Chapter 0637：Sandstorm VS Hail!

The howling blizzard raged across the battlefield.

Wulfric clenched the Key Stone pendant in his hand, its rainbow light bursting over Abomasnow's massive form as the icy winds intensified!

"Abomasnow, Mega Evolve!"

The buds on Abomasnow's back cracked and expanded into enormous ice pillars, its fur sharpening into icicles. A rainbow Mega symbol glowed on its forehead as it unleashed a thunderous roar amidst the blizzard!

"Abomasnow!!"

Mega Abomasnow's Ability—Snow Warning!

Large hailstones pelted down, the freezing storm swallowing Pupitar's cold gaze.

Standing on the ice-covered platform, Natsume raised his fist and commanded sharply:

"Pupitar, Sandstorm!!"

From behind its armored mask, crimson light flashed in Pupitar's eyes as swirling currents of sand erupted around it, spiraling violently into the sky!

Grant, the Rock-type expert, watched with keen interest:

"It's using Sandstorm defensively!"

A sandstorm tornado whirled around Pupitar, clashing with the hail in midair. Shards of ice scattered as the two weather systems collided!

The battle of elements—Sandstorm vs. Hail. The sky darkened into a murky gray-and-white as the deafening clash shook the entire Battle Castle!

"Breaking free from the ice with Shed Skin, then using the Weakness Policy boost to fight back with Sandstorm..."

"Is this unbreakable strength... the conviction its Trainer instilled in it?"

The old man Wulfric crossed his arms, closing his eyes as burning determination filled his chest. When he reopened them, his sharp gaze gleamed with excitement as he roared:

"Then let's go! Mega Abomasnow, Ice Punch!"

The ground trembled under Mega Abomasnow's steps.

Like a moving glacier, it lumbered forward, its icicle-covered face snarling as its eyes burned crimson. Its massive arm froze over, forming a hammer-like fist of jagged ice!

Before Natsume's side of the field, the auroras of Light Screen and Reflect shimmered—a dazzling sight amid the chaotic weather.

Pupitar's natural strength alone was no match for Mega Abomasnow.

But with Weakness Policy boosting its offenses, dual barriers for defense, and Sandstorm enhancing its resilience, Pupitar now had the power to challenge even this titan.

Hand in his pocket, Natsume stood firm as the sandstorm howled before him. His voice cut through the storm:

"Pupitar, Stone Edge!"

In an instant, the Sandstorm and blizzard clashed like opposing armies, their violent collision sending up plumes of white mist.

"Pupitar!" Pupitar's eyes burned crimson as it stood its ground. The earth before it split open, jagged stone pillars erupting in a brilliant flash of light!

Wulfric bellowed: "Meet it head-on, Mega Abomasnow!"

BOOM!!

Mega Abomasnow's Ice Punch smashed through the Stone Edge, sending shattered rock and ice raining down like an avalanche!

THUD!!

Pupitar endured the crushing hailstorm, its eyes blazing. The Sandstorm suddenly expanded outward, threatening to swallow the hail whole!

Korrina, watching from the stands, clenched her sweaty palms.

"A battle... over the weather?"

"Not happening!" Wulfric shouted. "Abomasnow, keep using Blizzard!"

Mega Abomasnow's maw gaped wide, gathering an icy-blue glow as freezing energy spread, even freezing the surrounding river solid.

But in that moment—

Pupitar shot forward like a bullet, sliding across the ice toward Mega Abomasnow, the spikes on its forehead gleaming with a blinding white light!

Both Wulfric and Mega Abomasnow's eyes widened in shock.

Mega Abomasnow's Speed was pitiful compared to Pupitar's after Dragon Dance!

"Pupitar, Iron Head!" Natsume commanded sharply.

"Pupitar!!"

With a flash of red from behind its mask, Pupitar launched itself upward—

BAM!!

The bullet-like Pupitar smashed into Mega Abomasnow's face, shattering its icicles and sending it stumbling back!

"Abomasnow!!"

Mega Abomasnow roared in pain, raising its fist to retaliate—but then froze.

Through the mask, it saw Pupitar's merciless gaze... and for a brief moment, fear flickered in its eyes.

It saw a vision—a raging sandstorm, devouring its world of ice.

The blue glow in its mouth faded.

"Impossible..."

Wulfric stared in disbelief at the interrupted Blizzard, the weakening hail around them. His voice was hoarse:

"The hail... was overridden?"

At the same time—

Pupitar landed, and the Sandstorm surged forward, swallowing Mega Abomasnow whole!

Viola gasped from the stands.

"Pupitar... stole weather control from Mega Abomasnow?!"

Grant chuckled dryly. "Iron Head has a high flinch chance. I think it triggered just now."

As the crowd processed this, murmurs broke out:

"Holy—Pupitar flinched Abomasnow?!"

"Flinching is part of battle! Don't like it? Don't play!"

"Evolving to heal, flinching with Iron Head... Pupitar and Natsume-sensei really are in sync!"

Come to think of it, this might be Natsume's first time triggering a flinch in an actual battle.

Clearing his throat, Natsume glanced at Pupitar. It stared up at the towering Mega Abomasnow, its gaze icy and unyielding.

The Sandstorm had completely overtaken the hail—weather control secured!

"Abomasnow—!"

At Wulfric's shout, Mega Abomasnow snapped back to attention. Jagged icicles erupted across its body as verdant Grass-type energy enveloped its arms. The ground trembled under its charge as it barreled toward Pupitar.

