Chapter 516: A Fist Down the Throat

BANG!

Infernape's Mach Punch slammed squarely into Golisopod and forced the armored Pokémon back several steps.

It was a Perfect Mach Punch, boosted by STAB and Infernape's Super Saiyan trait. The blow carried plenty of force—but Golisopod's base Defense was an enormous 140, and Iron Defense had just raised it another two stages.

The damage was minimal.

"Golisopod, Hydro Pump!"

At this range, Braveon saw the opening immediately.

"Goliso!"

Golisopod opened its mouth, a violent stream of water gathering inside as it prepared to fire directly into Infernape at point-blank range.

Aaron's eyes narrowed.

No time to dodge.

"Infernape! Mach Punch again—shove it into its mouth!"

"Infer!"

Mach Punch was Infernape's fastest option. Its fist flashed forward before Golisopod could release the attack.

Straight into its mouth.

"UGGH?!"

The punch jammed Golisopod's jaws open and drove into the back of its throat.

The Hydro Pump collapsed inside its mouth.

Water surged everywhere.

"Ghh—ugh—ugh!"

Golisopod staggered away, coughing and spewing water like it was trying to vomit up everything it had eaten that day.

If Golisopod could speak, it would have cursed Infernape out five hundred times on the spot.

Who the hell shoves a fist down someone's throat in the middle of a Pokémon battle?

Absolutely disgusting.

Aaron, naturally, had no idea what Golisopod was thinking.

"Now! Thunder Punch!"

"Infer!"

Lightning erupted around Infernape's fist before Golisopod could recover.

BOOM!

Thunder Punch struck cleanly and sent Golisopod skidding several meters backward. Its claws dug furrows into the ground before it finally stopped.

Iron Defense had softened the impact, but Electric was still super effective against its Bug/Water typing.

Golisopod winced in pain.

At least the hit had knocked the remaining water out of its throat.

Small victories.

"Infernape, keep going! Mach Punch!"

Aaron had no intention of giving Braveon time to reset.

"Infer!"

Pale red Fighting energy gathered around Infernape's fist as it shot forward again.

"Iron Defense, one more time!"

Braveon stayed calm. If Golisopod could not match Infernape's speed, then he would make it too tough to break.

"Goliso!"

Another silver sheen swept over Golisopod's armor.

Its Defense was now four stages above normal.

BANG!

Mach Punch struck the armored shell with a metallic crack.

This time, Golisopod barely moved.

Only a shallow dent remained in its armor.

"Good! Now, Sand Attack!"

Braveon had been waiting for exactly this opening.

"Goliso!"

Golisopod kicked a burst of fine sand straight into Infernape's face.

"Infer?!"

Infernape squeezed its eyes shut and recoiled.

What kind of cheap bullshit was that?

Apparently Braveon and Aaron shared the same philosophy: if it worked, playing fair was optional.

"Golisopod—Razor Shell!"

Braveon went straight for the finishing blow.

Aaron saw the shell-shaped blade of energy forming over Golisopod's claw and immediately recognized the problem.

Apotheosis-level Razor Shell.

Damn it.

Hadn't this been a friendly exhibition five minutes ago?

"Infernape! Super Saiyan Level 1!" Aaron shouted. "Full-speed retreat!"

"INFER!"

The flames atop Infernape's head blazed gold as a powerful aura burst around its body.

Super Saiyan Level 1—activated.

After activation, Infernape's Attack, Special Attack, and Speed rose by three stages, while the power of all its moves increased by 50%.

Golisopod brought the enormous Razor Shell down.

But Infernape was already gone.

Its newly boosted Speed carried it backward just before the blade landed.

BOOOOM!

Razor Shell tore into the arena and carved a massive gash across the ground, scattering stone and dust in every direction.

Aaron stared at the gouge left behind.

So much for "friendly."

...