Chapter 41: Mobile Turret VS Stationary Turret
Victor retrieved the Luxury Ball containing the defeated Incineroar and handed it to the nurse at the Pokémon Center, who was on standby. The match resumed.
"You're truly exceptional. Even your father wasn't as strong as you are now when he first entered university," Jasmine exclaimed.
Moreover, Victor seemed to possess Aura Power, a rare and special ability.
Among the younger generation Jasmine knew, Victor was the most talented individual she had ever encountered.
"Thank you for the compliment, Auntie Jasmine. This will be my last Pokémon," Victor said with a grin as he pulled out a dazzling Luxury Ball studded with small diamonds and aimed it at the battlefield.
"You didn't catch any new Pokémon on your way here?" Jasmine asked, slightly surprised. When Jhon informed her in advance, he mentioned that Victor only had two Pokémon. She assumed Victor would capture a Pokémon capable of countering Water-types along the way.
"I haven't found the right one yet. But this one is very strong," Victor replied confidently.
During his journey, Victor discovered that his Carbink contained a mysterious and powerful force. If he could harness it, it had the potential to unleash unparalleled combat power.
Jasmine didn't press further. After Victor spoke, both trainers released their Pokémon.
The Opponent: Empoleon
With a flash of red light, Jasmine released her Pokémon. Standing proudly on the battlefield was an Empoleon, its regal presence captivating the audience.
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Empoleon (Water/Steel)
Gender: Male
Ability: Torrent
Held Item: Mystic Water
Level: Professional (Early Stage)
Moves: Hydro Pump, Whirlpool, Mist, Ice Beam, Blizzard, Flash Cannon, Surf
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Empoleon is classified as the Emperor Pokémon in the Pokédex, and its appearance closely resembles that of an emperor penguin.
Its body is primarily black, with blue metallic edges along its wings, tail, abdomen, and near its head. The metallic edges on its wings are particularly sharp, capable of slicing through floating ice with ease.
As the Emperor Pokémon, its most striking feature is the three crown-like horns extending from its beak. This golden crown exudes a majestic and regal aura.
At the professional level, Empoleon is the most formidable opponent Victor has ever faced.
The professional level marks a significant milestone in a Pokémon's strength. Pokémon that reach this level undergo a transformation in their essence, with superior attack power, defense, and energy reserves far surpassing those of elite-level Pokémon.
[Master Jasmine has sent out the professional-level Empoleon! What Pokémon will challenger Victor choose in response?]
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The camera shifted, revealing a Carbink that appeared slightly different from the usual ones.
Its silver-gray mineral body and white fur were standard for its species, but the crystals and its eyes were pink instead of the usual blue and light blue.
[Huh? This Carbink's color seems different!]
[Is it a rare Shiny Pokémon?!]
The commentator's voice brimmed with astonishment. Shiny Pokémon were renowned for their unique coloration and often displayed special abilities or enhanced potential.
"How is this Carbink supposed to challenge Empoleon? Is it planning to just endure until it gets knocked out?"
"There's no way this Shiny Carbink is at the professional level. High school students barely get enough time to train their starter Pokémon. My kid is still at the novice level."
The audience, isolated by an energy barrier, couldn't sense the power emanating from the Pokémon on the battlefield and thus remained oblivious to the potential disparity in strength.
However, anyone with basic knowledge knew that as a Rock/Fairy-type Pokémon, Carbink was highly vulnerable to Steel-type moves and had limited resistances. Its compatibility against Empoleon seemed overwhelmingly unfavorable.
Even Jasmine was momentarily surprised. She regretted not asking Victor about his Pokémon beforehand. Why had he come to the Water Gym with Pokémon that were disadvantaged against Water-types?
Still, the match had begun, and Jasmine couldn't hold back her Empoleon, which was already on the battlefield.
Victor, attuned to Carbink's emotions via his Aura Power, could sense its unwavering resolve.
Carbink had seen Incineroar struggle from within its Luxury Ball. Now, it was determined to fight with all its strength.
"Both sides are ready! The match continues!"
"Empoleon, Ice Beam," Jasmine commanded. Although hesitant, she wouldn't go easy—Victor needed to earn his badge.
"Carbink, Ancient Power!"
Empoleon unleashed a frigid beam of energy, while Carbink conjured a wall of shimmering rocks to block the attack.
The Ice Beam struck the rock wall, freezing it instantly before shattering it, but the beam's energy was spent in the process.
"It blocked it?" Jasmine murmured, surprised. "Blizzard!"
A freezing current rushed forth, threatening to freeze everything in its path. Victor directed Carbink to counter with reinforced stone walls, utilizing Rock Slide.
The Blizzard was halted, but the battlefield transformed into a slippery ice rink, giving Empoleon a significant mobility advantage. Skating fluidly, Empoleon began firing Hydro Pumps from multiple angles.
Carbink, however, used Light Screen and continued raising rock barriers to defend itself.
Victor remained calm, knowing that Carbink's mutation had enhanced its energy reserves and precision, far beyond the norm for its species.
"Now, Carbink, Power Gem!"
Several orbs of light materialized around Carbink before launching as energy beams. Empoleon used its agility to dodge and counterattack, but the relentless barrage forced it to retreat.
As the energy blasts shattered the ice, Empoleon's skating advantage was lost. Carbink acknowledged Carbink's strength, admitting it was the most formidable elite-level Pokémon she'd ever faced.
Still, she believed Carbink must be running low on energy. "Empoleon, Surf!"
A towering wave surged forward, engulfing Carbink. The audience sighed, thinking the battle was over.
"Moonblast!" Victor shouted.
From within the crashing wave, a radiant pink light shone through. The enormous energy sphere blasted the water apart, sending Empoleon reeling.
As the battlefield settled, Carbink emerged, surrounded by sparkling pink particles and glowing faintly. Its presence exuded a serene but powerful aura, captivating the audience.
Empoleon struggled to stand, only to see several glowing orbs forming above Carbink.
"Moonlight !"
The orbs descended in unison, erupting into a massive blast of pink energy. The battlefield was consumed in a radiant explosion, forcing the protective barriers around the audience to flare to full strength.
When the smoke cleared, Empoleon lay unconscious in a crater, while Carbink remained standing, victorious.
With a dignified bow, Carbink saluted the audience, Xie Wei, and the referees.
Victor had triumphed.