Lance had no idea how much the crowd's attitude had shifted.

Then again, even if he had known, there wasn't much he could do about it—he really couldn't beat Luo Yuan.

Right now, Lance's eyes were locked on the sky, where two figures streaked past one another again and again.

The blue-black silhouette of Mega Charizard X clashed violently with the orange-red blaze of his own Charizard.

The battle had reached its climax. Using his ability to predict flight patterns, Charizard X was constantly positioning itself to intercept. Lance's Charizard, feeling as though every move had been read in advance, was growing more and more frustrated.

It tried repeatedly to rely on its rich battle experience to break through Charizard X's blockade, but each time, the opposing Charizard was one step ahead—faster, sharper.

Lance's Charizard was clearly being forced into a tighter and tighter space.

It couldn't win in a straight fight. And it couldn't outrun it either.

Even the desperate plan to turn the tide with its [Blaze] ability had been seen through by Luo Yuan.

In the end, Lance's Charizard, cornered and humiliated, took one final blow from Charizard X—

[Dragon Claw].

Boosted by [Tough Claws], the [Dragon Claw] tore three savage gashes into its body. Its last reserves of strength drained away.

Boom!

Like a cut kite, Charizard plummeted from the sky and crashed into the ground with a thunderous impact.

The referee waited for a moment. After confirming that Charizard could no longer rise, he raised his flag.

"Charizard is unable to battle—Mega Charizard X wins!"

ROAR!

Mega Charizard X threw back its head and unleashed a stream of blue flames into the sky, celebrating its victory.

…

At this point, Lance had gone numb to losing.

Honestly, after three straight defeats, he wasn't standing here because he thought he had any real chance of a comeback.

He was here because of pride. Because, as Johto's Champion—even if he might end up holding the title for the shortest time in history—he didn't believe he was inferior to any other Champion.

If Galar's Leon could still go the distance against Luo Yuan even after getting shut out completely—

Then he, Lance the Dragon Master, wasn't about to be outdone by Leon!

Besides, the match was only three rounds in. If he played carefully, more seriously, maybe—maybe—he could win one or two and bow out with some dignity.

On the other side, Luo Yuan was scanning the field with his psychic powers, acutely aware of the shift in Lance's mindset. For more chapters visit novęlfire.net

The despair was gone. In its place was something blazing.

Determination.

Pure, focused will to fight.

Luo Yuan felt a pang of guilt.

He'd actually planned to hold back in the next few rounds—lose one or two on purpose so Lance could exit the match with dignity.

But now, Lance's intense fighting spirit was practically roaring at him—Don't you dare hold back.

If he continued pulling punches now, wouldn't that be insulting Lance's resolve?

How could I justify going easy now?

And so, under Lance's unwavering gaze and the expectant eyes of the crowd, Luo Yuan nodded. "Don't worry. I get it now. From this point forward—I'll fight you with everything I've got."

Then, without hesitation, he threw out another Poké Ball.

"Go—Dragonite!"

"…What?"

What exactly did you think you just understood?!

From the commentator's booth came an excited cry: "Luo Yuan has sent out his Dragonite again! It seems this decision is a response to Lance's demand for a serious fight!"

"In a situation this disadvantageous, he's still insisting his opponent go all-out… That kind of fighting spirit—Lance truly lives up to his title as Johto's Champion! Let's give him a round of applause!"

No, I'm not! I didn't! Stop putting words in my mouth!

Lance opened his mouth, but as the waves of applause crashed in from all sides, whatever he was about to say got stuck in his throat.

Well… things have gone this far. Might as well save a little face while I can.

He sighed and sent out the Pokémon he was placing all his hopes on.

"Go—Altaria!"

A burst of white light, and the Pokémon appeared—its entire body wrapped in soft, cotton-like feathers, with two ribbon-like tufts sticking from its head.

What caught everyone's eye, though, was the [Mega Evolution Stone] hanging around its neck.

As Luo Yuan saw the Altaria—and the stone it bore—his expression shifted to one of amusement.

Everyone always joked that Lance was a Flying-type expert, but in truth, he was very much a Dragon-type specialist.

It made sense for someone like Drayden to raise dragons, sure—but Lance, too? Now even he had quietly trained up a Dragon-type… traitor.

But clearly, Lance didn't care what anyone thought.

Ever since Luo Yuan had challenged him, Lance had been searching for a counter-strategy.

This Altaria was that strategy.

This time, Luo Yuan didn't get a chance to catch him off guard.

The moment Altaria took the field, Lance reached for the [Key Stone] on his bracelet.

A radiant light burst forth.

The glowing sphere enveloped Altaria—then exploded in a brilliant flare.

Chuu~!

With a cry that made the entire stadium hold its breath, Altaria's body shifted from sky-blue to pale blue, its wings fluffed up like a cloud. Mega Altaria flapped into view, resplendent and serene.

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T/N: what happened to artillery charizard smh...