Chapter 216:The First Dynamax Battle!

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite flew to the center of the battle arena.

As it spread its arms, four Light Screens simultaneously appeared in the four directions of the battle arena.

Bam~

Dragonite pressed its hands down, and the four massive Light Screens enveloped the entire battle arena.

Outside the Light Screens, Dragonite condensed four Reflect barriers.

Together, they formed the safety barrier for the battle arena.

"Let's go."

Natsume smiled at Gunta. "Show me your Dynamax."

Gunta's throat moved slightly.

He swallowed hard, shocked by Dragonite's strength. "This... this is too much."

"To think it could do something like this."

"These Light Screens and Reflect barriers look almost like Dynamax shields."

At this point, Gunta thought to himself, "As expected, Gym Leader Natsume truly possesses strength that surpasses even a Champion's."

In the audience stands, tourists began to take their seats.

"Finally, we have seats. Watching battles like this feels so much better."

"Speaking of which, this battle arena is huge."

"Right? It feels like we could host major tournaments here in the future."

The Pokémon from the farm also began to pour in.

"Eevees~"

The Eevees were quick, immediately claiming the front-row seats.

They pushed and played with each other, then leaned on the bars to watch the battle arena.

Infernape, Hawlucha, Heracross, Sirfetch'd, Annihilape, and even Grapploct all crowded around Natsume.

"Infernape."

Infernape and the others all wanted to battle in the new arena.

Natsume looked at Infernape and Sirfetch'd and chuckled. "If you all want to go, then play rock-paper-scissors."

"We'll have a 3v3 match today."

Hearing this, Infernape and the others immediately gathered and started playing rock-paper-scissors.

Pokémon have their own way of playing rock-paper-scissors.

For example, Grapploct would extend two tentacles for "rock," one tentacle spread out for "paper," and a clenched tentacle for "scissors."

Natsume took out his phone and looked at the Dynamax Gym quest, thinking, "Even though the energy protective barrier isn't installed yet, I should be able to submit the quest now."

"After all, we can already have Dynamax battles."

Natsume tapped to submit the quest.

Notice: Farm's Construction Quest - Dynamax Battle Arena completed.

Quest Reward: Dynamax Bracelet x3; Rare Candy x1

"Success."

Natsume took out one Dynamax Bracelet and put it on his wrist.

"Infernape~"

"Sirfetch'd."

Infernape and Sirfetch'd were the first to cheer.

They immediately ran onto the battle arena.

Soon, Heracross emerged as the winner.

Heracross excitedly waved its claws.

Heracross happily snipped at Grapploct's tentacles, which looked a bit down, and patted Hawlucha, who let out a scoff, before following onto the battle arena.

Those who lost the rock-paper-scissors game went to the sidelines and stood with Frogadier and Combusken.

Even though they didn't get a chance to battle, watching an exciting Pokémon battle was still a learning experience for them.

Inside the noisy arena.

Kiko and Mikoharu also found seats and sat down.

"So this is the Dynamax Battle Arena."

Mikoharu touched the armrest of the seat. "This is amazing. It's my first time watching a Dynamax battle."

Kiko said, "Same here."

"We're really lucky to have come at just the right time."

As Kiko spoke, she leaned forward. "Look, it's about to start."

At that moment, Natsume spoke to the Rotom referee. "Let's follow the official 3v3 match rules."

"Got it, Rotom."

Rotom acknowledged and flew to the center of the venue. "This match is a 3v3 battle. Both sides may switch Pokémon during the battle. The match ends when all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle."

"Additionally, special abilities such as Dynamax, Z-Moves, and Mega Evolution are unrestricted."

"Now, please release your Pokémon."

Since this wasn't a Gym Battle, the rules were fair and didn't favor either side.

Gunta took out a Poké Ball. "I'll leave the first match to you. Go, Beartic!"

"Heracross, you're up first."

"Heracross~"

Beartic, an Ice-type Pokémon with the Snow Cloak Ability, Level 58.

"A Beartic with Snow Cloak. It'll probably use Hail right away."

Natsume thought as he looked at Beartic's moves.

Rotom announced loudly, "Battle, begin!"

"Beartic, Hail!"

Just as Natsume predicted, as soon as the match started, Gunta had his Beartic use Hail.

Natsume commanded, "Heracross, Swords Dance!"

"Heracross!"

Hail the size of fists began to fall from the sky above the battle arena.

Meanwhile, Heracross successfully used Swords Dance.

"Heracross~"

After successfully using Swords Dance, Heracross挑衅地勾了勾手 at Beartic.

"Beartic!"

Beartic glared and roared at Heracross.

"Beartic, Icicle Crash!"

