Chapter 578: Golisopod vs. Emboar (Boar King)

Braveon and Blaze exchanged a glance, then each reached for another Poké Ball.

At the same time, they threw them onto the battlefield.

"Come out, Golisopod!"

"Come out, Emboar!"

Two flashes of light burst forth as the two Pokémon appeared simultaneously.

Braveon had sent out Golisopod, the same one that had faced Aaron's Infernape during the Freshman Exhibition Match.

Blaze, meanwhile, sent out an enormous Emboar.

The massive Pokémon stood upright on two legs, flames burning around its neck.

Black-and-red fur covered its body, while a pair of powerful fists only added to its intimidating appearance. Its head resembled that of a wild boar.

This was Emboar, the Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon.

An ordinary Emboar stood around 1.6 meters tall.

This one had reached a staggering 2.2 meters.

It looked more like a hulking wild boar than an ordinary Emboar.

"EMBOOOAR!"

Emboar threw back its head and roared, its sheer presence filling the battlefield.

It looked every bit the Boar King.

Back in the preparation area, Aaron immediately pulled up Emboar's status panel.

[Name: Emboar (Boar King)]

[Gender: Male]

[Nature: Adamant (Attack +10%, Special Attack -10%)]

[Type: Fire/Fighting]

[Ability: Blazing Fire — Increases the power of Fire-type moves by 30%. The lower Emboar's remaining HP, the greater the boost, up to a maximum increase of 60%.]

[Base Stats Total: 528]

[Level: Gym (Late Stage)]

[Potential: Champion]

[Known Moves: Fire Punch (Apotheosis), Flare Blitz (Perfect), Hammer Arm (Perfect), Flame Charge (Perfect), Earthquake (Perfect), Superpower (Master), Heat Crash (Master), Thunder Punch (Master), Will-O-Wisp (Master), Double Team (Master), Brick Break (Master), Bulk Up (Master), Rock Tomb (Master), Flamethrower (Proficient)...]

[Description: Emboar, the Mega Fire Pig Pokémon. The strongest member of its Emboar herd. It possesses terrifying strength, but is extremely gentle toward others of its own kind.]

...

Just as Aaron had expected, this was yet another King-class Pokémon.

It was the king of its Emboar herd.

Its Ability, Blazing Fire, was essentially an upgraded version of Blaze.

And now, the battle between the Boar King and Golisopod was underway.

...

On the battlefield, Blaze made the first move.

"Emboar, use Rock Tomb!"

"Then use Bulk Up!"

Emboar gave a deep grunt and prepared to unleash Rock Tomb, but Braveon's voice cut in.

"Golisopod, use First Impression!"

Pale green energy flared around Golisopod as it exploded forward.

Its body became a green streak racing straight toward Emboar.

BANG!

Golisopod slammed headfirst into Emboar, interrupting Rock Tomb.

However, First Impression was a Bug-type move, and both of Emboar's types resisted Bug.

The attack dealt only one-quarter damage.

The damage was negligible.

Emboar merely staggered before quickly steadying itself.

"Emboar, burn that bug to a crisp!"

"Use Blazing Will-O-Wisp!"

Seeing its attack interrupted, Blaze immediately changed tactics.

"GRRNNF!"

Emboar snorted angrily as roaring flames erupted around its body.

Eerie purple Will-O-Wisp flames mixed into the blaze before surging toward Golisopod.

"Golisopod, Double Team! Dodge it!"

Braveon reacted at once.

Golisopod split into several afterimages.

The flames swallowed several clones in an instant, while the real Golisopod had already moved safely out of the way.

"Golisopod, Hydro Pump!"

Braveon followed up without giving Blaze a chance to breathe.

Golisopod opened its mouth and fired a powerful jet of water straight toward Emboar.

"Emboar, Thunder Punch!"

Emboar let out a harsh grunt as yellow lightning crackled around its right fist.

It swung its fist straight into the incoming torrent.

BOOM!

Water and electricity exploded together, sending a thick cloud of steam billowing across the battlefield.

"Golisopod, now! Sand Attack!"

Braveon's voice rang out through the steam.

Golisopod kicked up a cloud of sand and dust, sending it sweeping toward Emboar.

The battlefield quickly filled with swirling sand.

Braveon seized the opening.

"Golisopod, Swords Dance!"

Hidden within the swirling sand, Golisopod began its Swords Dance.

Sword-like energy swirled around it as it moved.

"Damn it, Braveon. So that's how you want to play?"

"Emboar, use Earthquake!"

With the sand obscuring his view, Blaze immediately changed tactics.

If he couldn't see Golisopod, he would simply hit the entire battlefield at once.

...