"Wood Hammer!!"

Through their bond, Natsume sensed Pupitar swiftly retreating under the cover of the Sandstorm—just as his command cut through the chaos.

Even after being frozen solid in the heart of that blizzard, Pupitar had fought back with relentless aggression.

Turning weakness into offense—the unyielding spirit of a true warrior, an endless well of vitality.

This was—

Giovanni's technique!

Natsume's voice rang sharp and clear:

"Pupitar, Earthquake!!"

Now evolved, Pupitar could channel seismic pulses through the earth.

A deep, ominous rumble shook the castle's foundation.

The Sandstorm raged overhead as the ground beneath Mega Abomasnow's feet shattered. The battlefield collapsed inward, streams of sand surging like liquid before the full force of the Earthquake erupted outward!

BOOOOM!!

The spectators in the stands gaped, swallowing hard.

...Was that Earthquake even legal?!

"Quicksand combined with Earthquake... Giovanni's technique really does give off 'Sand Waterfall Funeral' vibes—"

Natsume's eye twitched.

Well... add another "questionable" move to the list!

As the Sandstorm faded, Pupitar stood unwavering, watching as Mega Abomasnow reverted to its normal form.

"Abomasnow..."

Battered and breathless, Abomasnow knelt on one knee, its Frost Breath ragged—completely drained of the strength to summon another Blizzard.

Wulfric exhaled heavily.

To evolve in desperation and overthrow his hail with a Sandstorm...

So this was the future core of a sand team—Pupitar.

He recalled the rumors circulating among Gym Leaders about Natsume's title as "The Strategist"—said to have originated in Kanto with Professor Oak's own endorsement.

A Trainer who mastered battle tactics. His Blastoise, Arcanine, and future Tyranitar would all become exceptional weather controllers.

The robust, white-haired veteran grinned broadly as he recalled Abomasnow.

"I concede this match."

Natsume blinked. "Your Avalugg and Abomasnow can still fight."

"That doesn't matter now."

Wulfric chuckled.

"My pride as a hail user was crushed by Pupitar's Sandstorm. Forcing Avalugg and Abomasnow to keep fighting? You still have Rotom waiting."

Natsume nodded in understanding.

(It was a Kalos tradition, after all.) ~~

Wulfric crossed his burly arms, his eyes glinting.

"Ice is at its strongest when unbroken... but there's beauty in its fragility too. I've always loved Ice-types. And your Pupitar—its tenacity was magnificent."

Pupitar stood quietly now, its earlier ferocity gone. A faint gleam flickered in its eyes.

"Pupitar..."

We won.

But now I can't eat.

What a shame.

"Pupitar..." It hung its head dejectedly.

Natsume studied his despondent Pupitar, stroking his chin.

His little dinosaur had evolved into a silver bullet—bittersweet, like a proud parent watching their child grow up.

But one thing was certain:

Pupitar wouldn't need to eat again until it evolved into Tyranitar!

"Guess it won't be swallowing the Tyranitarite either."

Natsume smirked—then paused.

Considering their brutal "Iron Head" synergy, Natsume's expression turned complicated.

"...Wait. What if it Mega Evolves immediately after becoming Tyranitar?"

……

With Wulfric's forfeit, Butler Turner announced Natsume's title advancement to 'Duke'.

Achieving the rank of Duke in just two days was exceptionally rare.

But considering Natsume's status as Champion, these ranked matches were merely a formality - and a polite invitation for future visits.

Butler Turner adjusted his monocle, surveying the devastated battlefield with delicate apprehension.

On second thought... perhaps it would be wiser not to extend further invitations to Mr. Natsume.

Boom! Boom!

Ceremonial cannons fired repeatedly across the castle grounds.

"Master won!" Korrina cheered, her long blonde ponytail swaying as she raised her arm triumphantly.

Viola and Grant applauded in unison.

The victory wasn't just due to Sandstorm's dominance - that brutal Iron Head's flinch had been equally crucial.

Perhaps the missed Rock Slide probabilities had been transferred to increase Iron Head's flinch chance. Not necessarily a bad trade-off.

As the saying went:

Natsume-sensei might have terrible luck... but he makes up for it with sheer cunning!

Natsume prepared to return to his quarters to check on Pupitar before collecting his rewards from the butler.

As he turned to leave, the elderly Wulfric called out with a warm smile:

"Natsume, might you spare a moment? There's something I'd like to discuss."

"Of course."

They stood in a quiet corner of the gardens. The white-haired veteran kept his arms crossed beneath his down jacket, speaking reflectively:

"Every Pokémon's desires differ. Some seek strength, others wish to bond more closely with their Trainer."

"As for me... I simply enjoy the pleasure of battling alongside my Pokémon. I believe you understand this as well."

Natsume opened his mouth to respond when Gengar materialized beside them, baring its teeth enthusiastically: "Gengar!"

Battling together with our Trainer - that's what makes me happiest!

Wulfric smiled warmly at Natsume, his aged eyes shining with sincerity:

"Natsume, you and your Pokémon share souls both passionate and steadfast. You'll undoubtedly grow into an even greater Trainer."

"...I appreciate your kind words," Natsume replied.

Looking pleased, Wulfric continued:

"Actually, there's one more matter."

"I'd like you to accept the Iceberg Badge - as proof of Pupitar's victory!"