For Grant, encountering the level that proved to be his Waterloo was not as challenging for Yuga as he had anticipated.
Undoubtedly, these two Rain Dance-boosted Pokémon coordinated their efforts skillfully and demonstrated excellent teamwork. However, against Pokémon that relied on tactics like Vivillon and Chimecho, dealing with them was relatively easier for both Vivillon and Chimecho.
The Swift Swim Ludicolo, benefiting from its Swift Swim ability in the rain, exhibited remarkable speed and increased attack prowess. It posed a significant threat to most Pokémon, but not to Chimecho, a Psychic-type Pokémon with exceptional abilities.
Confronted by the cheerful Ludicolo, which hopped around happily, Chimecho efficiently neutralized its advantage with a single Skill Swap, rendering it ineffective.
This Skill Swap, learned by Chimecho and Mismagius, it was acquired after the fusion with Deoxys's energy core. Following this fusion, Chimecho's Psychic abilities became unparalleled among Psychic-types. Learning Psychic moves was a breeze for her, making her the most versatile Pokémon in Yuga's lineup.
Chimecho didn't exchange her Levitate ability for Swift Swim; it wouldn't make sense since Levitate was essential for her aerial mobility. Instead, she swapped Ludicolo's Swift Swim ability with Vivillon, allowing Vivillon to make the most benefit of Pelipper's Drizzle ability.
The trade left Ludicolo bewildered as the Drizzle ability served no purpose for it. There was no doubt that they were outmatched in the battle.
As the journey through the tower continued, both Vivillon and Chimecho grew more confident and resilient. Being two of the Flower Field Sisters, their coordination was impeccable.
Yuga successfully passed 50 levels, reaching the 51st floor. By this point, the other contestant, Marlon, had been halted at the 44th floor, while Viola was still struggling on the 42nd.
Marlon specialized in Water-type Pokémon, which allowed him to easily defeat the level 41 and 42 Guardians, which consisted of Nidoking, Nidoqueen, and the Swift Swim Ludicolo. Facing Water-type Pokémon was his strong suit, and it presented no significant challenge.
However, on the 44th floor, he encountered a pair of Meowstic, Psychic-type Pokémon known for their incredible teamwork. These twins, a male and a female, had an exceptional synergy, surpassing even the coordination seen between Gardevoir and Gallade on the 50th floor.
As for Viola, her situation was more unfortunate. She was a Bug-type Trainer and had no Pokémon like Chimecho that could adapt to different situations effectively. Confronted with the aggressive onslaught of Arcanine on the 42nd floor, she found herself overwhelmed, unable to fight back.
Among the remaining contestants, Marlon had long since exited the competition as per the expected outcome. Only Viola was still in the tower, enduring her challenging ordeal. This left Yuga as the last man standing.
After facing more than ten consecutive challenges, Vivillon and Chimecho showed signs of fatigue. Therefore, before moving on from the 50th floor, Yuga decided to recall both Pokémon to their Poké Balls. He was uncertain about the challenges that awaited on the 51st floor.
Upon reaching the 51st floor, Yuga noticed the room's floor splitting apart. Subsequently, a menacing Pokémon emerged.
As it entered the battle room, this Pokémon spread its wings, hovering in mid-air with its six dark eyes fixated on Yuga.
Only one Pokémon appeared, and no second Guardian followed. Nevertheless, even the presence of this lone Pokémon was enough to leave Yuga awestruck.
...
<<Hydreigon>>
Type: Dark/Dragon
Ability: Levitate
Potential: Blue
Gender: Male
Level: 59
Moves: Outrage, Hyper Voice, Tri-Attack, Dragon Rage, Focus Energy, Dragon Breath, Bite, Dragon Pulse, Scary Face, Flamethrower, Dark Pulse.
...
Indeed, standing before Yuga was a Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon unique to the Unova Region, Hydreigon. Notably, this one had an Blue Potential, and one step away from pseudo-Elite level.
Generally, the evolution level for a Hydreigon was quite high, typically at level 64. However, this particular one evolved before level 60. Yuga suspected that the League must have a special method to facilitate early evolutions for Hydreigon.
However, this time Yuga's guess was entirely off the mark. This Hydreigon originated from the Unova Region's Village of Dragon, the very place where Master Matriarch resided. Its ability to evolve prematurely was attributed to the unique power of Village of Dragon called Dragon Force.
Seeing Yuga staring at it without taking any action for quite some time, Hydreigon, known for its impatience and true to its name, let out an angry roar.
