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The Trainer's second Pokémon was a level 28 Staryu. He seemed determined to battle Gabite to the very end, believing that even if victory was impossible, he must at least defeat Gabite.
Staryu immediately launched an Ice Beam, while Gabite countered with a combination of Aerial Ace and Double Slash. Just like Psyduck before it, Staryu was sent flying out of the ring, crashing directly to the ground.
"Next challenger, hurry up," Eddie called out. "Those who think they can get lucky shouldn't waste everyone's time by embarrassing themselves. People without vision who only seek shortcuts deserve to remain weak their entire lives."
Eddie felt that if all his opponents were like this Trainer—tactically clueless and relying solely on brute force—his victory would feel hollow and meaningless.
To emphasize his point, Eddie dramatically displayed three gym badges, flaunting them before everyone and pocketing them only after confirming the entire audience had seen them.
"Young man, you're certainly skilled, but don't underestimate others. Allow me to challenge you," said a composed middle-aged Trainer as he stepped onto the stage.
"I wasn't planning to participate in this competition, but seeing a Trainer with your caliber makes me eager for a match. Let's have a friendly sparring session."
As he spoke, The middle-aged Trainer released his Pokémon—a Rhyhorn.
Name: Rhyhorn
Type: Rock/Ground
Level: 30 (Advanced)
Eddie observed the level 30 Pokémon with interest but remained undaunted.
"I just mentioned that a Trainer's strength cannot be expressed through words. Am I underestimating people? Let your performance speak for itself."
"Hahaha, you're absolutely right! A Trainer's strength indeed cannot be conveyed through words. Let me see just how powerful you truly are!"
The middle-aged Trainer wasn't offended. Instead, he heartily agreed with Eddie's statement. After his laughter subsided, his expression quickly shifted to one of serious concentration as he initiated his attack.
"Rhyhorn! Use Scary Face, then Horn Attack!"
Rhyhorn channeled its energy to execute Scary Face. This move involved staring at the opponent with a terrifying expression, intimidating them and significantly reducing their speed.
In truth, considering Rhyhorn's imposing appearance and Gabite's natural ferocity, it seemed unlikely that either could truly frighten the other. But Pokémon moves worked in mysterious ways—if the move was meant to frighten, it would succeed. Even without actual fear, the speed reduction would take effect.
Gabite's speed dropped dramatically, and in that moment, Rhyhorn charged toward it, the sharp horn on its head aimed directly at Gabite as if ready to impale it.
"Since your speed is reduced, just attack from where you stand. Gabite, Earthquake!"
Gabite wasn't genuinely frightened, but some inexplicable energy affected its body. Nevertheless, Gabite remained confident—following Eddie's commands always led to victory.
Gabite raised its foot high and stomped forcefully on the ring floor. Through Rhyhorn's terrified eyes, the entire ring began to tremble as devastating energy gathered beneath the surface.
The next moment, the charging Rhyhorn was struck by erupting seismic energy, its entire body thrown into the air.
Considering a Rhyhorn weighs 253 pounds, the force required to launch such a mass skyward demonstrated Gabite's incredible power.
Ground-type moves dealing normal damage to Ground-type Pokémon was standard, but Ground-type moves dealt double damage to Rock-type Pokémon. Consequently, the Rock/Ground-type Rhyhorn suffered severe damage from the Ground-type Earthquake.
Had Rhyhorn not been slightly stronger than Gabite, it would have been knocked out instantly.
Eddie issued another command the moment Earthquake's effects manifested.
"This Gabite can use Earthquake with such power! The young man seems not only strong himself but also skilled at raising Pokémon," Elder Yingyan remarked, his eyes brightening as Eddie increasingly met his expectations.
Then he witnessed Eddie commanding Gabite to press the advantage while Rhyhorn was still airborne. A powerful Iron Tail struck the already severely damaged Rhyhorn. Already badly injured and now hit by a super-effective attack, Rhyhorn crashed to the ground, immediately losing consciousness.
Elder Yingyan noticed that Iron Tail was another move Gabite couldn't naturally learn. He wanted to declare Eddie the winner immediately but couldn't break his own established rules. He could only wait for Eddie to achieve five consecutive victories, confident that with Eddie's strength, the tournament would conclude quickly.
"Ding! Gabite gained experience! Level +1! Reached level 29!"
"Are you satisfied with my strength now?" Eddie asked.
The middle-aged Trainer inwardly wanted to slap himself for suggesting a "sparring session." He mentally berated himself: "What sparring? This was a complete beatdown! Rhyhorn barely launched an attack before getting sent flying, struck again midair, and then collapsing? Should it have ended so quickly? He could have at least allowed a few more exchanges."
In reality, the outcome made sense. The gap between Gabite and Rhyhorn wasn't enormous, but Rhyhorn had been hit by two powerful super-effective moves in succession, so its immediate defeat was reasonable.
Still, after his confident declaration of a sparring match, being defeated so quickly felt like a resounding slap to his pride.
Being a mature adult, however, The middle-aged Trainer quickly composed himself. Rather than speaking, he promptly sent out his second Pokémon.
Name: Lickitung
Type: Normal
Level: 30
"A Normal-type Pokémon facing a Dragon-type—neither has an advantage nor disadvantage. Choosing this type of Pokémon shows better judgment," Eddie thought, silently acknowledging The middle-aged Trainer's knowledge.
"Unfortunately, the outcome won't change. The middle-aged Trainer clearly won't risk direct attacks anymore, but he can't defeat Gabite through defense alone!"
As predicted, The middle-aged Trainer adopted an entirely defensive strategy. He instructed Lickitung to use Defense Curl to increase its defense and Protect to establish a protective barrier, essentially turtling up.
Though unable to win, Lickitung persisted for over two minutes. Gabite required no fewer than ten moves before finally wearing down the defensive Lickitung.
"Ding! Gabite gained experience! Level +1! Reached level 30!"
The middle-aged Trainer left the stage with an expression of dignity despite his defeat, which made Eddie roll his eyes.
While some spectators scorned The middle-aged Trainer's tactics, others admired his ability to endure for so long.
"Are they serious?" Eddie thought. "This competition isn't about who can last longest, but who can defeat me, right?"
Suppressing his urge to complain, Eddie maintained his composed demeanor and asked in a measured tone:
"Who's next?"
Despite Eddie's arrogant delivery, the audience remained silent. No one dared challenge him now.