As Aaron's match against Rocco came to an end, the Group B match between Fane and the Mystery Contestant officially began.
The two contestants stepped onto the freshly repaired battlefield at the same time.
Thanks for the hard work, Machamp crew…
Standing across from his opponent, Fane smiled and waved to the audience in the stands.
The Mystery Contestant, however, said nothing. He stood silently on the battlefield, his black hoodie rustling in the wind, his entire presence wrapped in mystery.
…
"Ladies and gentlemen, our Group B match is about to begin!"
"Fane, the famous fighter from Grit City, will be facing the Mystery Contestant, a trainer shrouded from head to toe in mystery!"
"What kind of incredible battle will these two give us?"
"Let's find out!"
"Now, let's hear it for both contestants!"
At the host's podium, Kenny held the microphone and let out a high-pitched, rooster-like shout.
He successfully fired up the stands, and the audience began shouting at the top of their lungs.
"Fane! Fane! You've got this!"
"Go, Fane! Bring glory to Grit City! You have to win this match!"
"Come on, Fane! Win this, and I'm yours!"
"Ugh… Dude, how can you even say something that gross? Stop making everyone uncomfortable!"
"What's wrong with that? That jealous look on your face is what's making me sick. Get lost. Don't ruin my perfect view."
"Holy shit… I can't take this anymore. Why are you so disgusting, you damn otaku?"
"Go, Mystery Contestant! I don't know what the hell you look like, but you're seriously cool! Keep it up!"
"He must be a total hottie under that hood. I love you, Mystery Contestant!"
"The more mysterious you are… the more I want you!"
…
Everyone cheered for the contestant they supported.
Somehow, though, the mood in the stands started drifting in a very strange direction.
Not that it mattered.
Because on the battlefield, the match had officially begun.
Everyone held their breath and watched the two powerful fighters, afraid they might miss even a single exciting moment.
"The match officially begins!"
"Both sides, release your Pokémon!"
At the referee's command, both contestants took out a Poké Ball at the same time.
But the Poké Ball in the Mystery Contestant's hand looked extremely strange.
Its outer shell was dark blue, with ring after ring of light-blue markings. Four yellow metal strips wrapped around it.
If Aaron had been here, he would have recognized it immediately.
This Poké Ball was called a Beast Ball.
A special type of Poké Ball designed to capture Ultra Beasts.
"Come out, Conkeldurr!"
Fane released his Pokémon.
With a flash of light, an elderly-looking, earth-yellow Pokémon appeared on the field. It stood 1.4 meters tall and held two reinforced concrete pillars in its hands.
It was none other than Conkeldurr, a Fighting-type Pokémon with a base stat total of 505.
"Conkel-durr!"
The moment Conkeldurr appeared, it raised its head and let out a furious roar. Its presence was intimidating.
Its strength had already reached the peak of the Gym level.
Across from him, the black-clad contestant also tossed out that unusual Poké Ball.
"Come out, Buzzwole!"
His hoarse voice rang out.
With a flash of light, a strange Pokémon appeared on the battlefield.
It stood 2.4 meters tall, its entire body covered in swollen, terrifying muscles filled with red liquid. Black spikes jutted from its shoulders, elbows, and knees.
Long, sharp spikes lined its mouth, and four thin legs supported its massive upper body.
It looked like some bizarre, musclebound mosquito.
Raw power radiated from it, eerie and dangerous enough to make people shudder.
Even Conkeldurr could not help taking half a step back. Its expression turned grave.
Its instincts told it one thing.
This opponent was dangerous.
It felt as if it were staring at a natural predator.
"Buzzzwole!"
The strange Pokémon let out a roar.
In an instant, terrifying pressure swept outward from its body, rushing across the battlefield like a violent wave.
A fierce gust whipped across the arena.
Its presence was overwhelming, even stronger than Conkeldurr's.
"It's here! The Mystery Contestant's ace Pokémon!"
"The powerful and charismatic Muscle Mosquito! Countless Pokémon have already fallen beneath its fists!"
"What kind of spectacular performance will it show us in this battle?"
"Let's find out!"
At the host's podium, Kenny shouted in excitement the moment the creature appeared.
Its entrance instantly set off another wave of cheers from the audience.
"Muscle Mosquito! You're unstoppable!"
"Come on, Muscle Mosquito! You've got this!"
"Take down Conkeldurr!"
"King of Fighters! Muscle Mosquito!"
"Go, go, go!"
…
The entire audience was filled with curiosity and admiration toward this mysterious mosquito Pokémon.
Because the Muscle Mosquito was simply too strong.
Mysterious and powerful.
None of its opponents had lasted more than five moves against it. It had defeated every opponent with overwhelming force.
It had practically crushed its way into the top four.
Its strength was terrifying, earning the support of countless spectators.
…
"Please take your positions."
"The Group B semifinals officially begin!"
The referee glanced at Fane and the Mystery Contestant, then waved his flag and loudly announced the start of the match.
The moment his command fell, terrifying pressure erupted from both Conkeldurr and the Muscle Mosquito.
Dust and smoke around the battlefield trembled, then spiraled upward, forming a small whirlwind.
The battle was about to begin.