Chapter 515: Infernape vs. Golisopod

Aaron and Braveon faced each other beneath the moonlight, their shadows stretching across the field. The stadium lights snapped on one after another and converged on the improvised battle arena.

The top two freshmen in Hualis were about to fight.

The crowd went quiet in anticipation.

...

"This exhibition match will be one-on-one," Champion Edmund announced from the referee's position. "The battle ends when one Pokémon is unable to continue. Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"

Aaron and Braveon reached for their Poké Balls at the same time.

"Come out, Golisopod!"

"Infernape, let's go!"

Two flashes of light crossed the field.

Infernape landed on Aaron's side, while a large armored Bug-type Pokémon appeared opposite it.

Golisopod.

Aaron immediately opened its information panel.

[Name: Golisopod]

[Gender: Male]

[Nature: Adamant]

[Type: Bug/Water]

[Ability: Emergency Exit — Overcome State: Through intensive training, this Golisopod has overcome the Ability's forced-switch effect and will no longer return to its Poké Ball when its HP falls below half.]

[Base Stats Total: 530]

[Level: Gym (Mid Stage)]

[Potential: Champion]

[Known Moves: Razor Shell (Apotheosis), Hydro Pump (Perfect), First Impression (Perfect), X-Scissor (Master), Swords Dance (Master), Iron Defense (Master), Double Team (Proficient), Fury Cutter (Proficient), Rock Smash (Proficient), Sucker Punch (Proficient), Bug Bite, Sand Attack...]

[Description: Golisopod, the Hard Scale Pokémon and the evolved form of Wimpod. Its tough armor and powerful claws make it formidable in both offense and defense.]

...

Aaron's expression sharpened.

Braveon had trained this Golisopod hard enough to overcome the forced retreat of Emergency Exit. On top of that, it had Champion Potential and an Apotheosis-level move.

This thing was no joke.

"Come on, Aaron," Braveon said, a blue glint passing through his eyes. "Let's call this a warm-up before the Intercollegiate Freshman Tournament."

"Works for me." Aaron smiled. "Let's have some fun."

"I'll start, then. Golisopod—First Impression!"

"Goliso!"

Green energy flared around Golisopod as it exploded forward.

First Impression was a peculiar move: 90 base power, +2 priority, and usable only on the first turn after the Pokémon entered battle. In terms of sheer priority, it could match Extreme Speed.

"Infernape, brace yourself!"

There was no point trying to dodge a move that fast. Besides, both of Infernape's types resisted Bug, cutting First Impression's damage to one quarter.

"Infer!"

Infernape crossed its arms just as Golisopod crashed into it.

BOOM!

The impact shoved Infernape back several steps, but it stayed on its feet without much trouble.

"Keep the pressure on!" Braveon called. "Hydro Pump!"

"Goliso!"

Golisopod opened its mouth and blasted a dense stream of water at Infernape as it was still being pushed back.

"Infernape—Thunder Punch!"

Aaron had no intention of letting Braveon dictate the pace.

Electricity wrapped around Infernape's fist as it punched straight into the incoming torrent.

BOOM!

Water burst across the arena in a glittering spray, electricity crackling through the droplets as the two attacks canceled each other out.

"My turn," Aaron said. "Mach Punch!"

"Infer!"

Fighting energy flashed around Infernape's fist, and the Pokémon shot forward with a lightning-fast punch.

"Golisopod, Iron Defense!"

Braveon did not waste time ordering a dodge. With Golisopod's base Speed of only 40 and Mach Punch's priority, trying to evade it would be a bad bet.

A metallic sheen spread over Golisopod's armor as Iron Defense reinforced its already formidable defenses.

...