Chapter 90: Slowking and Dewott VS Kricketune Hero and Haunter

The Next Day, Casual Arena

The arena buzzed with excitement as the crowd filled the stands. Both trainers were in position, waiting for the battle to begin.

"Mr. Nando, let's stick to the plan." The female trainer said, her eyes gleaming with determination as she held her Poké Ball firmly.

"Miss, leave it to me." Nando replied softly, strumming the harp in his arms with a calm demeanor.

"Then let's follow the final plan we discussed last night."

The previous evening, after Paul returned, Conway exchanged ideas with him, and they decided to adjust their lineup of Pokémon.

"Understood." Paul replied, pulling out a Poké Ball and tossing it into the air.

"The third round is upon us, the semifinals! Both trainers are in position and appear ready with their strategies. Now, trainers, release your Pokémon!" the announcer declared.

Four Poké Balls flew into the air simultaneously.

"Haunter, you're up!"

"Go, Kricketune!"

"Slowking, it's your turn!"

"Dewott, prepare for battle!"

Four Pokémon of distinct shapes and abilities appeared on the battlefield, immediately capturing everyone's attention.

The eerie Haunter floated mischievously, Kricketune stretched its arms as if warming up, Slowking stood with a calm composed air, and Dewott gently polished its scalchops, ready for action.

"You guessed it right, Paul." Conway said, pushing up his glasses with a confident smile.

"Haunter... improvise as needed."

Their plan had been to take down the female Trainer's Pokémon first and then gang up on Nando. But with a Ghost-type Pokémon in play, Haunter presented a significant challenge. Kricketune seemed like the more manageable opponent.

After a brief exchange of words, the referee raised a flag and declared. "Battle start!"

"Kricketune, Sing!"

"Haunter, Shadow Ball!"

At the start of the battle, Nando and the female Trainer took the initiative to attack.

Kricketune raised its arms as if playing a violin, producing a soothing melody that floated toward Dewott and Slowking.

"Ha~" Haunter cackled sinisterly, summoning Shadow Balls in both hands and launching them at the opposing Pokémon.

"Dewott, Focus Energy."

Dewott moved in front of Slowking, closing its eyes to focus and channel its energy.

"Slowking, Safeguard!"

Slowking smiled faintly, remaining motionless as a shimmering blue shield materialized around it, enveloping both itself and Dewott. The melody from Kricketune's Sing was completely blocked.

The sleep-inducing strategy had failed!

The two Shadow Balls followed, but Slowking made no attempt to dodge or block them.

"Cha~"

Dewott, now brimming with focus, intercepted the Shadow Balls with precise blade movements, splitting them in two and neutralizing the attack without taking damage.

"The plan has failed. What now, Mr. Nando?" the female Trainer asked, concerned that their Sing-and-Dream Eater strategy had been thwarted.

"In that case, we'll go all in." Nando replied with a smile, plucking a harp string. "Kricketune, Swords Dance!"

"Chirp~" Kricketune performed an elegant rhythmic dance, its body glowing with a crimson aura.

Attack sharply increased!

"Water Gun!"

As soon as Swords Dance concluded, a jet of water shot toward Kricketune. It hastily crossed its arms to block, managing to disperse the attack but leaving itself vulnerable.

"Slowking, Psychic!"

Slowking's eyes glowed as a surge of psychic energy enveloped Kricketune, lifting it into the air. With a single motion, Slowking slammed it into the ground, scattering dirt and debris.

But it didn't stop there. Slowking repeatedly smashed Kricketune into the ground, dealing continuous damage.

"Aerial Ace!" Paul commanded.

Dewott seized the opportunity, accelerating toward Kricketune.

"Haunter, Shadow Ball!" the female Trainer countered.

Haunter rapidly formed multiple Shadow Balls and hurled them at Dewott, attempting to halt its advance.

Dewott sliced through the Shadow Balls with ease, its momentum undeterred.

"Chirp!"

In an instant, Dewott closed the distance to Kricketune, slashing down with Aerial Ace.

"Kricketune, Silver Wind!"

Kricketune, battered but not defeated, flapped its wings furiously, unleashing a gust of silvery wind to counter Dewott's attack. Using the wind's force, it broke free from Psychic's grip.

Though Silver Wind caused minimal damage to Dewott, Kricketune barely escaped further harm.

"Kricketune, Fury Cutter!"

Kricketune retaliated, weaving through Dewott's attacks with newfound vigor. The power boost from Swords Dance allowed it to hold its ground against Dewott's skillful strikes.

"You've got this, Miss!" Nando encouraged.

"Haunter, Curse!"

Realizing Slowking was the biggest threat, the female Trainer changed tactics.

"Ha~Ha" Haunter laughed darkly as a sinister purple glow enveloped it. A spectral nail pierced its body, transferring a dreadful curse onto Slowking.

Slowking visibly faltered, sensing an impending doom. Its strength began to wane as the curse took hold.

"We can't delay any longer." Conway muttered, adjusting his glasses.

If this goes on, Slowking will slowly take damage from the Curse before eventually losing his ability to fight.

"Get ready to assist." Paul nodded, before commanding, "Dewott, go all out and use Aerial Ace!"

Dewott abandoned its defensive stance, unleashing a flurry of Aerial Ace attacks against Kricketune, trading blows recklessly. The critical hits landed repeatedly, leaving Kricketune severely weakened.

After one final exchange, both Pokémon were knocked back. Kricketune lay motionless, while Dewott, though injured, began to rise again.

"Haunter, Shadow Punch!" the female Trainer commanded.

Haunter formed two shadowy fists, launching them toward the recovering Dewott.

"Never underestimate me." Conway said with a sly smile. "Slowking, prepare for a counterattack!"

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