Chapter 243: Challenge Zacian! Fearless Charge!

In the mist-shrouded forest, Zacian slowly opened its eyes, gazing at the young man who had approached.

“Zacian?” Natsume smiled. “We’re ready.”

Zacian glanced at the Pokémon behind Natsume and gave a slight nod.

A pink aura began to spread, blending into the rolling mist. This was Zacian’s Misty Terrain, its Fairy-type energy enveloping the entire forest.

Diancie, looking around at the pink-glowing mist, said with admiration, “Such a beautiful Misty Terrain.”

“Dragonite, Fire Punch!” Natsume’s command marked the official start of the battle in the forest.

“Dragonite~ Roar!” Dragonite let out a fierce cry as it soared into the sky, its flaming fist crashing down toward Zacian.

Zacian reacted swiftly, dodging Dragonite’s Fire Punch with a quick movement.

Bam!

With a loud crash, Dragonite’s fist struck the ground, flames spreading rapidly. However, the flames quickly extinguished in the thick mist.

“Gardevoir~” Meanwhile, Gardevoir, standing beside Natsume, had already completed its Mega Evolution.

Psycho Cut!

“Serperior~” In front of Serperior, Razor Leaf condensed, the spinning leaves stirring the surrounding mist.

Boom!

Leaf Storm!

“Awooo~” Arcanine unleashed a torrent of flames from its mouth.

Fire Blast!

Arcevee transformed into its Jolteon form.

Rumble~

Above Zacian, thunder struck.

Thunder!

Beside Natsume, Milotic released a powerful stream of water from its mouth.

Hydro Pump!

Silvally let out a low growl.

Flash Cannon!

Attacks of various types came one after another. Zacian stood its ground, adopting a defensive stance.

Protect!

Bam! Bam! Boom!

The sound of explosions echoed continuously, the ground shaking as if an earthquake had struck. The collision of energies produced thick smoke, completely obscuring Zacian.

Natsume immediately commanded, “Dragonite, Hurricane!”

“Dragonite!” Dragonite’s mouth condensed a storm, which swept horizontally toward Zacian like a tornado.

The dust and smoke around Zacian’s position were instantly blown away.

“Zacian~” From the dispersing mist, Zacian let out a long howl, still standing in place, completely unharmed.

“Dragonite!”

“Eevee!”

“Serperior~!”

Dragonite and the others stared in shock at the scene.

Natsume also exclaimed in awe, “As expected of Zacian. Truly terrifying strength.”

“Awooo!” Arcanine’s body ignited with flames.

Flare Blitz!

Zacian, seeing Arcanine charging at it, showed a hint of surprise. It swung its paw, but the attack missed.

Gardevoir had used Teleport to move Arcanine behind Zacian.

“Awooo!” Arcanine, undeterred, continued its charge toward Zacian.

The brave big dog, fearless in its charge!

“Zacian~” Zacian raised its head, and a full moon suddenly appeared in the sky. The moon then split, sending multiple beams crashing down toward Natsume and his Pokémon.

Moonblast!

Facing Zacian’s attack, Dragonite and the others chose to dodge—except for Arcanine.

“Awooo!” Arcanine tried to withstand Zacian’s attack.

Boom!

With a loud explosion, Arcanine was sent flying, tumbling to the ground in a disheveled heap.

“Awooo…” The once fierce Arcanine now looked dazed, its eyes wide and confused. A faint whimper escaped its mouth.

Arcanine had clearly been knocked senseless.

Zacian turned its gaze to Natsume.

Impressive. I wasn’t planning to use offensive moves in this battle.

Natsume smiled at Zacian. “Is that so? I hope you’re enjoying this battle.”

“Zacian!”

“Dragonite!”

As Natsume spoke, Dragonite lunged at Zacian.

Zacian once again assumed a defensive stance.

Fighting-type move: Quick Guard.

Zacian’s eyes glinted behind its forearms as it stared at Dragonite.

“Roar~” Dragonite let out a fierce roar at Zacian.

Zacian raised its head.

Bam!

Zacian used Iron Head on Dragonite.

“Zacian.” The impact was so painful that Dragonite let out a sound reminiscent of Arcanine, clutching its head as it fell to the ground.

At that moment, massive plant roots burst from beneath Zacian, rapidly growing and wrapping around its body.

“Serperior~!” This was Serperior’s Frenzy Plant.

Zacian was directly hit, the plants hurling it into the air.

However, Zacian broke free from the wooden prison, emerging unscathed.

Above the misty forest, under the full moon, Zacian stood in the night sky, flames spilling from its mouth.

Fire Fang!

Boom!

Serperior’s Frenzy Plant instantly ignited, the flames spreading from the sky to the ground.

The flames flickered, then dissipated.

Zacian, standing in the night sky, turned its gaze to Serperior.

Zap~ Boom!

Zacian, its body crackling with electricity, descended like a bolt of lightning toward Serperior.

Wild Charge!

“Jolteon!” On the ground, Arcevee sprang into action.

Also using Wild Charge.

Boom!

Two Pokémon, one large and one small, both enveloped in electricity, collided violently.

“Jolteon~” In its Jolteon form, Arcevee and Zacian stood amidst what seemed like a pool of lightning.

The thunder roared and flashed.

In its Jolteon form, Arcevee’s ability became Volt Absorb. This ability made it immune to Electric-type moves and even strengthened it!

Boom!

Under the force of Zacian’s power, Arcevee, now resembling a ball of lightning, was sent flying into the sky.

Natsume used Psychic to stabilize Arcevee. “Arcevee, give it back.”

Thunder!

Just as Zacian was about to move and dodge, it suddenly looked down at its feet.

“Serperior~!” Serperior’s Frenzy Plant had grabbed hold of Zacian.

Boom! Bang!

Having absorbed Zacian’s electricity, Jolteon now unleashed all that power back onto Zacian.

This was the terrifying aspect of Arcevee. Its ability changed with its evolution. If it became a Fire-type, it gained Flash Fire. If it became a Water-type, it gained Water Absorb. And now, with Volt Absorb, Natsume and his team had successfully injured Zacian for the first time.

Natsume waved his hand with a smile. “Well done!”

“Jolteon~”