Chapter 182: Arbok Enters the Battle

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With Heracross down, Anon only had two Pokémon left to send out. Liam was well aware that Anon had a particularly strong Charizard, and had also captured a seemingly powerful Machoke on Victory Road. If he had guessed correctly, those two would be Anon's remaining options.

But Liam guessed wrong…

When Anon threw out his fifth PokeBall, what appeared on the field was a Noctowl with especially thick plumage and glinting iron claws.

This Noctowl was taller and more robust than an average one, clearly raised with great care.

"Hoot…" 

Noctowl stood on the grass, its round head rotating at a disturbing angle as it locked eyes on Scyther, a dangerous gleam in its eyes like a predator spotting prey.

"Trainer in the red corner, would you like to switch Pokémon?"The referee turned to Liam.

"Yes, I'll switch. Return, Scyther."

After the earlier incident, Liam had learned not to be reckless in situations like this. Noctowl had a heavy advantage over Scyther. Forcing a head-on clash might get her seriously hurt. 

It wasn't that Liam didn't trust in his own command or in Scyther's strength—but there was no need to endure unnecessary risk if it could be avoided.

"It's your time to shine! Show them your power, Arbok!"

"Chaarbok!"

After recalling Scyther, Liam released Arbok onto the field. Her body was far thicker and longer than that of an ordinary Arbok, and it immediately coiled itself into a tight circle. 

She glanced lazily at the Noctowl across from her, clearly uninterested, resting her head on her own body in a bored pose.

"Both Pokémon are ready! The battle begins!"

"You dare look down on us?! Noctowl, use Psychic!"

As soon as Arbok appeared and Anon saw Arbok's lazy demeanor, he frowned slightly. With the referee's announcement, Anon quickly went on the offensive.

"Hoot!!"

At the command, Noctowl spread its massive wings and silently lifted off the ground. Its several-meter wingspan cast a huge shadow over the field. It quickly soared above Arbok, and then the long feathers above its eyes began to glow with brilliant blue light. 

The next moment, Arbok—still lying idly on the ground—was enveloped in a blue aura and lifted into the air.

"Chaa?" Arbok's eyes showed a flicker of interest, but she remained still. With a quiet hiss, she waited calmly for Noctowl's next move.

"Nice job, Noctowl! Now slam that Arbok into the rocks!"

Excited at seeing Arbok suspended by Psychic, Anon shouted his next command.

"Hoot!!"

In response, the energy glowing from Noctowl's eyebrows flared up. In an instant, Arbok was hurled forcefully toward a nearby rock with tremendous speed and power.

Just as Arbok was about to crash into the stone, Liam—who had remained silent this whole time—finally spoke up.

"Stop playing, Arbok! Break free from the Psychic! Use Thunder Fang!"

"Chaaa!"

At his words, Arbok's previously lidded eyes snapped open. Her powerful body twisted violently in midair, and the energy binding her shattered like fragile glass. 

Though the throw from Psychic still carried momentum, Arbok reoriented herself, coiling like a spring. Her tail struck the rock first, and using the rebound force, she shot forward like a bolt, her fanged mouth crackling with electricity. 

In a blur, she sank her teeth into Noctowl before it could react.

Crackling electricity surged through Noctowl's body, and it let out a shrill, agonized screech in midair. Arbok swiftly wrapped her body around it, slamming it into the ground amidst sparks. 

Arbok held tight for a few moments, then loosened her grip and flung the now-limp Noctowl aside with a flick of her head.

"Be.. Beep! Noctowl is unable to battle! Ar.. Arbok wins! …Gulp…"

Afraid Arbok might keep attacking, the referee rushed forward with his flag, positioning himself between the serpent and the downed Noctowl. He gulped involuntarily as Arbok's fierce gaze bore into him.

"Noctowl! Are you alright?!"

Anon dashed to his Pokémon's side and checked its condition. Thankfully, Noctowl had only fainted from a combination of Thunder Fang's shock and the suffocating grip—it had only minor bite marks and very light injuries. 

Clearly, Arbok had held back considerably.

"Return, Noctowl. You did your best against a strong opponent."

Seeing that his Pokémon wasn't seriously hurt, Anon recalled it and returned to his position with a grave expression.

"The battle continues. Please send out your next Pokémon."

The referee silently returned to his post, discreetly wiping cold sweat from his face before raising his head to address Anon again.

"Liam! You're strong! Your Pokémon are incredibly powerful! I only have one left, but I won't give up easily! Face my full power! This is my strongest partner! Go, it's up to you now—Charizard!!"

"ROAR!!!"

With a loud whoosh, the PokeBall burst open midair, and a massive Charizard with blazing fire on its tail descended from above, spreading its enormous wings. It let out a fiery roar skyward, declaring its power to all present.

"Ladies and gentlemen, look! It's Charizard! Anon's final Pokémon! The flames on its tail burn with the desire to win! Could this powerful Charizard be the key to an epic comeback? Stay tuned!"

"Hsss…"

After defeating Noctowl, Arbok had returned to her lazy state. But the instant Charizard appeared, a glint of sharpness flashed through her eyes. Arbok's gaze changed—she was excited, focused, eager to fight, and itching for battle.

"Rooaarr!"

Charizard also sensed Arbok's piercing stare, immediately recognizing the pressure emanating from her. Its eyes narrowed in seriousness as it stepped forward and let out a series of deep, rumbling growls.

Even before the first move, the battlefield was already thick with tension. The referee instinctively took a step back before quickly raising both flags.

"Battle… begin!"

"Charizard! Let's show them our true power! Channel your rage! Make them feel it! Use Dragon Rage!''

Once again, Anon struck first. Charizard roared, opened its mouth wide, and a glowing orb of dragon-type energy began to form. It rapidly expanded into a huge ball of flame trailing a tail of fire as it hurtled straight toward Arbok like a meteor.

"Heh.. it's just a Dragon Rage! You think we don't know that move? Arbok, use Dragon Rage as well!"

Arbok opened her mouth wide, and a surge of bluish-purple dragon energy surged forth, forming the shape of a flying dragon. It collided violently with Charizard's flaming Dragon Rage, resulting in a thunderous explosion. 

A massive mushroom cloud laced with flames rose into the air above the battlefield.