With the Snow Cloak Ability, Beartic's speed doubles in Hail weather.

At that moment, Beartic charged toward Heracross.

In its hands, a massive icicle quickly formed.

Whoosh~

The huge icicle flew through the air as Beartic hurled it at Heracross.

"Such impressive momentum."

Natsume commanded, "Heracross, use Counter to block it!"

"Heracross!"

Heracross reached out and grabbed the massive icicle.

Bang!

Under the tremendous impact, Heracross's body bent slightly.

"Heracross!"

Heracross yanked hard, pulling the icicle from Beartic's grasp and hurling it back at Beartic.

Bam~

The icicle shattered on Beartic's body, scattering ice shards everywhere.

"Heracross, Aerial Ace!"

"Heracross!"

Heracross spread its wings and charged at Beartic.

"Beartic, Ice Punch!"

"Beartic!"

Beartic shook off the ice shards on its body.

It looked at Heracross charging toward it, swiftly swung its frost-covered fist, and aimed it straight at Heracross.

"Heracross!"

Heracross suddenly changed direction, dodging Beartic's fist, and then slammed into Beartic's side from the flank.

Bam~

Brick Break!

"Heracross!"

Heracross, seeing Beartic knocked down, didn't hesitate for a moment. It raised its hand like a blade and slashed down.

Gunta shouted, "Endure!"

"Beartic!"

Beartic tensed its body and then grabbed Heracross with both hands.

"Beartic!"

Beartic successfully endured the hand chop. It instinctively opened its mouth, aiming at Heracross.

Ice Fang!

"Heracross!"

Heracross let out a pained roar as its arm quickly froze under Beartic's Ice Fang.

"Heracross!"

Heracross grabbed Beartic's neck with one hand, and an astonishing surge of power erupted from within.

Gunta's expression changed as he watched. "Oh no, it's Guts!"

"Heracross!"

Heracross roared and actually lifted Beartic off the ground, slamming it down hard.

Bam~

Beartic's head hit the ground.

It wobbled for a moment, then its eyes rolled back, and it fainted.

"Beartic is unable to battle. Heracross wins."

Rotom announced as it observed the scene.

"Heracross."

Heracross let out a sigh of relief, then blew on its still-frozen arm.

"Come back, Beartic."

Gunta recalled his Pokémon.

Natsume looked at Heracross. "Heracross, go rest for a bit. Let Audino treat your frostbite."

"Heracross."

Heracross patted the ice shards off its arm and walked over to Audino at the sidelines.

"Is that allowed?"

Mikoharu asked, puzzled. "Shouldn't Pokémon be unable to receive treatment mid-battle?"

Kiko explained, "If it's not going to battle again, then it's fine."

"Natsume probably doesn't want Heracross to keep fighting with frostbite."

"Oh, I see. Gym Leader Natsume is so kind."

Gunta now turned his attention to the Braviary standing beside him.

"Braviary~"

Braviary immediately flew onto the battle arena.

Natsume said, "Sirfetch'd, it's your turn."

"Sirfetch'd~"

Sirfetch'd immediately hoisted its sword and shield and stepped onto the battle arena.

Sirfetch'd looked at Braviary, then raised its long sword, pointing it directly at Braviary.

The hail in the sky gradually stopped.

The effect of Hail had worn off.

"Braviary, Aerial Ace!"

Natsume commanded, "Iron Defense!"

Sirfetch'd kept its eyes locked on Braviary as it rapidly flew toward it.

"Braviary!"

Braviary was getting closer.

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd twisted its body, placing its shield in front.

Bam~

Braviary's claw slammed into Sirfetch'd's shield.

Fury Cutter!

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd swung its long sword forward.

Braviary's close-combat skills were clearly well-trained.

Its claw swiped, actually catching Sirfetch'd's long sword.

Just as Braviary tried to grab the sword and fly into the sky, Sirfetch'd's shield suddenly glowed and slammed into Braviary's abdomen.

Bam~

"Braviary."

Braviary let out a pained cry and quickly released the sword, flying back into the sky.

As it ascended, Braviary flapped its wings rapidly.

Air Cutter!

"Sirfetch'd!"

Bang, bang, bam~

A series of sharp blades slammed into Sirfetch'd's shield.

"Such tight defense."

Gunta muttered, then looked up at Braviary, now high in the sky, and pondered for a moment before changing his strategy.

"Come back, Braviary."

Gunta recalled his Braviary, then took out a new Poké Ball.

At the same time, the red band on his wrist began to glow.

The light flowed into the Poké Ball in Gunta's hand.

Whoosh~

The Poké Ball, originally no larger than a fist, instantly expanded to the size of a yoga ball.

"Go, Empoleon!"

