Chapter 186: Physical Exhaustion

Extreme Speed—Too Fast to See!

Arcanine moved like a blur, its body vanishing the moment it activated Extreme Speed.

Ash and the others barely had time to react—Arcanine was just too fast!

Even though Ash knew that Normal-type moves couldn't affect Ghost-types, his instincts took over.

"Haunter, dodge it!"

Haunter's pupils contracted, but—

It couldn't see Arcanine.

There was only empty air in front of it.

Still, following Ash's command, Haunter quickly floated backward—

But not fast enough.

Arcanine had already closed the distance.

With a deep growl, its jaws snapped open, fangs glowing with dark energy—

CRUNCH!

BOOM!

The energy exploded on contact—

Haunter screamed as it was sent flying backward, tumbling across the battlefield!

Brock's eyes widened. "That was a Dark-type move! Double damage!"

Misty gasped. "That's why Gary used Extreme Speed first! It wasn't meant to attack—he just used it to close the distance!"

Brock nodded. "He tricked Ash into thinking he was going for a Normal-type attack, then followed up with Crunch!"

Misty turned to Ash with worried eyes.

That strategy… it felt so familiar.

"Ash, that's the same kind of trick you use!"

On the other side, Gary stood with his arms crossed, a smug expression on his face.

"How do you like that, Ash?"

His smirk widened.

"I learned it from you. Feels different when it's used against you, huh?"

Ash brushed off the taunt.

He knew Gary was trying to shake his focus.

"If anything, that just proves you're still behind me."

Gary's eye twitched. "Tch."

Even if Ash didn't waver, Gary felt like he had the upper hand.

The way Haunter had struggled to react—Gary could tell Ash was starting to feel the pressure.

That meant one thing—

Victory was within reach.

"Alright, Arcanine! Use Extreme Speed again, then follow up with Crunch!"

---

Signs of Exhaustion

Arcanine prepared to attack again.

Its body became wrapped in white translucent energy, and with a powerful push off the ground—

It vanished.

Misty gasped. "So fast!"

Arcanine reappeared instantly, rushing toward Haunter at full force.

Ash's eyes sharpened.

"Haunter, Phantom Force!"

Both trainers issued their commands at the same time.

The moment before Arcanine could sink its fangs into Haunter again—

A black portal opened behind Haunter.

With a sudden leap backward, Haunter disappeared into the void!

SNAP!

Arcanine bit down—

On nothing.

Gary's eyes widened.

"What?!"

Misty let out a relieved sigh. "He dodged it!"

Brock nodded. "That's Phantom Force! Haunter escaped into another dimension—Arcanine can't hit him there!"

Gary's smirk faltered.

But then—

Arcanine stumbled.

Gary blinked.

For just a second, Arcanine's breath hitched.

Its body swayed slightly—

Its movements were slower than before.

Brock narrowed his eyes.

"Gary doesn't realize it yet, but Arcanine's getting tired."

---

The Cost of Speed

Extreme Speed was powerful.

But using it repeatedly took a toll.

Even though Arcanine was a Pokémon known for its stamina, using so much energy in quick bursts was starting to wear it down.

Aria, a young trainer watching from the stands, leaned forward.

"Gary's Arcanine… it's slowing down."

Ryo, another spectator, crossed his arms.

"Yeah… but does Gary know that?"

Mei, standing nearby, shook her head.

"I don't think so. He's pushing Arcanine too hard."

Gary, unaware of his Pokémon's fatigue, clenched his fist.

"Alright, Arcanine! Use Extreme Speed again!"

---

Haunter Strikes Back!

Ash's eyes glinted.

"This is our chance!"

Haunter emerged from the shadows, reappearing right behind Arcanine.

Gary's heart skipped a beat.

"No way—!"

"Haunter, use Shadow Ball!"

A dark sphere of crackling ghostly energy formed between Haunter's hands.

Before Arcanine could even turn around—

"FIRE!"

BOOM!

The Shadow Ball hit Arcanine square in the back—

The explosion sent Arcanine skidding across the battlefield!

Misty cheered. "Yes! That was a direct hit!"

Brock analyzed the situation.

"That attack was strong, but Arcanine's not out yet."

Gary gritted his teeth.

"Arcanine, get up!"

Arcanine slowly rose to its feet.

But its breathing was heavier than before.

Its body trembled slightly.

For the first time, Gary saw it—

Arcanine was exhausted.

His heart sank.

"Arcanine's speed… it's not the same anymore."

Extreme Speed had been his biggest advantage, but now—

It was his biggest weakness.

---

Final Clash

Gary had one last chance.

"Arcanine, Crunch! Give it everything you've got!"

Arcanine forced itself forward, fangs glowing with dark energy.

Ash stayed calm.

"Haunter, finish this with Dazzling Gleam!"

A brilliant burst of sparkling energy exploded from Haunter's body—

Blinding Arcanine completely!

"NOW!"

Haunter unleashed one final Shadow Ball—

BOOM!

The attack collided with Arcanine head-on—

A massive shockwave rippled through the battlefield—

When the dust settled—

Arcanine lay motionless.

Its chest rose and fell weakly.

But it didn't get back up.

Brock stepped forward.

He raised his hand.

"Arcanine is unable to battle!"

His voice echoed through the stadium—

"Haunter wins!"

---

Victory and Reflection

The moment was silent.

Then—

Misty cheered. "You did it, Ash!"

Brock nodded. "That was an intense match."

Ash grinned, fist clenched.

Gary let out a breath.

He returned Arcanine to its Poké Ball, staring at it for a long moment.

Then, finally, he smirked.

"I pushed Arcanine too hard."

He turned to Ash.

"Looks like you got me this time."

Ash smiled.

"It was a good fight."

Gary's smirk widened.

"Yeah, but next time… I won't make the same mistake."

Ash's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Good! I wouldn't want it any other way."

To Be Continued…