For the first time, Gyarados was pushed into a real crisis.
The lingering poison spread relentlessly, impossible to defend against.
If it were Greninja, it could have used Apotheosis-level Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu to transfer the poisoned state away.
But Gyarados didn't have that option.
It could only keep fighting.
A cold glint flashed in Aaron's eyes.
"Gyarados, use Armament Haki… then Thunder Dragon Claw!"
"ROAR!"
Gyarados roared in fury as its claws were coated in dark, metallic energy. Lightning crackled around them as it lashed out at Ariados, still clinging to its tail.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
The force was immense, the air itself bursting under the pressure.
"Ariados, String Shot—dodge!"
Grub's expression sharpened instantly. He sensed the danger and chose not to take the attack head-on.
To others, a Gym-Leader-level Pokémon avoiding an Elite-level attack might sound absurd.
But he didn't hesitate.
"Ksssh!"
Ariados fired a strand of silk onto a nearby tree and used the tension to pull itself away, narrowly evading the Thunder Dragon Claw before landing on a branch.
"Rrrgh…"
Gyarados growled, its condition worsening.
The poison continued to spread, steadily draining its strength.
The toxicity of a Gym-Leader-level opponent was no joke.
Aaron's expression hardened.
This needed to end quickly.
"Ariados, keep using Poison Jab. Aim for the gaps between its scales."
Grub had already identified the weakness.
Gyarados's scales were tough, but the joints between them weren't fully protected.
The previous hit had proven that.
"Ksssh!"
Ariados surged forward again, its horn glowing with a deep purple light.
Trying the same move twice?
Aaron's eyes turned cold, a faint smile forming.
He had been waiting for this.
"Gyarados… full Armament Haki."
"Then use your strongest Fire Dragon's Roar!"
"ROOOAR!"
Enduring the poison, Gyarados roared toward the sky as its entire body was coated in a black metallic sheen.
Then flames erupted.
Blazing heat surged outward, distorting the air.
In an instant, Gyarados transformed into a massive black fire dragon nearly eight meters long, radiating overwhelming pressure as it charged straight at Ariados.
"Not good!"
Grub's expression changed immediately.
But it was already too late.
BOOM!
The two collided midair.
A violent explosion ripped through the forest. Shockwaves blasted outward, tearing up the ground as debris and dust were hurled into the sky.
Trees bent and trembled, as if caught in a raging storm, while a violent gale swept through the area.
Aaron stood his ground, completely unmoved.
With his current physical strength, this level of impact meant nothing.
Grub, on the other hand, was thrown back several meters, crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust, his clothes dirtied and his composure gone.
As the dust slowly settled, the battlefield came back into view.
Ariados was embedded in the ground, its eyes spiraling as it lay completely unconscious.
Above, Gyarados hovered in the air, panting heavily atop a Flame Cloud. It raised its head and let out a victorious roar.
"ROOOAR!"
Grub's expression darkened.
He recalled Ariados, his voice turning cold.
"Kid… I underestimated you."
"No wonder you're the top scorer. You've got real ability."
"But this ends here."
"Come out… Vespiquen."
A flash of light burst forth.
A black-and-yellow, bee-like Pokémon appeared in midair.
Vespiquen.
Aaron's gaze sharpened as its information appeared:
[Name: Vespiquen]
[Gender: Female]
[Nature: Lonely]
[Types: Bug, Flying]
[Ability: Pressure]
[Base Stats Total: 474]
[Level: Gym-Leader (Late Stage)]
[Pokémon Potential: Gym-Leader]
[Moves: Fell Stinger (Perfect), Gust (Mastery), Poison Sting (Mastery), Slash (Mastery), Confuse Ray (Mastery), Sweet Scent (Proficient), Fury Cutter (Proficient), Pursuit (Proficient), Defend Order (Mastery), Power Gem (Mastery), Toxic (Proficient), Air Slash (Proficient), Attack Order (Proficient), Destiny Bond (Proficient), Swagger (Basic), Fury Swipes (Basic), Captivate (Basic)...]
[Description: Vespiquen, the Beehive Pokémon, is the evolved form of a female Combee. Its body serves as a nest for its young, feeding them with pollen gathered by Combee.]
...
Aaron narrowed his eyes.
A Gym-Leader (Late Stage) Vespiquen.
They really weren't holding back.
Sending something like this against a high school student…
If Grub could hear that thought, he'd probably snap:
"You call yourself a normal student?!"
Aaron glanced at Gyarados, already on the verge of collapse.
Without hesitation, he recalled it.
"Gyarados… go rest."
"Leave the rest to your partner."