Pokémon, Inkaros, my starter Pokémon

"Hera!"

With his attack power boosted by perseverance, Heracross's single horn flashed with light, instantly unleashing countless dense, rain-like white energy needles that swept across the area where Sagros was located, like machine gun fire!

"Bang bang bang bang bang-!!!"

The missiles hit their targets one after another, exploding into a series of energy sparks on Sagros's carapace!

This is the first time since the start of the competition that Ah Si's Pokémon has truly and effectively hit Sagros!

As the smoke and dust slowly dissipated, Sagros remained standing in place, but his deep blue carapace clearly bore some scorch marks and small cracks. It was evident that the Pin Missiles, enhanced by perseverance and its own type advantage, had finally inflicted considerable damage on Sagros!

The commentator exclaimed, "Hit! The missile has successfully hit Sagros! This is the first time that player A-Si has inflicted effective damage on Sagros in this match. The situation seems to have taken a turn for the better!"

"Using perseverance to enhance attacks is a good tactic."

Faced with the first effective damage inflicted by Heracross, Shidou nodded slightly, acknowledging his opponent's compliment.

"It's not over yet, Heracross, keep using the Pin missiles!" Ah Si pressed on while the iron was hot, continuing to issue orders and commands, preparing to expand their advantage.

Instantly, a dense barrage of white energy needles shot into the sky, aimed directly at Sagros.

"Sagros, Demon King Flame Strike Wave!"

"Sa—!!!"

Sagros crossed his twin scythes in front of his chest, and the destructive blue-green energy compressed and exploded instantly. Then, a thick blue-green flame shockwave roared out, easily scattering the incoming missiles with overwhelming force, and slammed into Heracross's body with undiminished momentum!

"boom!!!"

Heracross was directly hit by this STAB move with a power of 125 points, letting out a painful groan as its massive body was blasted backward and crashed heavily to the ground!

If Heracross hadn't possessed such unwavering willpower, the outcome would likely have been decided by that single blow. Struggling and panting, it stubbornly rose to its feet once more.

However, what truly alarmed the Elite Four trainers was...

As the Demon King's Flame Shockwave struck Heracross, Sagros's body shone with a vibrant, emerald-green light!

[Demon King's Flame Shockwave] effect activated—

50% of the damage dealt is converted into physical recovery!

The damage Heracross inflicted earlier, which he had fought so hard for and relied on his willpower boost, was instantly made up for by this powerful lifesteal effect!

Sagros's condition is almost back to full!

Ah Si didn't fully understand what was happening, but he knew he had to continue the attack, and continued to command: "Heracross, use Earthquake!"

Heracross, enduring the pain, raised its forelegs and stomped the earth. Instantly, a powerful white earthquake spread rapidly from its center, sweeping across the entire field. This was an unavoidable ground-type area-of-effect attack!

"Demon King's Flame Strike Wave!"

Shi Dou's choice remains unchanged: offense over defense.

Sagros once again unleashed a torrent of blue-green flames, which collided violently with the sweeping seismic waves!

"Boom! BOOM—!!!"

The energy exploded violently again, and both sides' skills hit each other simultaneously. Heracross was burned by the flames and had to retreat repeatedly, while Sagros was also hit by the earthquake.

But then, that familiar emerald green light shone from Sagros once again—

Another bout of physical recovery!

The commentator exclaimed excitedly, "What a thrilling and exhilarating battle! Heracross has given it his all, panting heavily and covered in wounds! And Sagros... wait?! Sagros... it's still standing firmly in its initial position, without even moving a step?! And judging from its condition, its stamina seems to be... still quite abundant?! What, what... what's going on?!"

The audience finally realized this despairing truth!

No matter how desperately Heracross attacks, even if it hits, the damage will be quickly absorbed back by Sagros's strange blue-green flame shockwave!

After several rounds, Heracross was nearing his limit, while Sagros remained calm and composed, as if the intense exchange of blows was just a warm-up!

"How can it be?!"

"I can't hurt him, it feels like Heracross is completely unkillable!"

