Chapter 67 Terry: A grass trainer

"Machamp, Focus Energy!"

Stephanie did not attack immediately but first used Focus Energy to boost Machamp's power.

Focus Energy allows the user to concentrate, making it easier to hit the opponent's weak spots.

As the name suggests, Machamp possesses immense power. With four arms capable of delivering a thousand punches in two seconds, it excels in various fighting-style moves.

Due to its strength and hardworking nature, Machamp is highly sought after in the construction industry and harbors, often used for tasks like carrying heavy loads. It is also a popular choice as a family Pokémon.

"Infernape, Close Combat!" Stephanie's opponent wouldn't let her use Focus Energy without a challenge and immediately commanded Infernape to charge and interrupt.

However, Machamp had already completed Focus Energy.

"How is that possible?" Stephanie's opponent exclaimed in surprise.

Even Ashborn was taken aback. Machamp's Focus Energy had taken less than two seconds, roughly half the usual time.

It became clear that Stephanie had planned to use Focus Energy from the start and had prepared for a swift execution.

"We'll also use Close Combat," Stephanie declared.

By this point, Infernape had reached Machamp, and it was too late for the opponent to change their strategy.

Both Pokémon's fists transformed into a blur of white light as they exchanged blows at incredible speed. Initially, they seemed evenly matched, but Machamp's earlier Focus Energy boost gave it a clear advantage.

Focus Energy increased Machamp's accuracy, and its four arms provided a significant advantage over Infernape's two.

After anticipating Infernape's punch patterns, Machamp used its upper two arms to block Infernape's fists, while its lower two arms struck the opponent's stomach and neck.

Infernape cried out in pain, but its arm remained trapped by Machamp, keeping it within striking distance.

"Machamp, Dynamic Punch!"

Dynamic Punch is a powerful Fighting-type move but has a low accuracy rate. Most trainers only use it when they have a high chance of hitting.

With Infernape right in front of Machamp, missing was impossible, even with a low accuracy rate.

"Infernape, Swagger!" the opponent shouted.

The trapped Infernape taunted Machamp, enraging it and causing it to lose its focus.

In its rage, Machamp's Dynamic Punch, intended for Infernape, struck its own face instead.

Machamp was sent flying backward.

"Machamp!" Stephanie cried out in distress.

She had thought victory was assured but hadn't anticipated this turn of events.

Swagger is a move that enrages and confuses the opponent. The enraged Pokémon's attack power increases significantly, but it becomes unpredictable.

It was a gamble. Under the influence of Swagger, there was a 50/50 chance that Machamp would follow Stephanie's commands or attack itself.

Unfortunately for Stephanie, luck was not on her side. Machamp's rage-boosted Dynamic Punch hit itself, causing significant damage.

The opponent's gamble had paid off. Not only was Infernape freed, but Machamp was now in a state of confusion.

"I guess Stephanie isn't a lucky either," Terry muttered.

Ashborn, who was standing nearby, felt offended by Terry's comment. Why did he have to bring up someone else while talking about Stephanie? Who was he implying?

In Pokémon battles, luck is as crucial as the trainer's command skills, timing, and the Pokémon's strength.

If Machamp had remained focused and landed the rage-boosted Dynamic Punch on Infernape, the match would have been over.

But now, both sides seemed to be back at square one.

The opponent's timing with Swagger had been impeccable.

"Infernape, Cross Chop!"

Taking advantage of Machamp's confusion, the opponent aimed for a decisive blow.

Infernape, despite its pain, was fueled by anger towards Machamp.

"I don't believe it! Machamp, Counter!" Stephanie roared, taking a gamble of her own. She bet that Machamp would obey her command this time.

Infernape's powerful Cross Chop landed on Machamp, staggering it. At that moment, Stephanie's voice reached Machamp, and its mind cleared from the confusion.

A surge of energy erupted from Machamp, sending Infernape flying backward.

Counter reflects the opponent's attack back at them with double the power, as long as the user doesn't faint. Fortunately, Machamp was strong enough to withstand Infernape's Cross Chop.

"Infernape is unable to battle! Machamp wins!" the referee declared.

Stephanie recalled Machamp,

Stephanie took back Machamp, walked down from the battle arena, and came to Terry's side.

"If you lose the next game, I will kill you," Stephanie said to Terry, waving her fist at him.

Terry subconsciously took a few steps back. After reacting, he felt a little ashamed. Looking at the live broadcast robot above his head, his face turned slightly red.

"A mere Grass-type Trainer; you think I will lose," Terry said confidently.

He was a Fire-type Trainer, and his opponent was a Grass-type Trainer. Under the circumstance of Type restraint, Terry couldn't think of any reason for him to lose.

"Charizard!"

"Venusaur!"

Terry grinned, whether it was fate or not, the opponent had a Venusaur.

Among the Starter's Pokémon, Bulbasaur was at the forefront of the most cost-effective and most worthy Pokémon for cultivation.

Among the Fire-type Starter Pokémon, Charmander was as popular as Bulbasaur.

However, the price of both Pokémon was more than one million, so normal families really did not have the ability to buy them.

Charizard hovered above Venusaur's head, about ten meters high. The height of the protective cover was 30 meters, which meant that the maximum height a Flying Pokémon could reach was 30 meters.

Once it exceeded the range of the protective cover, it would be judged to have violated the rules and lose the contest.

Even if there were some venues without energy shields, if this was an open event, there would be certain requirements for the flying height of Pokémon.

Otherwise, as long as the flying Pokémon could fly high enough, the Pokémon on the ground could only stare. Even if the move could hit, the hit rate would naturally decrease a lot because of the height.

If they were out in the wild, in Rifts, or in an unofficial game, no one would care.

"Charizard, Flamethrower!"

Terry said and snapped his fingers arrogantly.

The scorching flames descended from top to bottom, their width expanding from half a meter to five or six meters by the time they reached Venusaur.

The surrounding temperature rose rapidly due to the flames.

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Ara ara~~ Sayo nara ~~