The stands were already buzzing. Both contestants were well-known in Crown City, and plenty of people had heard about the history between them.
Asher came from a branch of the Cassian Family, but his talent had stood out since childhood. He had an excellent grasp of Pokémon battling and a natural gift for commanding his team. The main family had taken notice early and invested heavily in his development, even providing him with powerful Pokémon.
Blaze was even more famous. His father was a Fire-type Champion, he was the heir to the Flame Family, and he had awakened the superpower passed down through their bloodline. On top of all that, he ranked third in the Hidden Dragon Tower.
A battle between the two was more than enough to get people talking.
"Now this is interesting. Asher against Blaze. I heard those two had some serious bad blood when they were kids."
"What happened? How come I've never heard about it?"
"I heard Asher was bullying someone and Blaze stepped in and beat the crap out of him. Apparently it wasn't even close."
"Hah! They're both rich kids. What the hell did they have to fight over?"
"Who do you think wins?"
"Blaze, obviously. Just look at his background."
"Exactly. Asher might be talented, but he's still from a branch of the Cassian Family. Blaze is the heir to the Flame Family."
"When it comes to status, they're not even on the same level. I'm betting on Blaze."
...
Most of the spectators clearly favored Blaze, and every comment only made Asher's expression darker.
He glared across the field at Blaze, who looked as relaxed as ever, then pulled out a Poké Ball.
"Blaze! Today I'm paying you back for every humiliation you've put me through!"
He hurled the ball onto the field.
"Exeggutor, come out!"
A flash of light revealed a towering, palm-tree-like Pokémon with three heads and an incredibly long neck. Standing well over ten meters tall, it immediately dominated one side of the battlefield.
Alolan Exeggutor—one of the stranger Dragon-type Pokémon out there.
Blaze merely smirked.
"Heh. Then I guess I'll remind you why you could never beat me."
He tossed out his own Poké Ball.
"Charizard, you're up!"
"ROOOAR!"
A magnificent Charizard burst into the air, noticeably larger than an ordinary member of its species. It spread its wings wide and unleashed a powerful roar that rolled across the arena.
Even the flame burning at the tip of its tail was unusual. Instead of the normal orange-red, it burned a deep crimson, with hints of violet flickering along the edges.
One look was enough to tell that this Charizard was anything but ordinary.
Back in Crown University's preparation area, Aaron immediately pulled up its System panel.
[Name: Charizard]
[Gender: Male]
[Nature: Rash]
[Type: Fire/Flying]
[Ability: Blazing Flame — A unique Ability developed after years of tempering in special flames. The power of Fire-type moves increases by 50%. As Charizard's remaining stamina decreases, its flames grow even stronger, with the boost reaching a maximum 100% increase in Fire-type move power.]
[Base Stats Total: 534]
[Level: Gym (Late Stage)]
[Potential: Champion]
[Known Moves: Flamethrower (Apotheosis), Dragon Claw (Perfect), Heat Wave (Perfect), Dragon Dance (Perfect), Dragon Pulse (Perfect), Air Slash (Perfect), Flare Blitz (Perfect), Wing Attack (Proficient), Steel Wing (Master), Flame Charge (Master), Roost (Master), Fire Spin (Proficient), Fire Fang (Proficient), Fire Blast (Proficient), Shadow Claw (Proficient), Ember, Scratch...]
[Description: Charizard, the Flame Pokémon and the evolved form of Charmeleon. After years of tempering in special flames, this individual developed exceptional firepower.]
...
Aaron stared at the panel for a moment.
He had always known Blaze was strong.
He just had not realized his Charizard had become this powerful.
So this was what years of training and the resources of the Flame Family could produce.
And Blaze himself had awakened a superpower on top of everything else.
No wonder everyone near the top of the Tower rankings was a monster in their own way.
Beside him, Braveon folded his arms and grinned.
"Blaze looks serious. He brought out his ace right from the start."
Aaron blinked. "Wait. Charizard is his ace?"
He looked down at Blaze with mild annoyance.
"That bastard. I knew his Charizard was strong, but he never told me it was his ace—or that it had gotten this ridiculous."
Braveon laughed.
"Just watch. This should be good."
...
The battle had already begun.
"Exeggutor, Stun-Poison Powder!"
Asher moved first.
Stun-Poison Powder was a combination technique that blended Stun Spore and Poison Powder into a single cloud, potentially inflicting paralysis and poison at the same time.
"Exegguu!"
From high above the battlefield, Alolan Exeggutor released a dense cloud of glittering powder that drifted down toward Charizard.
Blaze did not look worried in the slightest.
"Charizard, Heat Wave."
"RRAAAH!"
Fiery light flared across Charizard's wings.
With one powerful beat, a scorching gale tore forward.
WHOOSH!
The cloud of powder was blown apart almost instantly.
But the Heat Wave did not stop there. The blast of superheated air continued across the battlefield, rushing straight toward the towering Exeggutor.
"Light Screen!"
Asher knew an attack that broad would be difficult to avoid, so instead of trying to dodge, he chose to weaken the impact.
"Exegg!"
A shimmering barrier flashed into existence in front of Alolan Exeggutor just as the Heat Wave reached it.
Light Screen reduced the damage from special attacks, giving Exeggutor a much better chance of weathering Charizard's assault.
BOOM!
The scorching gale slammed into the barrier, sending ripples of purple light racing across its surface.