Boom~

Thick clouds gathered in the sky, and the Dynamax Battle arena glowed with a dark red light.

"Empoleon~"

Enveloped in the light, a massive Empoleon appeared on the battle arena.

"Empoleon~"

Empoleon looked around and let out an ear-splitting roar.

As the Dynamaxed Empoleon stood tall, the entire battle arena erupted in cheers.

"It's really Dynamax! The pressure is overwhelming in person."

"This is amazing! Will Gym Leader Natsume use Dynamax too, or maybe a Z-Move?"

The audience eagerly turned their attention to Natsume.

At this moment, it wasn't just the audience who were excited.

The Pokémon from the farm were also stunned by the Dynamaxed Empoleon.

After all, most of them were seeing such a gigantic Pokémon for the first time.

Gunta immediately commanded, "Empoleon, Max Geyser!"

"Empoleon~"

Empoleon looked at Sirfetch'd.

Boom~

A wave of water, comparable to a tidal wave, quickly condensed and surged toward Sirfetch'd.

The attack range of Max Geyser was too vast.

Sirfetch'd couldn't dodge.

"Sirfetch'd, Protect!"

"Sirfetch'd!"

A protective barrier shielded Sirfetch'd's body.

Boom~

Even with Protect, Sirfetch'd was still sent flying by the force of the water, crashing into the Reflect barrier created by Dragonite.

Splash~

Rain began to pour from the sky.

"Sirfetch'd."

Sirfetch'd stood up, looking a bit battered.

Clearly, Protect couldn't completely block Max Geyser's attack.

"Not bad, Sirfetch'd. Let's Dynamax too."

Natsume took out a Poké Ball and looked at Sirfetch'd.

"Sirfetch'd?"

Sirfetch'd looked at Natsume.

Natsume smiled. "Of course."

Natsume then shot a red beam of light.

Sirfetch'd was recalled into the Poké Ball.

The Dynamax Band Natsume had just obtained also began to glow red.

Enveloped in the light, the Poké Ball rapidly expanded.

"Go, Sirfetch'd!"

"Sirfetch'd!"

With a low roar, Sirfetch'd, now wielding a massive sword and shield, appeared on the battlefield.

Sirfetch'd placed its shield in front, as if standing behind a giant wall.

"Sirfetch'd, follow the energy within you. Max Knuckle!"

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd swung its sword with one hand.

The released Dynamax energy gathered together, forming a massive, burning fist that shot toward Empoleon.

Gunta quickly shouted, "Max Guard!"

Empoleon spread its arms, and a towering, transparent barrier rose from the ground, shielding it.

Bam~

The Max Knuckle struck, causing the barrier to tremble violently.

The energy shockwave radiated outward, shaking the earth and filling the venue with thick smoke.

Crack~ Crack~ Bam~

The Max Guard managed to block the Max Knuckle, but the barrier itself shattered into pieces mid-air.

"Empoleon, Max Geyser!"

"Sirfetch'd, Max Knuckle."

Amid the smoke, Empoleon unleashed another Max Geyser, sending a tidal wave of Hydro Pump surging toward Sirfetch'd.

"Sirfetch'd!"

In front of Sirfetch'd, the massive fist collided with the oncoming wave.

Bam~

The deafening roar echoed as the water exploded in all directions.

A thick mist of water filled the air.

"Sirfetch'd!"

At that moment, the Dynamaxed Sirfetch'd swung its long sword. With a furious roar, it slashed at Empoleon with all its might.

This was Sirfetch'd's Dynamax normal attack!

Bam~

With a heavy thud, Empoleon's body tilted backward and then collapsed to the ground.

The ground shook slightly as Empoleon's body rapidly shrank in size.

Empoleon had been knocked out of Dynamax by Sirfetch'd's strike.

Although Empoleon was no longer in Dynamax, it was still capable of battling.

Gunta quickly commanded, "Ice Beam!"

"Sirfetch'd!"

Sirfetch'd immediately grabbed its shield from the ground and hurled it toward Empoleon's attack.

Boom~

The shield froze mid-air.

"Max Knuckle."

"Empoleon!"

Empoleon looked up in panic as the massive, flame-like fist descended from above.

Boom~

The ground shook~

Brilliant sparks of fire scattered in all directions.

Empoleon's body was obscured by the smoke.

"Sirfetch'd."

Sirfetch'd didn't bother looking at Empoleon. It picked up its shield and slapped it, causing the ice to shatter.

"Sirfetch'd~"

Sirfetch'd shook its hand, and the ice shards scattered like hail amidst the falling rain.

At the same time, the smoke cleared.

Empoleon, now unable to battle, lay in a puddle of water on the ground.