This time, the battle wasn't a Double Battle. The recent hint suggested that Yuga should use one Pokémon to defeat Hydreigon in front of him.
Seeing Hydreigon growing impatient, Yuga quickly released his Pokémon, Florges.
When dealing with a Dark and Dragon-type Hydreigon, there was no better choice than a Fairy-type like Florges. Both of Hydreigon types was restrained by Florges type.
As soon as Florges entered the field, Yuga's first command was for her to create a Misty Terrain. Florges, often cast in the role of a Grass-type Pokémon, was now reclaiming the dignity of a Fairy-type Pokémon.
The pink mist dispersed across the entire battle room, resembling dry ice on a stage, and soon covered the entire area. Hydreigon, sensing the uncomfortable presence of Fairy-type energy, snorted in annoyance. It then unleashed a Dark Pulse toward Florges.
Indeed, Dark-type moves were not ideal for Florges. However, this Hydreigon was exceptionally proud, preferring to use its well-practiced Dark-type moves over other types. In the face of the incoming black, ring-shaped energy, Florges remained composed. Suddenly, a silver crescent moon appeared behind her, and Fairy-type energy rapidly gathered. Subsequently, a silvery beam of energy collided with the Dark Pulse, with both moves appearing evenly matched.
While Florges might have been outmatched in terms of level, the immunity of Fairy-types against Dragon-types held firm. Hydreigon was unable to utilize its Dragon-type moves due to Florges's resistance, combined with the presence of the Misty Terrain.
In the real world, attribute immunities do exist. Whether it's Dark against Psychic, Steel against Poison, or Fairy against Dragon, if the difference in strength is too vast, these attribute immunities will broken.
If Florges was facing an Elite level Hydreigon at this moment, let alone multiple layers of Misty Terrain, when confronted with Dragon-type moves from Hydreigon, Florges would still be at a severe disadvantage.
The type immunities between Florges, with only a few level differences, and Hydreigon would remain unbreakable.
Florges's use of the Misty Terrain wasn't intended to weaken Hydreigon's Dragon-type moves, as it was naturally immune to them. Instead, it was meant to disrupt Hydreigon's temperamental disposition.
Hydreigons were inherently short-tempered, and when surrounded by the Fairy-type energy they detested, their emotions and thoughts would be disturbed, tipping the situation in favor of Florges.
Of course, the Misty Terrain also effectively prevented Hydreigon from inflicting status conditions through moves like Tri-Attack.
Seeing their attacks effortlessly blocked by Florges, Hydreigon grew increasingly displeased. Wave after wave of Dark Pulse surged towards Florges.
However, Florges was no pushover. She concentrated colorful auras in her two hands, steadily expanding them into two colorful barriers that repelled all the Dark Pulse.
This was a unique application of Dazzling Gleam by Florges, turning what was originally an offensive skill into a defensive one.
Of course, this technique might not be effective against attacks of other attributes, but it was a perfect counter against dark and dragon-type abilities. Florges didn't completely block the attacks like a Light Screen; instead, she used her fairy-type energy to neutralize them.
Passive defense wasn't Florges's style. After repelling all the Dark Pulse from Hydreigon, a pink whirlwind turned into razor-sharp blades and sliced through them, catching it off guard and nearly knocking it to the ground.
The power of the Fairy Wind was not overwhelming, even with type advantage. It didn't inflict substantial damage on Hydreigon.
It wasn't that Florges didn't want to use the more potent Moonblast, but using that ability hastily was impossible.
Taking advantage of Hydreigon' momentary confusion, Florges rapidly conjured another burst of Fairy Wind, striking it on the heads. Causing Hydreigon howled in pain.
Subsequently, two energy whips, formed from the Fairy Wind, were controlled by Florges's left and right hands, lashing repeatedly at Hydreigon' heads—left, middle, right.
Though the Fairy Wind's power was not exceptional, being struck dozens of times left Hydreigon in disarray.
Even Yuga was shaken by Florges's aggressive display. He realized he should think twice before provoking Florges; she could be quite formidable.
Hydreigon were driven to the brink of madness by Florges's relentless attacks. When Florges finally stopped, it activated Bite and charged recklessly.
However, as it closed in on Florges, green vines appeared out of nowhere and tightly bound their three heads. With a forceful pull, Hydregion were sent crashing to the ground.
