Altaria!
It was no surprise to outsiders that Terrance would send out Altaria last. When that graceful, fluffy, swan-like Pokémon appeared, the audience was instantly captivated by its high-pitched, beautiful cry—a sound so melodious and pleasant that people couldn't help but become entranced by it.
Noble, elegant, mysterious, powerful.
These were the most immediate impressions Terrance's Altaria gave off.
"This Altaria must be your ace," Leo said slowly.
Though Terrance's other Pokémon were also excellently trained, this Altaria gave off an indescribably special feeling.
"Yes," Terrance replied, looking toward the heavily injured Magnezone. He continued,
"Then, let the battle resume."
On the battlefield, Altaria soared through the air, its gaze locked onto Magnezone, without showing any emotion.
As if, in its eyes, Magnezone in such a state wasn't even worth taking seriously.
"Too arrogant."
Looking at Altaria's expression, most of the audience became excited. This arrogance was not a disdain for the opponent, but full confidence in its own power.
Also, when Altaria appeared, Terrance's previously stern expression softened into calm.
Mismagius had failed to fully grasp that power, but Terrance had no major regrets, it was just an experiment. Mismagius could continue growing in the future. But Altaria was different, its very presence was Terrance's greatest source of confidence.
It was also the reason Terrance could calmly face Top Trainers.
"Magnezone, lock on the target and use Zap Cannon!"
"Altaria, Dragon Rush."
As soon as the battle resumed, the two sides launched their fiercest assaults. In that instant, Altaria's entire body flared with a bluish-violet radiance, releasing a powerful aura!
Magnezone let out a strained cry. Its condition had deteriorated significantly, this wasn't a Pokémon suited for a drawn-out battle. So against Altaria, there could be no room for carelessness.
The massive thunder blast launched, instantly forming a colossal beam of light with terrifying momentum.
"Another direct clash?"
Seeing Terrance's command, many people were stunned.
Even if Magnezone's condition had declined, did Terrance really have that much confidence that Altaria's move could overpower Magnezone?
"What is he thinking?"
Many voiced such doubts. However, a few kept their eyes fixed on Altaria, intent on witnessing what might happen next.
Sure enough, just when everyone thought a devastating collision between Altaria's Dragon Rush and Zap Cannon was imminent, with a powerful shockwave about to follow, a sudden change occurred.
A pale yellow aura enveloped Altaria's entire body. It seemed to appear out of thin air, or perhaps it had been drawn forth from within Altaria itself. With its emergence, Altaria's aura surged dramatically, and the dragon-shaped energy from Dragon Rush became even more ferocious and wild.
"That… it really is the totem aura."
This wasn't the first time one of Terrance's Pokémon had displayed the totem aura. When Arcanine had first revealed it, people had still been uncertain, perhaps doubtful, but now, after close observation, they could finally identify this special aura.
A fair number of people have been to the Alola region. Although very few know about Totem Pokémon, it's unrealistic to assume that none of the spectators at this festival would recognize Totem Aura.
As the totem aura enveloped Altaria, it didn't just boost its aura, it brought a comprehensive enhancement to its overall strength and stats, resulting in a leap-like increase in power.
At this moment, Dragon Rush, which previously might have been insufficient to stand up to Zap Cannon, suddenly erupted with terrifying might. Altaria charged straight into the lightning, allowing the lightning to strike its entire body, but the reality was that Magnezone's Zap Cannon couldn't even disperse the energy of Dragon Rush, let alone inflict any real damage on Altaria.
"This Dragon Rush is way more terrifying than the one during the Dragon-Type event."
"He was holding back during the Dragon-Type event!"
As Dragon Rush's power overwhelmed Zap Cannon, Leo's expression changed dramatically. He recalled the few casual remarks Albus had made earlier.
"So Terrance was holding back with Altaria! What's with this bizarre aura?!"
Seeing Altaria collide with Zap Cannon, many were stunned. Just like that... they crashed into each other?!
And not only that, Altaria's move completely overpowered Magnezone's Zap Cannon! This sudden reversal was beyond comprehension for most people.
"It's not just the move's power…"
Using his Aura power, Albus could clearly sense the changes in Altaria. Beyond the rise in attack power, the more astonishing development was Altaria's increase in defensive capability, to a level that defied understanding.
Although defensive power can't be directly equated to offensive power, it's still a very important aspect of physique!
Would the same power produce equal destructive power when attacking with a clump of mud and a rock?!
Altaria, in this moment, had become that rock. Its body, empowered by totem aura and Dragon Rush, became the most terrifying weapon, devouring Zap Cannon entirely and charging straight at the already-weakened Magnezone!
"It is totem aura, no doubt about it, but why…?"
That terrifying Dragon Rush crushed all outside forces and slammed into Magnezone. In that moment, all anyone could hear was a deafening explosion as both Pokémon were swallowed by the shockwave created from the terrifying collision, their bodies consumed by a cloud of smoke.
"Damn, that's insane." Albus couldn't help blurting out in astonishment. Was this a joke? Altaria had grown this much in just half a year?
Even when Altaria had first mastered Mega Evolution, it hadn't been this strong.
"Can you still guarantee you can defeat him?" Fujiki asked with a grin, seeing Albus's strange expression.
"Don't kid around. I won't lose," Albus said firmly, shaking his head hard. Facing the current Totem Altaria, he wasn't afraid. After all, a fully powered Lucario, or even Darkrai, could rival it or even overpower it, but…
Albus and Fujiki exchanged a glance. The two of them were among the few who knew the truth: Terrance's Altaria…
Had still not reached its strongest form.
"Leo... might be in real trouble," Albus clasped his hands together, silently praying for this passerby Elite Four. Giving the Mega Stone to Terrance was truly an injustice to Master Leo.
"Still, what is that mysterious aura surrounding Altaria's body?" Fujiki said with a slightly serious tone. That didn't seem like any ordinary power.
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