Sam's Scyther had already reached the Elite level. Although it was facing Mudsdale, it was still capable of putting up a fight.
However, Sam knew that Mudsdale's greatest strength lay in its endurance. That was precisely why he had chosen Scyther for this battle.
Among all his Pokémon, only Scyther's Hidden Ability, Steadfast, gave him a chance of matching Mudsdale in a battle of endurance.
When Hapu saw Sam summon Scyther, he immediately realized that Sam had prepared thoroughly for this battle.
Smiling, he said, "I hope you can defeat me."
Sam didn't waste any words. In battle, strength spoke for itself.
"Air Slash!"
Scyther rushed directly toward Mudsdale.
The scythes on its arms flashed rapidly as it unleashed a flurry of slashes at Mudsdale.
However, Mudsdale's defense was astonishing. Most of the attacks failed to deal any meaningful damage.
Sam immediately ordered Scyther to retreat, preventing Mudsdale from launching a counterattack.
But Mudsdale moved surprisingly fast. Despite its bulky appearance, its movements were extremely agile.
It charged forward with a Heavy Slam, rushing directly at Scyther.
Scyther crossed its arms to block the attack, but the tremendous impact still sent it flying backward.
Sam's expression became even more serious.
A Pokémon with such incredible defense, endurance, and close-combat ability was extremely difficult to deal with.
Scyther immediately launched another attack.
Its wings spread wide, and it soared into the air. From above, it unleashed a series of slashes. The attacks condensed into visible blades of energy before hurtling toward Mudsdale.
Mudsdale's defense was just as impressive as before.
A rocky defensive wall formed in front of it, blocking the incoming slashes.
"So strong…"
Sam's expression was more solemn than ever.
Although Scyther had reached Elite Peak level while Mudsdale was only at the High Elite level, Mudsdale clearly held the upper hand in actual combat.
As expected, obtaining this final Badge would not be easy.
Hapu smiled.
"Using Scyther against Mudsdale is a good choice, but not the best one. In close combat, defeating Mudsdale is nearly impossible."
Sam remained silent.
The next moment, Scyther charged forward again.
This time, it used its strongest close-range technique—Swords Dance.
Countless slashes burst from Scyther's arms.
Mudsdale covered its body with layers of rock, intending to use its overwhelming defense to withstand the attack head-on.
The barrage of slashes struck the rocky armor with repeated dull impacts.
Scyther's attacks were incredibly sharp, but against Mudsdale's thick earthen defenses, they struggled to break through.
By the time Swords Dance ended, only a large hole had been carved into the rocky armor.
Mudsdale itself appeared largely unharmed.
Scyther stepped back.
Suddenly, Mudsdale spun around and launched Double Kick.
Its iron-like hooves crashed toward Scyther.
Scyther raised its arms to block the attack. Although it successfully defended itself, it couldn't completely negate the damage.
The two Pokémon quickly separated once more.
Mudsdale then activated its transformation skill, Bulk Up.
Its body visibly changed.
The muscles throughout its frame swelled, and immense power surged from within.
Scyther responded by activating Focus Energy.
Unlike other enhancement skills, Focus Energy did not directly strengthen its attributes. Instead, it greatly amplified the power of its next attack.
Sam intended to decide the battle with a single strike.
This time, he planned to use Swords Dance once again.
Scyther instantly appeared in front of Mudsdale with Agility.
Then—
Swords Dance!
The speed was so fast that Mudsdale had no time to form another rocky defense.
Forced into a direct confrontation, Mudsdale unleashed Mega Punch.
Fist met scythe.
The violent collision shook the battlefield.
Mudsdale and Scyther began competing in pure endurance.
Mudsdale activated its Ability, Stamina!
Scyther activated its Hidden Ability, Steadfast!
The two Pokémon exchanged blows continuously.
Attack after attack collided as neither side backed down.
No one could tell who would emerge victorious.
However, in terms of true endurance, Mudsdale still held a slight advantage.
Mudsdale consumed its stamina while continuously strengthening itself.
Scyther's Steadfast Ability was powerful, but it pushed its body beyond its limits, overdrawing its fighting capability.
---------------Author---------------
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