He decisively chose to challenge the arena.
The moment of hesitation was due to his struggle over which Pokémon to send into battle and, once decided, which item it should carry.
However, it wasn't long before Fang Yuan finalized his decision and a Poké Ball was transferred to his hand.
...
At this time, on the battlefield, Chairman Albert and Xiduolan's mood soured upon realizing someone was mounting a challenge.
When they discovered it was from Hua Nation's preparation zone, their hearts skipped a beat.
No way.
Again?
Seeing it was Hua Nation challenging once more, the trainers from other nations' preparation zones, as well as those watching the live broadcast, and even President Antonio and others on the main stand, were taken aback.
"I want to challenge the arena."
Fang Yuan said this to the approaching drone Rotom.
Then, with trainers from almost all over the world watching in astonishment, Doctor Fang Yuan was once again transported into the arena.
"Damn it."
Chairman Albert, although resolute at heart, couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort upon seeing Fang Yuan.
Isn't Hua Nation also competing for this? Facing Xiduolan, ordinary Higher Guardian Gods stand no chance, so is Hua Nation really prepared to pay a huge price to compete for this?
Okay... considering Hua Nation used top Guardian Gods for Ghost Fire and Revival Herb in the previous two matches, it's indeed possible. He felt like crying.
"Damn, damn, damn."
Cultural impoverishment among netizens, Hua Nation's web users were shocked upon seeing Doctor Fang Yuan step into the arena again.
Are they really not giving any other national associations a chance?
Which Pokémon will they send out this time?
It couldn't possibly be a top Guardian God again, could it?!
"Doctor Fang Yuan..."
After Fang Yuan descended, Chairman Albert's face darkened.
"Roarrr—"
Xiduolan also stared unfavorably at the trainer who had just displayed such divine presence.
In Hua Nation's preparation zone, everyone was now accustomed to whatever approach Fang Yuan took.
Still, they were curious as to which Pokémon Fang Yuan intended to send out to challenge the arena.
Which one would it be? The weird monkey, ghost snake, dragon of calamity? Which one?
Wait, aren't there one less than ten Pokémon?
Right, Fang Yuan also has a Victini!
It must have developed remarkable combat power by now.
"The Pokémon I'm using to challenge the arena is this one."
As usual, with a smile, Fang Yuan took out his Poké Ball and slowly pressed it, an action that made many people focus their attention.
A red light flickered, and a blob of light-purple slime appeared on the battlefield.
"Dit-ditto~!!"
Ditto, with its beady eyes, transformed into a statuesque figure, extending two limbs and flexing its "muscles" as best it could for the camera, to show off its strength.
The third Pokémon Fang Yuan used to mount the challenge was none other than Ditto.
"Huh?"
Upon Ditto's arrival, countless people were stunned.
Even those from his own side were taken aback.
Ditto?
In an instant, numerous Guardian Gods began to sense Ditto's strength and the direct experience was summed up in one word: weak.
It was a hundred times weaker than the previous Venusaur and Mane Rock Werewolf.
Of course, this was also related to Ditto not having much combat power before transformation.
"This Ditto..."
In fact, Fang Yuan owning a Ditto was not a secret.
It had once transformed into the Inferno Shock Turbo Guards during the World Championships, assisting Monferno in executing the Thunderflame Interlapping strategy so Fang Yuan could defeat Fire God Gura.
As soon as Ditto appeared, all footage of Ditto and Monferno's Fusion, along with Fang Yuan's post-match interviews, resurfaced.
Then, people were even more flabbergasted.
Wasn't Ditto said to be just a support Pokémon for Monferno back then, able to transform into Turbo Protectors to reduce the damage Monferno sustained from the strategy? A support Pokémon like that was now a main fighter? Facing a Pokémon with powers of magma, shouldn't it be the Fire Type Monferno to come out?
Why Ditto...
"Uh..."
In Hua Nation, Principal Mo and his wife silently watched the Ditto on TV, repeatedly muttering "uh..."
Dr. Xu Qing, who had gifted Ditto to Fang Yuan, could have never imagined that a Ditto meant for research and breeding or just as a support Pokémon would one day appear in a Guardian God battle.
"Do you know what's going on?" She asked Principal Mo.
"Mmm hmm hmm mmm," Principal Mo hummed and shook his head, not wanting to voice his opinion to avoid being contradicted later.
It wasn't any of Fang Yuan's previously recorded main Pokémon that had appeared, but Ditto, a Pokémon that had been seen only as a support.
In fact, just like in the Pokémon World, on Earth, it was extremely rare for a Ditto to have top-level combat power even after transformation.
People just couldn't figure it out, but it was precisely because it was so baffling that Chairman Albert was tense.
After all, Fang Yuan wouldn't use a weak Pokémon. Everyone knew this, so it was the unknown that created the root of their anxiety.
"The legendary volcano elf Xidolan versus Ditto?"
As everyone focused on the battlefield, Rotom had already spoken up.
"Both sides, ready—"
As Rotom flew out of the arena and announced, there was no more time for wild guesses. Watching the battle unfold was the key.
The purpose behind Doctor Fang Yuan's choice of Ditto would be known soon enough.
It couldn't just transform into Xidolan, could it? It must be planning to transform into a Pokémon that counters Xidolan...
"Battle... commence!"
At last, Rotom issued the command, and the faces of Albert and Xidolan tightened with seriousness.
No matter what, they must win this battle!