Two days later, in order to obtain more resources, Ethan Black arrived at another club in Ironvale City, the Pokémon Island Adventure Club.
"Honored challenger, you will be the first participant of the next battle round on stage. Please proceed to the competitors' area to prepare," said the receptionist politely.
"Alright, thank you," replied Ethan Black, taking his participation number and walking toward the designated zone.
Even though it was already past nine at night, the stadium was still packed with people. Cheers and applause filled the entire place.
Ethan Black lifted his gaze toward the arena and saw that the current match was about to end.
The defending leader had a Graveler, while the challenger was using a Weepinbell, which had the type advantage.
However, despite that, Weepinbell was much less agile. It was soon crushed by Graveler's Rollout and quickly fell defeated.
Ethan Black glanced at the Graveler, then closed his eyes, entering a state of ditation.
His opponent would be the next defending leader, and since he was the first challenger, there wasn't much more to prepare—he only had to wait and see how the battle unfolded.
As ti passed, the current round ended quickly. With the lively narration of the announcer, the next round began imdiately.
Ethan Black, as the first challenger, naturally stepped onto the stage, waiting for the defending leader to release his Pokémon.
"Go, Priape!" shouted the leader without making Ethan Black wait, throwing his Poké Ball.
A figure brimming with energy appeared on the field: a Priape with an imposing presence.
"Priape, huh? That'll be a tough opponent..." murmured Ethan Black, slightly furrowing his brow. Then he also threw his Poké Ball and released Sandshrew.
At that mont, Sandshrew's green figure once again drew the audience's attention, though this ti most didn't show admiration, but rather mocking expressions.
"A green Sandshrew? Must be just another one here to make up the numbers. Priape, teach him a good lesson!" sneered the defending leader, not taking his rival seriously.
"Feigning weakness to surprise them... it definitely feels good," thought Ethan Black with an inward smile. Then he gave his command: "Sandshrew, use Rollout!"
"Get ready to intercept it!" shouted the ring leader at the sa ti.
Both gave their orders almost simultaneously.
Imdiately, Sandshrew curled into a ball, smoothly combining Defense Curl and Rollout.
At the sa ti, Priape launched forward, charging directly at Sandshrew with both hands glowing white: it was the Fighting-type move, Karate Chop.
It was clear that Priape intended to stop Rollout with sheer brute force.
Seeing this, Ethan Black grew serious. If Priape managed to halt the attack, Sandshrew would be in danger.
After all, Sandshrew's strength lay entirely in his moves. If the fight ca down to pure physical power, he probably didn't even reach the interdiate level.
"Sandshrew, don't stop and use Sand Attack! Don't let it get close!"
But Ethan Black had already prepared a strategy to counter this kind of physical assault.
While rolling, Sandshrew activated his "multitasking" state: his whole body began radiating Ground-type energy, and a massive amount of sand and dust rose with his spin, forming a dust wave that surged forward with force, like a tidal wave sweeping everything in its path.
Priape, who had recklessly charged head-on, was caught by the sandstorm, like a fragile leaf in the middle of the ocean. His body wavered as he tried to resist, placing his arms in front of himself to block the gale that ca along with the sand.
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