"That bluish-green flame... I have a feeling something's not right?!"

"Sagross has been under attack for so long and he still doesn't feel anything. How can we fight him?!"

Exclamations and murmurs filled the arena. What Sagros displayed was not only powerful attack, but also despair-inducing endurance and fighting resilience. The desperate struggles of Ast and Heracross seemed utterly futile in the face of such an absolute disparity in strength.

The guests in the audience were utterly astonished.

Yishu: "That blue-green flame skill... seems to also have the effect of restoring the user's stamina?!"

Rika: "No way? Such a powerful move can actually restore stamina? Does such a skill combination really exist?!"

Lorelei: "Grass-type moves like Mega Drain and Giga Drain do have similar effects, but their power is far inferior. Sagros's [Demon King Flame Wave] is ridiculously strong, both in terms of its base power and the added life-steal effect. Heracross's Pin Missiles, enhanced by Guts and Bulk Up, don't even do as much damage as the healing effect of this attack..."

Yulongdu: "This Sagros... its skill system is completely beyond our current understanding."

In the arena, Shi Dou remained silent, only unleashing the Demon King's Flame Strike Wave.

Even the elderly lady in the wheelchair next door can win.

As Ah Si watched his Heracross gasp for breath in pain from the poison and repeated blows, its body covered in wounds, his heart filled with resentment and determination. He knew defeat was inevitable, but at the very least... at the very least, he had to defeat this one before him!

"Heracross! Let's unleash all our might and power, and use Super Horn Slash!!!"

Ah Si roared with all his might.

"Hera—!!!"

Heracross let out a deafening roar, channeling all its remaining strength, willpower, and bond with its trainer into the giant horn on its head!

Hercules' massive horn emitted a more dazzling emerald green light than ever before. Then, Hercules stomped his feet and, like a cannonball, launched a final charge towards Sagros with an indomitable, even suicidal, momentum!

Faced with this ultimate strike that embodied all of Heracross's beliefs, a hint of seriousness finally flashed in Sagros's cold eyes, a sign of respect for a worthy opponent.

"Sagros, Sky Spin Slash".

"Sa——————!!!"

Sagros let out a low groan, his body slightly lowering. His two enormous scythes drew perfect arcs in front of him in an eerie trajectory, their blades gathering extreme sharpness, yet remaining dormant.

The next moment, Heracross's Super Corner Shot was already rushing towards him with immense force.

"Shh-!"

There was no deafening explosion, only a very faint sound, yet it seemed to cut through space like a sharp blade slicing through the air.

A faint, bright white blade flashed across the scene, so fast that it seemed like an illusion.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

The two elves passed each other, then stood back to back, frozen in place, motionless, and an eerie silence fell over the arena.

One second, two seconds...

"Hera..."

Heracross let out a weak, relieved groan, and the emerald light above his head, which held the last of his power, gradually faded like a candle flickering in the wind. Then, a clear gash appeared on Heracross's abdomen and spread outwards.

Hercules' massive body swayed, then finally collapsed forward, crashing heavily onto the ground with his eyes closed, completely incapacitated.

The referee quickly stepped forward, carefully inspected the area, then raised the flag representing the direction of the battle and announced loudly:

"Heracross is unable to fight, therefore, the winner of this match is... Tokito from Goldenrod City!"

"The outcome is decided—!!!" The commentator shouted with all his might: "A magnificent and lopsided duel! Shi Dou's Sagros, with overwhelming strength, has accomplished the feat of defeating three opponents in a row! Let us give the warmest applause to the two players who brought us such a wonderful match!"

"Ooooooooooo!!!"

The entire audience rose to their feet, erupting in applause and cheers like a tsunami!

This applause is dedicated to the victor, Shi Dou, who fought against the incomparably powerful Sagros, and also to A Si and Heracross, who fought to the last moment and were glorious in defeat!

Sagros slowly retracted his scythe, his fierce aura gradually subsiding. Under the spotlight, his deep blue figure, like an invincible war god, was deeply imprinted in everyone's heart.

Shi Dou's first battle was a clean and decisive victory, powerfully announcing his arrival!

