NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Advancement
"Remember this well! My name is Montson. That way, when I crush you, you won't die a clueless fool!"
The moment the battle began, Montson, a fiery red-haired young man, announced his name loudly. Without hesitation, he released his Nidoking onto the battlefield.
Facing such a dramatic introduction, Ron couldn't help but feel a twinge of déjà vu, as though he'd stepped into an anime duel. If not for the latter half of Montson's statement, he might have even found it amusing. But that didn't matter—Ron had already decided that this loudmouthed redhead wouldn't leave the arena unscathed.
Two flashes of white light burst forth as Montson's Nidoking and Ron's Persian materialized on the battle stage.
Unlike his previous opponents, Montson was taking no chances. He immediately sent out his strongest Pokémon, leaving Ron no opportunity to call out a second Pokémon.
"Go, Nidoking! Use Earth Power and crush that little kitty!"
Montson's command echoed across the battlefield, and Nidoking prepared to attack.
What Montson didn't realize, however, was that calling Persian a "little kitty" only made its gaze grow darker and more menacing.
"Play along with him for now," Ron said calmly, "Move aside and use Swift!"
As Persian's final battle of the tournament, Ron opted to avoid his usual combination of Hypnosis and high-speed takedowns using the Soru (Shave) technique. He wanted to see just how much pressure a Level 32 Nidoking could exert against his Persian.
Effortlessly dodging the slow-moving Earth Power without even needing Soru, Persian leapt gracefully into action. It retaliated with Swift, sending a barrage of shimmering stars flying toward Nidoking.
"Nidoking, counter with Poison Sting!"
Unlike in the games, moves like Swift could be blocked in this world with the right techniques. Nidoking's well-timed Poison Sting intercepted Persian's attack, neutralizing the barrage of stars mid-air.
"Charge forward, Nidoking! Use Poison Tail!"
Realizing that Earth Power was ineffective against Persian's speed, Montson switched tactics, directing Nidoking to close the distance.
The enormous Pokémon surged forward, its sheer size and presence creating an oppressive atmosphere.
"Screech! Then follow up with Swift!"
Ron instructed Persian to stand its ground, launching a counterattack instead of evading.
Opening its mouth, Persian unleashed a series of ear-piercing waves. The sonic vibrations spread like a tangible force, causing Nidoking to falter, clutching its ears in agony.
Persian wasted no time, unleashing another round of Swift. Though Nidoking managed to block the attack with its prepped Poison Tail, the effects of Screech were already evident—Nidoking's defenses had dropped significantly, its skin loosening as its stamina waned.
"Nidoking, use Earth Power repeatedly! Get Iron Tail ready!"
As Nidoking focused its Ground-type energy, a series of stone pillars erupted from the battlefield, targeting Persian. Montson kept his gaze locked on Persian, searching for an opening.
"Now, Nidoking! Use Poison Sting! Close in and strike with Iron Tail!"
Montson seized his chance as Persian leapt to avoid the stone pillars. Nidoking's Poison Sting shot forward, but Persian swiftly countered with another volley of Swift. With the projectiles colliding mid-air, Nidoking closed the gap and swung its metallic tail downward with force.
"Soru! Then use Bite!"
Before Nidoking's Iron Tail could land, Persian vanished in a blur, reappearing behind its opponent. Nidoking's attack struck the ground instead, leaving a deep crater in the battlefield.
Taking advantage of the opening, Persian leapt onto Nidoking's back and sank its fangs into its opponent. The earlier Screech made Nidoking's softened hide an easy target, leaving a deep wound.
Springing away to create distance, Persian continued its assault. Montson, now wary, restrained himself from ordering reckless attacks.
Montson's Nidoking was powerful, but speed-oriented Pokémon like Persian were its natural counters. Without a wide arsenal of ranged attacks to keep its opponent on the defensive, Nidoking could only wait for an opportunity to retaliate.
"Giving up already?" Ron smirked disdainfully. "How boring."
Montson gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain calm. Unlike his previous opponents, Ron's Persian displayed an unusual and unpredictable movement style. Every failed attack chipped away at Nidoking's stamina, making defeat inevitable if the battle dragged on.
Seeing Montson hesitate, Ron decided it was time to end things.
"Let's finish this, Persian! Use Screech, then Hypnosis! Follow up with Iron Tail!"
The combination of Screech and Hypnosis immobilized Nidoking, leaving it defenseless as Persian's Iron Tail landed a critical blow. The repeated effects of Screech had drastically lowered Nidoking's defenses, amplifying the impact of the attack.
Before Montson could react, Persian dashed through the toxic traps and Earth Power pillars, delivering a final, decisive strike.
Nidoking fell.
As Montson frantically reached for Nidoking's Poké Ball to recall it, Persian's razor-sharp claws glinted menacingly as it turned its attention to Montson.
"I surrender!" Montson screamed, panic-stricken.
"Stand down, Persian!" Ron's command came just in time.
Persian stopped mere inches from Montson, its claws stained with Nidoking's blood. Behind it, a Crobat—one clearly at an elite level—hovered ominously, ready to intervene if needed.
"The winner is Contestant No. 30!" announced the Rocket Grunt overseeing the match.
As Ron walked away, Montson's eyes burned with hatred, silently vowing revenge.
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