"Grovyle!"
Facing Jangmo-o's fierce assault, Grovyle had its speed reduced and no longer had time to dodge. It could only counter with Brick Break.
The gap between a Veteran-level Pokémon and a Ordinary-level Pokémon was already significant. But at this moment, Jangmo-o was strengthened by Work Up and using its STAB Dragon Tail attack. This combination was simply too much for Grovyle's hastily executed Brick Break to withstand. The Grass-type Pokémon was forced to retreat step by step.
"Use Dragon Tail continuously!"
Upon hearing the command, Jangmo-o pressed its advantage. Its slender tail glowed with a deep purple draconic aura as it struck Grovyle again and again. The relentless assault quickly cornered Grovyle near the edge of the battlefield.
"What should I do..."
Willow, watching anxiously from outside the arena, bit her thumb nervously. Her opponent's Jangmo-o had the Bulletproof ability, which not only put Grovyle at a disadvantage from the very start but also completely nullified their carefully prepared finishing move—Energy Ball. What could she possibly do now?
"Dragon... That's right, Dragon-type moves! Grovyle, quickly use Dragon Breath!"
Grovyle, still being forced backward, finally heard its Trainer's command. While maintaining Brick Break to barely fend off the continuous attacks, it channeled its pent-up frustration. The anger transformed into deep purple draconic energy in its mouth, which it released directly into Jangmo-o's face as the Dragon-type closed in.
"Bang!"
"Yes! That's it!"
Even the Veteran-level Jangmo-o was knocked back by the super-effective attack. After taking Dragon Breath at point-blank range, Jangmo-o's face now bore a few minor scratches.
However, it was unfortunate that Dragon Breath's secondary paralysis effect didn't trigger.
"Grovyle, use Leech Seed, then follow up with Mega Drain!"
Taking advantage of Jangmo-o being knocked back, Willow quickly commanded Grovyle to use the "vampiric" combo of Leech Seed and Mega Drain. She hoped to restore some of Grovyle's stamina, which was already down to nearly half.
After all, a Dragon-type pseudo-legendary's Dragon Tail wasn't easy to endure. Grovyle's hands were already covered in welts and bruises from barely blocking the attacks with Brick Break.
"Hmph! Jangmo-o, ignore those moves. Charge in and use Focus Punch—let's end this battle quickly!"
"Cha!"
Natural energy gathered in Grovyle's hands, forming a glowing green seed that flew toward Jangmo-o. After releasing Leech Seed, Grovyle immediately used Mega Drain on the spot. A green energy wave rushed toward the Dragon-type Pokémon.
"Roar!"
Ignoring Grovyle's attacks completely, Jangmo-o charged forward, enduring both the incoming Leech Seed and Mega Drain. As it ran, a dazzling white light began to gather around its small fists.
The Leech Seed struck Jangmo-o first. Tiny vines emerged from between its scales, wrapping around its body. The discomfort from these foreign objects caused Jangmo-o's charging steps to falter slightly.
However, the determined Pokémon paid no attention to the vines. Instead, it continued to accelerate, charging toward Grovyle with powerful strides.
"Oh no! Grovyle, quickly dodge!"
"Want to run now? Too late!"
Jangmo-o's figure plowed directly through the emerald green energy wave of Mega Drain. Relying on a Dragon-type Pokémon's natural resistance to Grass-type moves, combined with Jangmo-o's own powerful physique, the attack only made it frown slightly.
Then, under Grovyle's terrified gaze, the glowing white fist struck its body with tremendous force.
"Cha!"
"Grovyle!"
Amid Willow's anxious shouts and the collective gasps from the audience, Grovyle was sent flying by Jangmo-o's devastating punch. It crashed hard into the arena wall.
"Huff... Huff..."
Having completed this powerful attack, Jangmo-o couldn't help but stand in place, panting heavily. As an incredibly powerful Fighting-type move, Focus Punch's damage output was undoubtedly immense. However, its stamina consumption was also a huge burden for Jangmo-o at its current level.
"Clang!"
Grovyle slid down from the wall and fell to the ground. At this point, its consciousness was already beginning to fade.
If it weren't for the double recovery from both Leech Seed and Mega Drain restoring a substantial amount of its stamina, Grovyle would have fainted immediately. Even with that recovery, it was still severely injured.
"Cha..."
Despite its stamina being almost completely depleted, Grovyle still refused to give up. It leaned against the wall and shakily pushed itself up again, clearly wanting to continue fighting for its Trainer.
Seeing its opponent's resolute display, the panting Jangmo-o couldn't help but cast an approving glance toward Grovyle. Just as Jangmo-o adjusted its stance and prepared to continue the battle, a soft thump echoed through the arena.
Grovyle's stamina had finally reached its absolute limit, and it collapsed to the ground.
It turned out that Grovyle had actually fainted the moment it stood up. The only reason it had been able to stand at all was through sheer willpower alone.
"Grovyle!"
"Match over. Grovyle is unable to battle. The winner is Player A115!"
After the Rotom Referee announced the match results, Willow, who had been extremely anxious outside the arena, immediately rushed onto the battlefield. She quickly recalled Grovyle into its Poké Ball, then turned and ran toward the Pokémon Center.
At that moment, the audience, having recovered from the intense battle, erupted into applause. This exciting match deserved recognition not only for Jangmo-o, the victor, but also for Grovyle, whose unwavering determination had moved everyone present.
"Let's go. We should follow her and check on Grovyle!"
Looking at Willow's retreating figure, Emma said with genuine concern.
"Yeah, let's go together."
With that, David and the rest of their group stood up and hurried toward the Pokémon Center as well.
With this match concluded, the first stage of the Novice Cup eliminations had finally come to a successful end. This meant that all the players who had advanced to the Top 8 were now determined.
Immediately after the match ended, the list of Top 8 players for the Trainer Camp was displayed on everyone's phones.
However, it was clear that the goals of those school "mercenaries" had ultimately failed. At least with David and Emma both advancing, First High School still had two players in the Top 8.
Come to think of it, this result was the best performance for First High School in recent years, aside from that one exceptional year...