Mega Tyranitar's massive claw clamped down on Charizard X's arm, gripping it tightly and refusing to give Charizard X even the slightest chance to pull free and retreat.
"Damn it!"
The moment this scene unfolded, almost everyone watching felt their hearts skip a beat.
In terms of raw strength alone, Charizard X was not Mega Tyranitar's equal. But Pokémon battles were never decided purely by brute force.
That was precisely why, during close-quarters combat just now, Charizard X—bolstered by the Tough Claws Ability—had actually managed to put Mega Tyranitar at a disadvantage.
But once Charizard X was firmly seized by Mega Tyranitar, the nature of the battle changed completely!
"Champion Leon was careless here, this just got really troublesome."
N frowned deeply. People naturally tend to place themselves in the position of the disadvantaged party when watching a battle, and Leon's final Charizard was undoubtedly the focal point for most spectators.
Red and the others also fell silent. A Mega Charizard X that possessed aerial mobility and flexibility had actually been caught by Mega Tyranitar.
And given Lucas's combat style of relentlessly pressing the advantage once an opening appeared—it was absolutely impossible for him to simply let go.
"This is going to hurt… badly."
Steven's gaze sharpened as well.
The close-range battle between Charizard X and Mega Tyranitar had been nothing short of spectacular. Both Pokémon were fighting with everything they had, stirring the blood of nearly everyone watching.
Yet no one had expected the situation to change so abruptly.
On the battlefield—
"Dragon Pulse!"
Leon reacted instantly and shouted an order to Charizard X.
It had to break free from Mega Tyranitar immediately; otherwise, the situation would become overwhelmingly unfavorable.
Charizard X strained with all its might, trying to wrench its arm out of Mega Tyranitar's grasp, but that massive claw was like a steel vise, refusing to loosen even a fraction.
A brilliant draconic glow gathered in Charizard X's mouth, and it fired the attack straight at Mega Tyranitar's face.
"Ice Punch!"
Lucas's eyes remained fixed on the two Pokémon as he gave his command.
Cold air surged around Mega Tyranitar's other massive claw, which then swung fiercely toward Charizard X's abdomen!
BOOM!
Dragon Pulse exploded against Mega Tyranitar's face, forcing out a low, pained growl—but Mega Tyranitar's Ice Punch landed squarely on Charizard X!
The freezing energy spread instantly, and coupled with the tremendous force of the blow, pain flashed across Charizard X's eyes.
As a Dragon- and Fire-type, Charizard X wasn't weak to Ice Punch—but even without a type advantage, Mega Tyranitar's sheer power was very real.
"Charizard! Take off—Fly!"
Seeing that Dragon Pulse had hit but Mega Tyranitar still refused to let go, Leon's brow furrowed tightly.
Charizard X beat its wings hard, attempting to use its aerial strength to tear free from Mega Tyranitar's grip.
But Mega Tyranitar continued to hold on mercilessly, its savage eyes locked onto Charizard X. Its body was even slightly lifted off the ground by Charizard X's efforts—yet in the next moment, its feet slammed back down firmly!
Clearly, the two were locked in a furious contest of strength!
At this moment, both Pokémon were giving it their all—so much so that they barely had the opportunity to use new moves.
But this stalemate would not last long.
"Thunder!"
Lucas shouted in a deep voice.
"Charizard!"
Leon's heart was pounding wildly as his mind raced for a way out. This could not continue.
"ROOOAAR!"
Mega Tyranitar let out a thunderous roar as arcs of electricity crackled violently across its body. A powerful Thunder surged along the point of contact between the two Pokémon, spreading directly onto Charizard X!
Golden lightning flared brilliantly. Under the point-blank Thunder attack, pain once again twisted Charizard X's expression.
Even though Electric-type moves were not very effective against it, the damage was still fully taken at such close range.
"ROOOAAR!"