…………

Meanwhile, in the contestant preparation area:

Seeing Tokito's complete victory, Rika clapped gently, her gentle face filled with admiration, "What a wonderful match! Mr. Tokito and Sagros's teamwork was perfect."

Wearing a ninja mask, A-Ju nodded slightly and succinctly commented, "His strength is undeniable. He's one of the top four players in this exchange tournament, and I'm really looking forward to playing against him."

Xiaochun crossed her arms and nodded, saying, "A very strong opponent. The next match is ours. That Sagros is very strong... but I believe that we will definitely win against my Dragon Legion."

Dragons are flying creatures.

How could a praying mantis possibly defeat a sacred dragon?

Meanwhile, Abi, who had just been shut out by Xiaochun, pointed at the screen with a look of indignation and said aggrievedly, "Speaking of which, we're both Mantis, so why is your Mantis a stat monster?! My Flying Mantis... when will it ever get back on its feet?!"

"This is unacceptable!!!"

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PS: Thanks to [Ye Yunyi] for the ten blades.

Today’s 1.4w update

Chapter 102 What a joke! The Pokémon on the Henan ship are all legendary tanks!

Meanwhile, at the Pokémon Center in Fuchsia City.

"That's amazing! Sagros defeated three opponents in one go! Mr. Shidou won so decisively."

Ash jumped up excitedly when he saw Sagros win.

Xiaoxia nodded repeatedly: "As expected of Mr. Shidou."

Pikachu: "Pika pika!"

Xiao Gang nodded, arms crossed. Judging by this trend, Mr. Shidou was sure to achieve good results. He just wondered how his damn father was doing? Would he be able to advance to the second round?

……

Crimson Lotus Arena - Grandstand:

"The gym leader is so cool! Sagros is so strong!"

Mei and Bumino hugged each other excitedly, celebrating Tokito's victory in his first match. Sabrina watched Tokito receive the cheers in the arena quietly, a faint but genuine smile unconsciously appearing on her lips. She whispered in a voice only she could hear:

"As expected of... the man who defeated me."

Guest seats:

President Damaranchi stroked his beard with satisfaction, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Hehe, a very exciting match, showcasing the vigor and strength of young trainers."

Grandma Kikuko's wrinkled face showed a hint of approval: "She does indeed have the strength to defeat senior executives of Team Rocket, and her reputation is not undeserved."

"Next up is Tsubaki. Without an Ice-type Pokémon, it will be quite difficult."

Yu Longdu looked at the screen, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Xiaochun is his cousin, who is also a powerful dragon tamer of the Dragon Clan. In this world, the Dragon type is the most powerful and sacred super Pokémon, possessing the proof of an emperor.

If it's not a Pokémon of the same type or an Ice-type, it's impossible for it to win a head-on battle against a Dragon-type Pokémon!!! (Fairy-types haven't been discovered yet.)

In the arena:

Ah Si quickly stepped forward, tenderly helping the unconscious Heracross to its feet, and carefully spraying it with medicine. Shi Dou also stepped forward and extended his hand.

"Congratulations, little brother Shidou! I wish you all the best in the upcoming matches!"

Ah Si gripped Shi Tou's hand tightly. Despite his defeat, he laughed heartily and looked curiously at Sagros, who was standing quietly to the side, asking, "By the way, what type is your powerful Pokémon?"

Tokito smiled and replied, "I'd say it's a fighting style."

"Fighting Department?! Great! Very spirited!" Ah Si was taken aback at first, then laughed even more heartily, patted Shi Dou's shoulder hard, and said solemnly, "Excellent! Carry the will of our Fighting Department, keep winning, and restore the glory of fighting, it is our duty!!! Hahaha!"

"Good good!"

Shi Dou was also infected by A Si's heroic spirit and responded with a smile.

Filled with the joy of his first victory and the blessings of his opponent, Shidou recalled Sagros and turned to walk into the player tunnel.

The third match was between Akari from Fuchsia City and Sakura from Cerulean City, one of Misty's three older sisters.