Chapter 137 – Battle at Its Peak! Prinplup Evolves!

A savage Flame Wheel slammed into Rampaging Bull's back, halting the rampaging beast for a split second.

Then, Fletchinder's Acrobatics landed squarely on its vulnerable snout, drawing a pained bellow from the S-rank Death Beast.

But just as Tailless Rampaging Bull lifted its head in rage, a massive boulder the size of a small hill hurtled toward its face!

Without hesitation, Tailless Rampaging Bull met it head-on with its horns—smashing the giant rock into rubble.

The terrifying strength of an S-Class Death Beast was fully on display.

But before the dust settled, two swift slashes flashed like lightning—Honedge and Pawniard had launched synchronized attacks directly at Tailless Rampaging Bull's face!

Even with its fearsome defenses, a thin gash formed across the monster's hide.

A stinging pain.

A humiliation.

And this time, it wasn't facing just one opponent—but a full assault from veteran trainers and their Pokémon.

Su Bai nodded in approval.

"This… this is the kind of teamwork I wanted to see."

The A-rank Awakener squads could hold off an S-Class Death Beast.

But now, with buffs enhancing their stats, these seasoned trainers' Pokémon were individually surpassing A-rank power.

There was no reason they couldn't go head-to-head with a true monster.

But—

Holding off an S-Class threat and actually killing one were two entirely different things.

According to Liu Yunshuang, facing an S-Class Death Beast usually meant guaranteed casualties for an A-rank squad.

That's why Shi Ce and the others earlier had fought as if they were on their final battlefield.

The gulf between S- and A-rank was immeasurable.

"MOOOO!!"

Tailless Rampaging Bull let out an earth-shaking roar, its muscles twitching with fury.

The attacks weren't lethal, but they had hurt—and for a Death Beast of its status, that was intolerable.

Any one of these Pokémon might be swatted away in a 1v1 fight.

But through flawless coordination, they had actually wounded it!

To Tailless Rampaging Bull, this was unforgivable.

Its iron-like muscles tensed, glowing faintly with a black aura.

With another bellow, a shockwave burst forth in every direction!

The air exploded in a cyclone of sand and debris.

The soundwaves formed a spiraling vortex meant to obliterate everything in its path!

Caught off guard, Monferno was struck dead-on and flung backwards like a rag doll.

If HP bars were visible, his would be nearly empty.

This was the power of an S-Class Death Beast.

Even surrounded, it could launch devastating counterattacks at any moment!

Honedge and Pawniard, both facing the brunt of the sonic assault, were also hurled back, their health in dire straits.

In an instant, three of the key attackers had been blasted back to their trainers' sides!

"Ah! Monferno!!"

Liu Yunlan's eyes filled with tears. Without hesitation, she rushed forward with healing sprays in hand, pouring medicine into Monferno's wounds.

This was one of the saving graces of Pokémon:

As long as you healed them in time, they could return to battle.

Nearby, Pei Jingguo was also tending to Honedge and Pawniard, preparing medicine with a grim expression.

But Tailless Rampaging Bull wasn't going to give them that chance.

Now in full berserker mode, it charged like a bulldozer, horns lowered, heading straight toward the injured trainers—pushing the massive Torterra aside like it was nothing.

Torterra's legs dug deep into the earth, trying to stop the advance.

Attacks from Fletchinder, Jolteon, and Machamp pounded against Tailless Rampaging Bull's hide, leaving wounds—but it didn't care.

It was blinded by rage, charging forward no matter the cost.

"This isn't good…"

Su Bai's face darkened as he watched Tailless Rampaging Bull barrel toward the trainers.

It was now dangerously close to Murong Nan and Pei Jingguo.

Neither of them were truly A-rank strength—Pei Jingguo was only barely close.

Even if they were A-rank, one hit from this raging beast…

They probably wouldn't survive!

Even Meloetta glanced at Su Bai, her expression filled with urgency—waiting for his command.

If we don't act now… it'll be too late!

Just as Su Bai was about to send Meloetta into battle—

A brilliant light suddenly burst out from behind Murong Nan and Pei Jingguo.

Within that light, a surging wave of blue energy emerged, coiling like a whirlpool around the charging Tailless Rampaging Bull.

A towering vortex formed, instantly halting Tailless Rampaging Bull's momentum!

Torterra finally caught a breath as the raging beast was pushed back.

"That's… Whirlpool!"

Su Bai's eyes lit up.

Another starter Pokémon evolved!

Standing protectively before the trainers was none other than Empoleon, head held high with arrogant pride.

Its black-and-blue body glistened, the blue markings like a regal tie running down its neck and belly.

Its trident-shaped crown, extending from its cheeks, gave it the bearing of a true king.

The "Lord of the Tides", as Hisui's people called it—Empoleon, final form of Prinplup!

"It evolved… Prinplup evolved too!"

Murong Nan covered her mouth, nearly crying with joy.

The situation had been far too dire.

In fact, things had escalated so quickly and dangerously that most trainers had even forgotten Meloetta was standing by—this battle had truly felt like their final stand.

But just as Pei Jingguo and Murong Nan were about to be struck down, their bond had reached Prinplup.

And the proud, secretly affectionate Pokémon that loved its trainer more than it let on—finally evolved!

"Pooooole!"

Empoleon spread its wings wide and let out a deafening cry at the trapped Tailless Rampaging Bull!

Whirlpool was a move that trapped enemies in swirling currents, dealing damage over time.

But… it wouldn't be enough to hold back a berserk S-Class Death Beast.

"MOOOO!!!"

A furious roar erupted from the center of the vortex.

Tailless Rampaging Bull had been obstructed over and over—it was now completely consumed by rage.

Ignoring the razor-sharp currents, it charged forward through the pain.

Though its body was slashed open with dozens of bloody cuts, Tailless Rampaging Bull smashed through the Whirlpool.

It was covered in injuries—burned patches from electric attacks, deep cuts from beaks and blades, and countless puncture wounds…

But its aura?

Even more ferocious than before.

Torterra had now been healed with medicine and stepped up again without hesitation.

Empoleon, brimming with regal pride, gathered the surrounding water energy—ready to strike once more.

But just then…

A flash of light exploded behind the two starter Pokémon.

Accompanying the blinding glow was an overwhelming surge of heat—