Chapter 777 - This is a big joke!

The Pokémon that Aoki summoned again was...

Gengar!

At this time, Gengar had reached level 53. Upon hitting level 50—the threshold for quasi-Champion-tier strength—it had learned an incredibly useful move:

Destiny Bond!

This was a crucial and practical move for Ghost-type Pokémon like Gengar.

Channeling spectral energy laced with vengeful malice, it placed a curse-like effect on the opponent. If the target managed to defeat Gengar, rendering it unable to battle or knocking it out, the opponent would also collapse in tandem, either fainting or being left near death.

It was a terrifying mutual-destruction technique, highly favored by Ghost-type Trainers. Its strategic value even surpassed that of Perish Song.

"Gengar, use Hypnosis!"

As soon as Gengar materialized, Aoki commanded it to use Hypnosis.

Dragonair's condition was already poor; its body was weakened, making it highly susceptible to Hypnosis due to its inability to focus.

Clair didn't panic as she watched Dragonair succumb to sleep. Its ability, Shed Skin, gave it a chance to awaken spontaneously, and it also knew Sleep Talk, so the situation wasn't dire.

Sure enough, Dragonair was forcibly put to sleep by Gengar.

"Gengar, Dream Eater!"

"Dragonair, Sleep Talk!"

Since Dragonair hadn't woken up yet, Clair relied on Sleep Talk—though the move it would use was unpredictable.

Gengar siphoned energy from Dragonair's dreams, its shadowy form draining vitality.

Though Gengar hadn't lost any stamina, Dream Eater was devastating when paired with Sleep Talk.

Dragonair, still unconscious, obeyed Clair's command and exhaled a surge of draconic energy.

Dragon Pulse!

But in its drowsy state, the attack went wide, and Gengar, phasing into the shadows, dodged effortlessly.

The jewel-like blue scales on Dragonair's body gleamed—Shed Skin was about to activate.

"Gengar, Skill Swap! Follow up with Dream Eater, then finish it with Shadow Ball!" Aoki issued rapid orders.

Just as Shed Skin was about to take effect, Gengar swapped abilities with Dragonair, nullifying the impending recovery.

Clair froze.

So this was his plan all along!

Another Dream Eater, followed by two concentrated Shadow Balls, knocked out Dragonair, which had already been worn down to half health.

Clair had lost three Pokémon!

Field Change:

The rocky terrain shifted randomly into grassy terrain, though it had little impact on either Trainer.

Stunned, Clair mechanically recalled Dragonair.

She had pinned her hopes on Dragonair turning the tide, but it had only managed to defeat Drapion—and even then, Drapion's relentless fighting style had left Dragonair severely weakened.

Now, Dragonair was down, while Aoki's Gengar remained in peak condition.

Taking a deep breath, Clair reminded herself that while Aoki had the numerical advantage, the battle wasn't over.

She threw another Poké Ball—but Aoki recalled Gengar, and her expression darkened.

She'd anticipated this.

Sure enough, Aoki sent out the Pokémon she'd been dreading:

Florges!

Clair had planned to save her Charizard to counter Gengar, but Aoki had bypassed that by deploying Florges immediately.

Florges vs. Haxorus!

Fairy vs. Dragon.

The crowd erupted.

This was the showdown they'd been waiting for!

Through careful strategy, Aoki had methodically gained the upper hand.

Clair's Haxorus wasn't her ace—it was light-blue potential, level 50, summoned purely to wear down Aoki's team for her final trump card.

"Florges, reveal the power of the Fairy type to the world! Use Misty Terrain!"

As soon as the two Pokémon took the field, Aoki had Florges activate its terrain move.

Clair didn't switch. There was no point—Aoki would just recall Florges if she did, turning the match into a tedious war of attrition where she'd still be at a disadvantage.

Her only hope was for Haxorus to replicate Drapion's performance.

A lavender-pink mist spread across the battlefield, emanating from Florges.

The audience buzzed with confusion.

"What move is that? I've never seen it before!"

"Florges? Is that its name? And what's this 'Fairy type' Aoki mentioned?"

"There's a new type? Since when?"

The officials watching grimaced. They'd intended to delay the Fairy type's official unveiling due to its disruptive impact on Dragon-types, but Aoki had forced their hand.

The Misty Terrain's effect was immediate. Haxorus, a pure Dragon-type, recoiled as its draconic energy faltered, its power draining away.

"So this… is the Fairy type?" Clair murmured. As a member of the Dragon Clan, she felt the terrain's oppressive weight on her Pokémon. Her mind raced—she needed to consult the Dragon Elders after this match.

The battle ended swiftly. Florges dismantled Haxorus with ease.

Clair had lost four Pokémon. Only her Charizard remained, and Aoki had a strong guess about her ace.

But what truly horrified Clair—and every spectator—was the realization they'd gleaned from the fight:

Dragon-type moves had no effect on Florges.

Fairies were immune to Dragon attacks.

The implications were staggering.