An enraged Charizard X gathered flames in its mouth and fired them without hesitation at Mega Tyranitar.
Blast Burn!
A massive, "X"-shaped torrent of fire slammed directly into Mega Tyranitar's face. Lightning and flames intertwined chaotically before detonating violently.
The entire stadium watched the billowing smoke with bated breath. Many spectators were even silently praying: Please, just let go of Charizard…
But—
As the smoke slowly dispersed, Mega Tyranitar and Charizard X stood facing each other, both bearing wounds from the point-blank explosion.
Yet Mega Tyranitar's massive claw was still clamped firmly around Charizard X's arm!
"ROOOAAR!"
Charizard X stared blankly at its own "small hand," and then at the enormous "big hand" gripping it. Finally, furious flames blazed in its eyes as it let out an enraged roar at Mega Tyranitar.
Are you insane?! We're fighting here—why the hell won't you let go?!
"ROOOAAAAR!"
In response, Mega Tyranitar simply roared back even louder.
"Charizard, Blast Burn!"
Leon took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
Trying to break free directly was clearly too difficult—if that was the case, then he would smash Mega Tyranitar head-on!
Charizard X roared fiercely as its entire body ignited with an intensely blazing red light. Even the surrounding air seemed to warp from the heat.
"Earthquake!!"
Lucas's eyes flickered as he shouted his command.
Mega Tyranitar raised its massive tail slightly, then slammed it down with overwhelming force.
Earthquake!
The ground shook violently as invisible shockwaves rippled outward. Charizard X, being closest, was hit head-on. Pain flashed across its face—this Earthquake was devastatingly heavy.
Yet Charizard X gritted its teeth and endured it, slamming its free claw into the battlefield floor.
The ground erupted with dazzling red light as countless crimson fissures spread outward.
Blast Burn!
BOOM!
In the next instant, terrifying pillars of flame erupted violently from the ground, surging skyward.
Mega Tyranitar was almost completely engulfed by the overwhelming flames and, under such ferocious firepower, finally released its grip on Charizard X.
As the towering flames gradually subsided, the area where Blast Burn had struck was reduced to scorched earth. Mega Tyranitar stood in place, breathing heavily—
Yet the violent aura radiating from it was even more intense than before!
The moment Charizard X's stiffness period ended, it immediately retreated, widening the distance between itself and Mega Tyranitar.
But in truth, Charizard X's condition was no better—it had taken several heavy hits as well.
"It's still impossible to tell… who will win."
Steven spoke softly, still unable to determine which side would ultimately prevail.
"It all depends on how both sides perform next. Leon has already done incredibly well."
Cynthia added calmly. Indeed, he had done remarkably well—after all, his opponent was Lucas, a complete monster.
Just moments ago, everyone had thought Charizard X was about to suffer badly. It did suffer—but Mega Tyranitar hadn't come out unscathed either.
One could only say that this Charizard X was truly an outstanding Pokémon.
On the battlefield—
"You've really given me a huge surprise, Champion Leon. This is the first time my Tyranitar has fought this hard without completely suppressing its opponent."
Lucas glanced at the heavily breathing Mega Tyranitar, chuckled softly, and then looked toward Leon.
This wasn't arrogance, nor was it mockery—he was genuinely praising Leon.
Since becoming a top-tier Champion, none of the opponents Lucas had faced had truly gained the upper hand against any of his four main Pokémon.
Strictly speaking, before this year, there hadn't even been anyone who could truly fight him evenly.
"You really are an excellent opponent."
"You too, Lucas."
Leon paused briefly, then smiled sincerely.
Although he had been pressured almost the entire battle, facing an opponent like Lucas made the heart of a true Trainer surge with excitement.
A rival of equal strength—or even a stronger foe—was exactly what a real Trainer longed for.
But—
"Tyranitar, return."
Lucas smiled, took out a Poké Ball, and recalled Mega Tyranitar.
"????"
This sudden action left everyone stunned.
