, this flaw might very well be seized during the attack intervals, leading Doublade to fall into a disadvantageous position, or even outright defeat.
Natsuhiko, as the Trainer, had long since noticed this shortcoming of Doublade.
But though it seemed simple to discuss, actually compensating for it was immensely challenging, requiring copious amounts of time to experiment, to coordinate, to train.
In the end, it might not resolve the issue completely. The best possible outcome might be just to reduce the time gaps and interval flaws between techniques.
So he thought of a potentially viable idea.
That idea was to let Doublade's two personalities separately control one sword each, trying for a seamless connection.
Of course, this was merely theoretically possible, since ultimately, no matter how many personalities Doublade had, it was still just Doublade itself.
Personalities were merely derivative products evolved for some reason.
Whether it could succeed, he didn't know either.
But now, Natsuhiko was certain.
It could be done, and Doublade could do even better!
Just see.
The two Holy Sword phantoms were now radiating an emerald green halo, a combination technique of Continuous Slash plus Holy Sword.
The two swords crossed and forcibly met the Heavyweight Collision of Mudsdale.
If one of Doublade's swords could not block Mudsdale's Heavyweight Collision, then with two swords exerting force simultaneously, it might just succeed.
Boom!!
The massive roar echoed throughout the third layer, the immense impact force from the collision sending Doublade flying backward, crashing hard against the wall.
While Mudsdale wasn't quite as battered as Doublade, it too was unsteady, taking several steps backward to regain its footing, constantly shaking its head and snorting thickly, the collision's reactive force making it feel dizzy.
The outcome was evident; Mudsdale eventually gained the upper hand.
But this wasn't the final result.
"Hah!!"
Doublade, swaying as it floated down from the wall, had lost the skirmish but its battle had only just begun.
It rushed swiftly towards Mudsdale again, its swords once again enveloped in the brilliant blue phantoms of the Holy Sword, and the emerald brightness of the Continuous Slash intensified.
This was the second sword!
And still two swords!
"Whinny!"
Mudsdale shook its head, seeing Doublade charging at it, refusing to show weakness, despite the orange-red dirt seeping from its body due to the previous attack. Its "Stamina" trait had bolstered its defense power.
Its front hooves stomped heavily on the ground, emanating a unique orange Ground Type energy glow, it charged towards Doublade at full throttle.
Hundred Thousand Horsepower!
Boom!!!
An even louder boom than before as Doublade's Dual Holy Sword Slash met Mudsdale's Hundred Thousand Horsepower.
When the collision between the two Pokémon ended, the result was completely opposite the previous one.
Mudsdale was dragged across the ground, sliding long until stopping near the wall, while Doublade merely wobbled in its original spot.
Yet.
This was still only a transition.
"Hah!"
Doublade pressed the attack, raising its swords once more, while Mudsdale desperately shook its head in disbelief; it had never lost in such head-on collisions of pure force.
Especially not to an opponent still so "lightweight."
But Doublade's attack was already upon it; there was no time to hesitate or falter.
Leaping high once more, the Heavyweight Collision brought its body weight to the utmost.
What greeted it was the third sword of Doublade's Holy Sword Slash!
Two swords!
Bang! Bang!!
A brief contact and collision, and Mudsdale felt like it had hit a steel plate, sent flying, crashing heavily against the wall with a dull thud.
And then it slowly slid down to the ground, losing the ability to move again.
"Hah!"
Doublade, as the victor, proudly wielded its swords, surveying the entire third layer. Its gaze and aura said only three words.
Who's next?!
Displaying the bearing of a nascent King's Sword.
Witnessing the entire process, Natsuhiko smiled, and his companions Yujira, Beedrill, and Togetic smiled as well.
Impressive!
But Doublade, usually such a reserved personality Pokémon, surprisingly had such a flamboyant other personality, creating an extreme contrast that delivered an extreme visual impact.
And then.
"Hah!"
"Hah hah..."
"Hah!"
"Hah..."
"..."
Doublade hovered right in front of the fallen Mudsdale Leader, entering "self-talk" mode.
Overall, the sensation was quite... harmonious.
Yes, harmonious.
Natsuhiko captured all the fallen Mudsdale and Mudbray, also gaining some "Light Clay."
Mudsdale's bodies had large amounts of clay, naturally shedding and producing it over time, and during this process, there's a certain chance of producing "Light Clay."
Once Natsuhiko finished tidying up the battlefield, Doublade finally completed its self-"discourse" and approached Natsuhiko.
Seeing its somewhat relieved expression, Natsuhiko couldn't help but chuckle, patting its sword handle.
"How was that?"
"Hah..."
'It was... alright.'
"Alright is good, keep communicating, and you'll understand each other better." Natsuhiko nodded.
"Hah?"
Doublade tilted its head.
Its arbitrary actions, wasn't Natsuhiko mad?
After spending so much time together with Natsuhiko as his Pokémon, it knew well Natsuhiko's expectations, especially in battle.
Strict adherence to orders was the basic standard.
During ordinary times, they could be playful, but once it was battle time, it had to strictly follow the plan and instructions.
It thought Natsuhiko would be angry.
Natsuhiko patted its sword handle again and looked towards the stairs leading to the upper floors.
"Am I that inconsiderate? The high demands during battle were just to prevent you from getting hurt, but different situations require different handling. What you did today was great, keep experimenting, but only if you're reasonably assured, don't act recklessly."
With Doublade's cautious nature, he felt at ease.
"Hah!"
'Okay!'
Doublade nodded heavily.
Doublade's other personality, cursing, left the group.
It felt everyone was out to get it, whether it was Natsuhiko or "itself."
There were always sly villains plotting against me!
Including itself.
——————
Finally one chapter left.....