Chapter 572: Fangs vs. Blade

"AWOOOOOO!"

Arcanine threw back its head and unleashed a deep, commanding howl at Aegislash.

The sound rolled across the battlefield, carrying the unmistakable presence of the Dog King.

[Dog King activated]

"Aegis..."

Aegislash gave a wary cry.

A faint blue haze flickered around its body as its Attack and Special Attack fell by one stage.

"Arcanine, Flamethrower!"

Blaze struck first.

"RRAUF!"

Arcanine planted its paws, opened its jaws, and unleashed a roaring stream of fire straight at Aegislash.

Extreme Speed couldn't touch a Ghost-type like Aegislash.

Braveon clearly hadn't chosen his opening Pokémon at random.

He knew exactly how much Blaze relied on Arcanine's speed.

"Aegislash, King's Shield."

Braveon gave the command without the slightest hesitation.

"Aegis!"

Aegislash shifted into Shield Forme.

Its shield flared with light, and a series of pale-blue hexagonal barriers appeared in front of it, locking together into a solid wall.

WHOOOM!

Flames exploded across the shield.

The barrier held firm, completely stopping Flamethrower.

Blaze grinned.

"Let's see how many times you can block it."

"Arcanine, Flamethrower again!"

"RRAUF!"

Another torrent of fire erupted from Arcanine's jaws.

Braveon immediately followed up.

"Aegislash, Blade Forme!"

"Aerial Ace! Dodge and counter!"

"Aegislash!"

Aegislash changed forms in an instant, exposing its razor-sharp blade.

A pale-blue glow wrapped around its body as it swept upward, curved around the incoming Flamethrower, and shot toward Arcanine.

The flames missed completely.

Aegislash was already in striking range.

SHHK!

Its blade slashed across Arcanine's side.

"Awoo—!"

The massive canine recoiled as a fresh cut opened through its fur, leaving a thin trail of blood.

"Damn it..."

Blaze clicked his tongue.

"If Extreme Speed could hit you, this would be a lot easier."

Then his expression sharpened.

"Arcanine, High-Speed Flame Wheel!"

Agility plus Flame Wheel.

A combination move.

"GRRRAUF!"

Arcanine bared its fangs with a furious growl.

A purple glow flashed around its body as Agility took effect.

Then flames erupted across its fur, completely engulfing the enormous canine.

The next instant, Arcanine curled into a blazing wheel and shot forward.

Agility sent its speed soaring, turning Flame Wheel into a far faster and more dangerous charge.

Braveon remained completely calm.

"Aegislash, King's Shield."

"Aegis!"

Aegislash instantly shifted back into Shield Forme.

King's Shield had +4 priority.

Once Braveon gave the command, the defense came out almost immediately.

The hexagonal barrier snapped into place just before Arcanine reached it.

KRAAAANG!

Flames exploded across the shield as High-Speed Flame Wheel slammed into the barrier at full speed.

The impact shook the battlefield.

Arcanine pushed forward, fire surging around its spinning body, but Aegislash refused to budge.

King's Shield held.

Braveon smiled.

"My turn."

"Aegislash, Blade Forme!"

"Sacred Sword!"

"Aegislash!"

The shield folded back as Aegislash shifted forms.

Brilliant white energy flooded its blade.

The two Pokémon were practically on top of each other.

Arcanine had no room to evade.

SHHK!

Sacred Sword struck cleanly.

"Awoo—!"

Arcanine was knocked several meters backward before crashing onto the battlefield.

It rolled once across the ground and tried to recover.

Braveon gave it no chance.

"Don't let up!"

"Aegislash, Night Slash!"

"Aegis!"

Dark energy flooded Aegislash's blade.

It shot forward before Arcanine could fully regain its footing.

"Arcanine, dodge!"

Blaze reacted immediately.

But it was too late.

Arcanine had only just pushed itself upright when Aegislash was already there.

SHNK!

The darkened blade carved across Arcanine's body.

"Awooo...!"

Arcanine staggered from the hit, another slash opening through its fur.

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