The battle had reached such an intense point, and the two Trainers had just acknowledged each other—so why switch Pokémon now?
Even Charizard X stared at Lucas in confusion, having just been ready to unleash flames at that detestable giant again!
"I'm not confident that Tyranitar can defeat your Charizard. Since that's the case… let's switch opponents."
Noticing Leon's puzzled expression, Lucas took out a new Poké Ball and said with a smile.
Actually, I'm not confident I can beat Tyranitar either…
Leon wanted to say that—but ultimately didn't.
Even without full confidence, there was still a chance. And if Charizard X could defeat Tyranitar, then even if it lost to Gardevoir afterward, Leon would still be satisfied.
After all, that would mean he had defeated two of Lucas's main Pokémon.
But now that Tyranitar had been withdrawn… well, that chance was gone.
"This Pokémon… Champion Leon, you should be familiar with it. It even has a bit of a connection to both of us."
Lucas didn't immediately throw the Poké Ball, instead holding it up as he spoke.
"Oh?"
Leon raised an eyebrow and stroked his short beard thoughtfully.
He hadn't interacted much with Lucas—was there really a Pokémon that connected them both?
If he had to force a guess…
Eternatus?
"It seems Champion Leon hasn't remembered yet. Then let's take a look."
Seeing Leon remain silent, Lucas stopped teasing.
"Prepare for battle."
With a flick of his wrist, Lucas threw the Poké Ball. It opened midair, releasing a flash of white light.
The entire stadium stared intently at that light. Everyone had heard the exchange between Lucas and Leon.
Clearly, this wasn't Gardevoir.
That meant—
A new main Pokémon!
What was Lucas's fourth main Pokémon?
The audience was full of anticipation. To them, Lucas was still a mystery—he had only truly entered the public eye through his battle with Iris and now this match against Leon.
A newly risen Trainer with such terrifying strength naturally inspired immense curiosity.
But—
As the white light faded, a white-and-green Pokémon of modest stature slowly descended onto the field.
Its silver-white body was humanoid in shape, and atop its head bloomed a green bud resembling a royal crown. Though not large, the noble, majestic aura it exuded was unmistakable.
In an instant, Leon recognized it.
"Calyrex!"
Leon cried out in shock.
The entire stadium fell silent—because they recognized it too.
Leon was usually calm and composed, rarely losing his composure—but now, he simply couldn't control his astonishment.
This was Calyrex!
The King of Legends—the ancient King of Bountiful Harvests from Galarian legend!
Of course, Lucas already possessed many top-tier Legendary Pokémon, so merely seeing Calyrex wouldn't normally shock Leon this much.
But Leon remembered clearly—the information about Calyrex had been provided by him!
Back in Unova, Leon had told Lucas about Calyrex's presence in the Crown Tundra, in exchange for a Xurkitree.
"You actually captured Calyrex this quickly…"
Leon's eyelids twitched as he stared at Lucas in disbelief.
Good grief!
How long had it even been?
Even though he was already accustomed to Lucas's absurd feats, this was still ridiculously fast!
"Ah~ I suppose Calyrex and I were just fated."
Lucas understood Leon's misunderstanding, but didn't explain further, simply smiling as he spoke.
Leon was left speechless. Even with his temperament, he felt a bit sour.
This was the legendary ancient king—the King of Bountiful Harvests!
Damn it!
"Next, let Calyrex be your opponent, Champion Leon."
"…Well then, I should truly thank you for holding me in such high regard, Lucas…"
Leon's eyelids twitched even harder as he finally replied with an awkward yet polite smile.
I'd really rather fight Tyranitar…
To hell with Calyrex. Charizard X at full health couldn't handle that thing—let alone now, when it was already half-beaten. What was he supposed to fight it with—his head?
Please, I'm begging you—bring Tyranitar back!
I just want Charizard and Tyranitar to decide a winner!
(End of Chapter)