Since Power Whip is a physical move, Torterra's Light Screen was ineffective, and despite its thick skin and strong defenses, it was close to reaching its limits after the continuous attacks.
It ultimately couldn't match Venusaur's level of endurance. Even though it was more durable than ordinary Pokemon, it couldn't withstand such punishment!
"Finish it with Petal Dance!" At this moment, Venusaur was still in the air, descending. Countless flowers danced from the massive petals on its back, each beautiful flower hiding a deadly threat!
"Swoosh, swoosh!" The descending petals viciously sliced at Torterra's body, the colorful flowers cutting like blades, leaving deep marks on its previously thick rocky shell.
Torterra's body trembled uncontrollably as it tried to lift its limbs to support itself. However, the relentless onslaught of Petal Dance was like a violent storm. As the last petal burst, Torterra let out a low, muffled groan, and its massive body crashed to the ground, limbs drooping helplessly, eyes slowly closing, completely losing its fighting spirit.
"Torterra is unable to battle! Venusaur wins!" The referee loudly announced, raising the flag.
Ash clenched his fist and cheered, "Great job, Venusaur!"
Venusaur landed on the ground, its petals gently rippling, standing tall with pride. In this duel of dignity among Grass Type Pokemon, it ultimately emerged victorious!
This victory was not against any weak opponent, but against an Elite Level Pokemon. It was a significant step forward in its life, achieved without relying on Ash's power.
On the other side, Paul emotionlessly retrieved Torterra's Pokeball, his fingers rubbing the surface of the ball. From the moment Synthesis was used so quickly, he knew the victory of this battle no longer belonged to him.
He had never even heard of such a fast recovery from Synthesis. As long as Venusaur wasn't instantaneously KO'd, it was basically an indomitable opponent.
To defeat that Venusaur, you'd at least need an Elite mid-level Pokemon to use its natural counter move to land a major blow. Only then might victory be possible.
Relying solely on Torterra wasn't going to win.
He slowly raised his left hand and drew the last Pokeball from his belt. This was the final one.
Paul's voice was deep and resolute as he abruptly flicked his wrist, sending the Pokeball arching in a sharp line through the air, "Prepare for battle, Electivire!"
Even with only one Pokemon left, his expression and his voice remained unwavering. This was the mark of a player with nerves of steel.
"Bang!" The Pokeball burst open in a blinding white light, and a sleek figure leapt out, landing with a heavy thud.
It was a Pokemon with a yellow and black body, muscular and powerful, its eyes sharp as electricity. A faint electricity crackled around it, every breath accompanied by a soft "crackle," and its intimidating presence immediately spread across the field, making the surrounding air feel heavy.
This was Paul's sixth Pokemon, Electivire.
This Electivire had also leveled up just like Torterra, rising from a high Gym Level to the Gym Peak Level.
It was unclear whether this was intentionally controlled by Paul or if the timing happened to coincide with a level-up.
Paul had made thorough preparations for this championship match. If they had been on par with Ash before, this time, Ash might truly be stunned by his preparations.
Unfortunately, Ash's Pokemon were not only mostly at the Gym Peak Level, but his secret Aura Fusion could be used by more than just Infernape. If Ash's other Pokemon used Aura Fusion, it would simply be overwhelming dominance.
Although, to be fair, the current state is almost like a one-sided situation...
Seeing that Paul had called out his last Pokemon, Ash also recalled Venusaur: "You've done a great job, Venusaur. I'll leave this final battle to Pikachu."
Ending the championship match with Pikachu was fitting because it was Pikachu, and also because on the other side was Electivire.
Having been itching for a battle the whole time, Pikachu finally had its chance to take the stage.
"It's decided; it's you, Pikachu!" Starting with Pikachu, and ending with Pikachu!
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu excitedly jumped onto the field from beside Ash's feet, sparking electricity from its cheeks.
"Ash's fourth Pokemon choice is Pikachu, responding to Paul's Electivire! We've just witnessed an exhilarating showdown between Grass Type Pokemon, and now it's another same-type matchup. Among them is Ash's signature Pokemon, Pikachu. What exciting performance will both sides bring us this time?!"
As Pikachu entered the field, the entire crowd, including the host, erupted in excitement. At the start, Ash's most famous Pokemon wasn't Charizard or Bulbasaur; it was his Pikachu!
Despite both having defeated Elite Level Pokemon, Bulbasaur performed even better than Pikachu. So why was everyone focused on Pikachu?
Because Bulbasaur's strength seemed almost unreal, while Pikachu, though similarly incredible, gave people the impression that Pikachu truly had such power.
Except for that one battle against Koga, Pikachu hadn't been in any high-level matches. In fact, it had been in such matches, but they hadn't been in the public eye.
For instance, just a few days ago, there was that match against Cynthia. If it got exposed, it might set off quite an uproar!
Even so, everyone knew Pikachu was the most special to Ash. Now, with Paul having just one Pokemon left, Ash sending out Pikachu signified his intent to end things with it.
This isn't just a duel of Electric Type Pokemon; it's the final showdown!
If Paul managed to defeat Pikachu in this battle, even if he lost in the end, he could still become a legendary presence in this Quartz Conference, potentially gaining fame comparable to Ash's.
"Using an Electric Type Pokemon against Electivire? I don't think you'd be so unaware of things." For the first time, apart from giving battle commands, Paul spoke words beyond instructions, except for when he spoke a bit more during the faceoff against Infernape. Despite any potential shock, he hadn't said a word out of place. It was either recalling a Pokemon or preparing for battle.
Now, perhaps because this might be the final battle, Paul suddenly spoke. Or perhaps he truly couldn't understand the tactic of sending out an Electric Type against Electivire.
"I know, Electivire's Ability is Motor Drive. Pokemon with this Ability aren't affected by Electric moves, and when hit by an Electric Type Move, their Speed increases. But isn't it possible Electivire has the Vital Spirit Ability?" Ash asked nonchalantly in return.
Electivire commonly has the Motor Drive Ability, with its hidden Ability being Vital Spirit, which prevents the Pokemon from falling asleep.
However, with his Eye of Insight, Ash had already known that Electivire's Ability was Motor Drive. Even so, he still chose to send out Pikachu.
Even against a four-times-negative matchup, he wasn't afraid; what's Motor Drive compared to that?
Paul squinted in an attempt to discern Ash's true intent, but Ash's face maintained its sunny smile, a smile so bright that it even felt a bit glaring.
"Electivire, use Thunderbolt." After a moment of silence, Paul chose to attack first!
Golden electricity erupted from Electivire...