As the current poured in, the electricity around Electivire grew more violent, even leaving scorched marks on the ground.
However, Electivire quickly sensed something was wrong. Its electric engine kept absorbing electricity, but it seemed like there was no upper limit to the current, flowing in endlessly like an infinite power source!
The electric engine could absorb electricity, but there was a limit, and it needed to convert that electricity into its own speed. But at this rate... it would explode!
At this moment, Paul also realized that something was wrong. This move called Pika Papow... why was it taking so long?
Even though Electivire's electric engine could absorb Electric Type Moves and convert them into speed, this absorption was not limitless, at least not for the current Electivire.
If one day Electivire could reach the Divine Domain Level or the Champion Peak, then its electric engine could indeed absorb everything. But for now, if it faced an Electric Type Move above the Elite Advanced Level, it would struggle.
As for the Champion Level, it was absolutely unable to absorb it.
Paul couldn't discern the exact power level of the Electric Type Move Pikachu unleashed, but he knew it was at least at the Elite Level, and for the power of an Elite Level move to persist for so long was not a good thing for Electivire.
"Electivire, release all your power!" It was now impossible to completely absorb Pikachu's electricity, but if it could absorb and then release it all through its electric engine, Electivire might still manage.
"..." Paul's shout was met with no response; Electivire's face showed extreme strain, sweat dripping from its forehead only to be completely evaporated by the electricity.
Now the pressure on Electivire far exceeded Paul's expectations; it couldn't do anything but keep absorbing electricity, not even responding to Paul.
Paul noticed this too, after all, the usually responsive Electivire wasn't even making a sound now. If he didn't realize its predicament, he would not be much of a Trainer.
Paul's face remained expressionless, but his hand clenched tightly, showing that he was not as calm as he appeared.
"Pikachu, finish him!!!"
"Pika Pika!!!" At Ash's shout, the electric spark on Pikachu further intensified. The already dazzling sparkle now became even more brilliant, and its immense power made the protective shield around them creak.
The residual waves from just the splattered electricity were enough to make the shield begin to shake and crumble. If it hit directly, the surrounding barriers would likely shatter instantly!
Charles Goodshow wiped the sweat off his forehead; the shields at the Quartz Arena, though not the highest standard in the league, could withstand Junior Elite Level power.
Yet now, Pikachu's move was about to shatter the shield just with its after-effects. How powerful could this move truly be?!
As time ticked away, Electivire's expression became increasingly pained. For Electivire, the short five seconds felt like five years!
Normally, with the ability of its electric engine, the thunder would be like a docile child, easy to manipulate and use, but now it was unruly, and the electric engine could no longer absorb the power.
Which meant Electivire was now enduring the damage with its body, and Pikachu's Pika Papow had started to truly cause harm.
Plus the previous damage from Pikachu's Skill Link, Electivire was almost... unable to hold on!
"Boom!!" Finally, the power of Pika Papow exploded on Electivire!
At the same time as the explosion roared, Pikachu fell from the air; it had been levitating due to the electricity, and now that it dissipated, it dropped down.
The black mist on the field quickly dissipated, revealing Electivire's figure, still standing!
Pikachu, initially relaxed, suddenly tensed up; the opponent still had fighting capability, which was unexpected for Pikachu.
Even with the energy it had now, the Pika Papow strike just now had consumed half of its power. Theoretically, Electivire shouldn't be able to hold on; was it enduring because of its Trainer?
But after a few seconds, Pikachu realized Electivire maintained its original posture, completely motionless.
The referee noticed something amiss too. He leaned forward slightly to check, discovering that Electivire's eyes had rolled back, as it had already lost the ability to fight.
Despite losing its combat capability, it remained standing. Was this what was meant by "dying standing up"?
Though an odd situation, it did not affect the outcome of the battle.
"Electivire has lost the ability to battle. Pikachu wins! Since all six of Paul's Pokemon have lost the ability to battle, the winner of this match is... Ash!!"
"It's decided!! The champion of the Quartz Conference has emerged, and it is Pallet Town's Ash!!" The host's ecstatic shouts echoed throughout the entire venue.