Unknown to them, the misty terrain's effect had dissipated at some point. Seeing the enraged state of Hydreigon, Florges changed the terrain to Grassy Terrain.
Florges had precise control over the size of the Grassy Terrain. It formed a small circle around her feet, ensuring no accidental healing for the evil dragons. The vines that restraining Hydregion extended from the Grassy Terrain beneath Florges.
Florges had honed her ability to use Grass Knot, combined with her exceptional control over grass-type energy within the Grassy Terrain. This allowed her to create a unique binding skill. Roserade's Grass Knot was inspired by Florges, but it could only scratch the surface of what she could achieve.
At this point, Hydreigon felt like they were about to explode. They struggled to break free from the vines around their necks but found that no matter how many they snapped, more grew in their place.
Finally, Hydreigon couldn't take it anymore. Their eyes turned crimson, and their power surged. In an instant, they broke free from the vines and flew into the air.
Yuga recognized this state; it was the Outrages. His own Charmeleon possessed this ability, but he rarely allowed it to be used in battles. This was because when Charmeleon used this move, it would lose complete control over itself.
While the move was indeed powerful, its side effects were equally substantial. Moreover, these side effects were unavoidable, and what trainers could do was help their Pokémon minimize the duration of these side effects.
Because after using this ability, Pokémon not only lost their rationality but also displayed self-destructive behavior.
For instance, Pokémon with strong control might lose their rationality after two or three uses, while those with weaker control might lose it after just one. The difference was substantial.
Yuga's Charmeleon could only use it once.
Seeing enraged Hydreigon charging straight at Florges, she attempted to halt it assault by using Moonblast. However, the column of light formed by the Moonblast was effortlessly dispersed by it.
Though Moonblast's interception failed, it did leave wounds, though Hydreigon in their Outrages state were now devoid of sensation and couldn't feel the pain.
With Moonblast ineffective, Hydreigon plowed into Florges, sending her flying. The Grassy Terrain she controlled at her feet vanished instantly.
Normally, Outrages, a dragon-type move, wouldn't harm Florges, a fairy-type Pokémon. But Outrages was a physical attack, and the impact generated by Hydreigon' high-speed movement still had an effect. That's why Florges was sent flying.
However, this purely physical impact without energy attached caused minimal damage to Florges. After landing, she gracefully and promptly stood back up.
Hydreigon, despite taking a direct hit, didn't immediately descend into confusion. Instead, they turned and charged at Florges once more.
Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't have acted this way. Because it knew that even if it hit Florges, the damage from Outrages would be limited. Hydreigon had some semblance of reason. But in their current berserk state, rational thought eluded them completely.
Florges couldn't tolerate Hydreigon' audacity. As it charged towards her again, she summoned Moonblast once more, delivering a direct Moonblast to the middle head of Hydreigon.
While Hydreigon were formidable in their attacks, their defenses were lacking. After enduring numerous Fairy Winds and two Moonblasts, it couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed to the ground.
Seeing Hydreigon finally fall, both Yuga and Florges breathed a sigh of relief.
Despite maintaining the upper hand, Florges had expended significant energy. Just controlling the Grass Knots that Hydreigon kept snapping consumed immense energy. At this point, Florges was panting lightly.
Florges defeating Hydreigon left the first-floor judges astounded. Even with the type advantage, this was a remarkable feat. They had never anticipated anyone passing the 50th floor, and from the 51st-floor guardian alone, they could tell it was a pseudo-Elite level guardian.
"Remarkable, absolutely remarkable," commented Drayden, stroking his bearded chin. He was well aware of the strength of Hydreigon since he had brought them here.
The other judges had to admit that Mr. Kuni'o certainly knew how to choose his apprentices.
Leaving the 51st floor behind, Yuga ascended to the 52nd floor. However, when he laid eyes on the guardian waiting there, he nearly uttered a curse. Before him stood an authentic pseudo-Elite level Pokémon, a Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon: Tyranitar.
Without any surprises, Yuga was defeated by this green behemoth. Even though Yuga's Pokémon were capable of battling beyond their usual limits, they couldn't overcome the Pseudo-Elite barrier.
Yuga chose not to send out Gengar and Mismagius, not just because it might be impossible for them to win, but also because he didn't want to reveal his trump cards too early. His performance on the 51st floor was probably sufficient to secure his advancement in the preliminary rounds.
Yuga, unaware of his ranking compared to others of his age, but he didn't realize that his performance had not only secured him the top spot in the preliminary rounds but also left the judges in disbelief.
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