"Aerodactyl, don't give it a chance to dodge—use Stone Edge!"
Seeing Meowth relying on its extreme agility and recoil to evade Aerodactyl's attacks, Aiden Flint immediately ordered a field-covering Stone Edge.
At Aiden's command, Aerodactyl let out a thunderous roar as Rock-type energy gathered around its body.
The next instant, countless razor-sharp stones formed in the air around Aerodactyl.
With another roar, they shot forward like bullets, screaming through the air toward Meowth!
Faced with this deadly barrage, Tyson shouted,
"Meowth! Use Fury Swipes to shatter the stones, and combine Iron Tail and Brick Break to block the rest!"
Meowth nodded instantly, weaving through the battlefield with its nimble body.
Whatever it couldn't dodge, it smashed apart with its own attacks.
Watching this, Aiden couldn't help showing a trace of admiration.
No wonder Tyson was this year's Hoenn League Champion—this Meowth's true combat strength was already on par with Aiden's own ace Pokémon.
"Aerodactyl, use Aerial Ace!"
Aerodactyl dove like a missile, Aerial Ace landing cleanly on Meowth and blasting it backward.
At the same time, the remaining Stone Edge projectiles converged, slamming into Meowth one after another.
After taking this full combo, Meowth staggered, panting heavily—it had clearly lost a great deal of stamina.
"Meowth, use Chilling Water!"
"Aerodactyl, use Protect, then set up Stealth Rock!"
Meowth unleashed a powerful stream of water. If it landed, Aerodactyl's attack power would drop and the type disadvantage would put it at risk.
But Aiden was ready.
A green protective barrier appeared, completely blocking the Chilling Water.
The attack did nothing.
Tyson and Meowth both grimaced.
The next moment, countless stones scattered across the battlefield—then vanished.
Stealth Rock.
Any Pokémon switching in would now take damage.
More importantly, it shut down Tyson's ability to safely recall Meowth.
With Meowth's current stamina, switching it out would only get the next Pokémon killed instantly.
Tyson had no choice but to go all in.
"Meowth, use Leaf Storm!"
"Aerodactyl—Hyper Beam, finish it!"
A green beam tore forward, slamming into Aerodactyl. It roared in pain as Leaf Storm hit—but it only ignited its savage prehistoric fury.
After all, even Rayquaza had to suppress it. How could it possibly be bullied by a mere Meowth?
"RAAAAH!"
An orange-yellow energy beam erupted from Aerodactyl's mouth, detonating directly on Meowth!
The explosion hurled Meowth away.
No matter how strong it was, taking Aerodactyl's killing move head-on meant defeat was inevitable.
Dust and smoke filled the field.
"Who won?!"
When the dust cleared, Meowth lay in a massive crater, completely unable to fight.
Aerodactyl stood tall, roaring in victory.
"Ding! Aerodactyl defeated Meowth, gaining 785 EXP. Level increased—current level: Lv54!"
With Meowth down, one of Tyson's three main pillars had fallen.
After a brief pause, Tyson released his third Pokémon—Donphan.
"Ding! Donphan's current stats:"
Pokémon: Donphan
Level: 47
Ability: Sturdy
Type: Ground
Potential: Purple
Moves: Thunder Fang, Fire Fang, Stomp, Defense Curl, Rollout, Earthquake, Slam…
The moment Donphan appeared, Stealth Rock triggered, dealing heavy damage.
"Aerodactyl, keep going—Giga Impact!"
Aerodactyl shot into the sky, spiraling purple-white energy wrapping around its body.
Then it slammed down with terrifying momentum—
One strike.
Donphan was instantly wiped out.
"Donphan is unable to battle. Aerodactyl wins. Since three of Tyson's Pokémon have fainted, we will now take a ten-minute intermission!"
As Professor Birch announced, Aiden and Tyson both recalled their Pokémon.
Though only half the match had ended, both already understood each other's strength.
Tyson, the original Hoenn League Champion, was at his best with Metagross, Meowth, and Sceptile.
And at this point, Aiden was matching him blow for blow.
Which meant…
If nothing unexpected happened, this year's Hoenn League Champion would most likely be Aiden Flint.
Of course, with Harrison and an awakened Ash also in the picture, this League was shaping up to be extraordinary.
"Aiden… you're truly strong. You're definitely a top contender for the Ever Grande Conference."
Aiden smiled.
"Until the very end, no one knows how it'll turn out. Besides, trainers like you probably aren't even using your full power yet, right?"
Tyson just smiled without answering.
Soon, the second half began.
Both Trainers threw their Poké Balls at the same time.
Two sleek, powerful Sceptile appeared on the field.
"Both Sceptile? Interesting."
As the second half began, the two Sceptile locked eyes, intense fighting spirit radiating between them.
"Sceptile—use Sunny Day!"
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