"It worked, Meltan's Substitute Electromagnetic Cannon!"
Seeing this scene, a look of joy appeared in Ethan's eyes.
This move, the Substitute Electromagnetic Cannon, had been conceived ever since Meltan managed to learn the move Substitute.
And after successfully capturing Litwick, thanks to studying Litwick's use of the move Substitute, Meltan finally managed to complete this move.
First, it uses the move Substitute to condense another Meltan, and then lets that one execute the Electromagnetic Cannon.
While the impact inflicts enormous damage on the opponent, the powerful electrical current stored within Meltan's substitute causes a second additional instance of damage. Judging from the actual results, the effect was practically perfect.
Although Camerupt possesses the Ground type, which allows it to greatly reduce electrical damage, one must not forget that it had been blasted into the air beforehand; combined with the damage from the electrical explosion, its current state showed that it had suffered considerable injuries.
However, the durability of the substitute depends entirely on how much vitality is allocated to it, and to create a substitute capable of withstanding the power of the Electromagnetic Cannon, Meltan had also suffered a considerable consumption.
Of course, compared to the aftereffects of using the Electromagnetic Cannon directly, losing some energy in this way could be considered a very small price to pay.
"And it still hasn't lost its ability to fight?"
Ethan was slightly surprised. Being able to withstand Meltan's Electromagnetic Cannon head-on and not be defeated showed that this Camerupt was excessively strong!
"Meltan, use Flash Cannon!"
Upon hearing Ethan's order, Meltan cried out excitedly.
Immediately afterward, a powerful silvery beam shot out from Meltan's dark-golden nut, striking Camerupt, which was lying on the ground, directly.
After taking this attack, Camerupt finally could not endure any longer and fell heavily, completely losing its ability to fight.
"Oh? That Flash Cannon, and also the previous attack..."
"This Meltan has improved tremendously during this time."
Gym Leader Brandon Jones stroked his chin and took out a Poké Ball to recall Camerupt.
His perception was indeed accurate: if Meltan had not previously fused the Meltan nut in the Secret Kingdom of Steel, thereby greatly increasing its strength, it would have been impossible to inflict such severe damage to Camerupt so directly.
"Then, the battle continues."
"Go, you're next!"
Brandon smiled faintly and opened the Poké Ball in his hand.
Amid a flash of white light, a Magmar appeared on the field.
"Magmar, huh?"
Ethan smiled slightly. Magmar could truly be considered one of the most popular Fire-type Pokémon.
Judging by the current situation, practically any Fire-type trainer with some level would try to capture one.
This clearly demonstrated the enormous impact that the appearance of Magmortar had had on the Pokémon world.
"Ah, Magmar. Then, how about we make a deal?"
"If you can tell me the evolution method of Magmortar, I can give you whatever you desire."
Brandon spoke bluntly, looking at Ethan with evident interest.
Ethan remained silent for a moment, not replying immediately. He took out the Poké Ball and recalled Meltan.
Then he threw another Poké Ball, and Charizard's figure appeared in the air, letting out a powerful roar that echoed through the sky.
"Perhaps I can show you something that will interest you."
Brandon smiled faintly and ordered Magmar, "Go ahead!"
Magmar roared, and suddenly a flame began to burn in its hand, transforming into a fireball that floated above its palm.
In the next instant, Magmar made a throwing motion, and the fireball shot out at high speed, cutting through the air.
Boom!
Charizard in the air had no time to react.
With a loud bang, the fireball exploded on its body, violently knocking its figure backward, barely managing to stabilize itself.
"That move is... Fling?" Ethan's eyes suddenly narrowed.
The move Fling serves to quickly throw the held item, and its power and effects vary depending on the item used.
However, from what could be seen on the field, Magmar had treated the fireball it condensed itself as if it were an item and had thrown it! And its power was terrifying!
"It really is a brilliant idea."
"And moreover... if this move were used by Magmortar..."
"Magmortar can fire fireballs of 2,000 degrees Celsius directly from the mouths of the cannons on its arms. If that is combined with the power boost of the move Fling..."
"And furthermore, Magmortar masters the Explosive ability. If combined with the move Fling, the explosive power would be absolutely terrifying!"
Thinking of this, Ethan's eyes shone faintly. The move Fling combined with Magmortar's own special abilities... it was simply a perfect technique for it!
"What do you think?"
"This fireball throw."
Brandon had noticed the interest in Ethan's gaze and smiled as he spoke.
Ethan's expression changed slightly.
Training the move Fling was already extremely difficult in itself; on top of that, using some method to replace the item with a fireball made it even more complex.
It was obvious that the method of executing this move was Brandon's exclusive secret, much like the Thunderflame Dragon Mode of Champion Leo's Magmar. Even if others knew that it was a technique that mixed lightning and fire, without a concrete training method it would be practically impossible to learn.
As expected, every famous trainer had one or more aces hidden up their sleeve. Strictly speaking, Ethan could already be considered a renowned trainer.
"Charizard, use Sunny Day Dragon!"
Although he felt tempted, Ethan still did not express his stance.
Under his order, Charizard directly activated the move Sunny Day. Its body was covered in scorching flames and, in an instant, transformed into a massive fireball. Waves of heat surged endlessly, as if a blazing sun were hanging in the sky.
"And what about this? Magmar, use Focus Energy!"
Seeing Ethan's action, Brandon smiled.
Magmar watched Charizard's Sunny Day Dragon intently, its gaze sharpening.
Then it took a deep breath, first condensed a fireball in its hand, and immediately afterward used the move Focus Energy.
Under the effect of Focus Energy, the fireball began to spin endlessly, stirring up a powerful airflow.
As the fireball rotated, one could see Fire-type energy from the surroundings constantly flowing into it, compressing and condensing without pause, while an extremely terrifying energy fluctuation emanated from within.
(End of chapter)