The Lightning Rod ability—Pokémon with this trait don't just nullify Electric-type moves; they absorb them, converting the energy to boost their own Special Attack.
It was far more absurd than standard type resistances. With resistances, damage is simply reduced. It's not impossible to knock the opponent out.
But this ability? It outright ignores Electric-type attacks. No matter how strong your move, it won't do a thing.
Of course, there must be an upper limit—otherwise, it would be completely broken. But unless the opposing Pokémon's level exceeds the user's by more than 20, there's no breaking through that immunity.
For this reason, Lightning Rod and Motor Drive are known as Electric-types' worst nightmares—especially among Electric-type specialists.
And now, Mega Manectric clearly couldn't surpass that threshold. Its signature Electric-type moves were completely sealed off.
Sure, it still had non-Electric moves like Fire Fang, Bite, and Iron Tail, but those attacks were weaker, and rarely used in serious combat. Against Mega Charizard X, Mega Sceptile, and Greninja? They were nearly useless.
"It seems you've realized what's going on," Satoshi said calmly. "Even though Mega Manectric's base stats are superior, you can't defeat me because of Lightning Rod."
"It's time to end this. Mega Charizard X, Mega Sceptile—attack!"
Satoshi didn't command Greninja to move. Not because it couldn't help—but partly because the battle didn't seem to require it yet, and also because he was keeping it in reserve just in case Lt. Surge still had tricks up his sleeve.
Mega Charizard X opened its jaws and unleashed Dragon Pulse, the shockwave surging through the air with fierce power.
Mega Sceptile, completely unfazed by the surrounding electrical energy, dashed in at blinding speed. With both arms drawn back, it lunged forward, slashing at Mega Manectric with Dual Chop.
Both attacks were Dragon-type—decent in power on their own, but now that Charizard and Sceptile had the Dragon typing post-Mega Evolution, the STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) made them far more lethal.
"Dodge it, then hit back with Fire Fang!" Lt. Surge barked.
He wasn't going down without a fight. Sure, Electric moves were off the table, but he could still rely on physical techniques. Even if they were weaker, he had no other choice.
Mega Manectric was incredibly fast. With a quick side-step, it avoided both incoming attacks, then lunged at Sceptile, fangs glowing with fiery energy as it chomped down with Fire Fang.
The move landed—but it hardly made a dent.
Thanks to its dual Grass and Dragon typing, Mega Sceptile resisted Fire. In fact, it resisted Electric, Grass, Water, and Fire alike. So the usual disadvantage of Grass versus Fire? Neutralized.
Even so, Mega Manectric managed to break away and leapt backward, trying to reposition.
"Not good enough," Lt. Surge muttered. "Mega Manectric, retreat and regroup."
He'd made up his mind.
He couldn't win this.
Not like this.
At least, not with just one Pokémon against two Mega Evolutions. If Electabuzz were still in the fight, maybe—maybe—he'd have a shot. Electabuzz had coverage moves that could help counter Dragon-types.
But Electabuzz was down there… and Ash had already engaged it.
"Why do you think I'd let you retreat?" Satoshi said coldly.
"Mega Sceptile—Giga Drain! Mega Charizard X, Fire Fang!"
Mega Sceptile had already closed the distance. Since it had just taken a hit from Fire Fang, it was still close enough. Mega Manectric tried to move, but Sceptile locked its arms around it in a tight hold.
Mega Manectric sparked in panic, unleashing electricity across its body to try and escape. But all that current was simply absorbed—channeled straight into Mega Sceptile's tail.
Lt. Surge gritted his teeth.
"Stop wasting energy! Use Bite—get out of there!"
But it was too late.
Mega Sceptile, fully charged from the electrical current, unleashed Giga Drain. The life force visibly flowed out of Mega Manectric, whose body began to flicker with fatigue.
If Mega Manectric dealt 10 points of damage per second, Giga Drain was healing Sceptile for 15. It wasn't a trade—it was a beatdown.
And then Mega Charizard X arrived, flying in low and fast. With its claws flaring and blue flames trailing from its jaws, it dove forward and sank its fangs into Manectric's flank.
The Fire Fang, powered further by Tough Claws, dug in deep.
Manectric howled in pain. It twitched under the combined assault, its limbs flailing wildly. Yet through sheer brute strength, it finally broke free of Mega Sceptile's grasp.
It didn't retaliate—it fled.
Charizard watched as Manectric staggered toward the edge of the deck, jumping toward the hold below to escape. It was badly burned and visibly weakened.
And then, with a thunderous crash—
Electabuzz came flying back up from the lower deck, thrown like a ragdoll through the broken opening in the ship's floor.
Riolu followed close behind, Ash clutching its back, panting hard.
Riolu was barely standing, its body battered. Ash was bruised, wheezing—but conscious.
Ding! Riolu and two Pokémon have defeated Electabuzz. Experience shared!
Ding! Riolu has leveled up! +3 levels! Current level: 43
Satoshi scanned the hole but didn't see Ivysaur or Pikachu. That meant Ash had already recalled them—likely unconscious from battle.
Even Satoshi had to admit—he didn't know how Ash pulled it off. Facing a level 48 Electabuzz with just Ivysaur, Pikachu, and Riolu? It shouldn't have been possible.
But somehow, Ash had done it.
The cost? Two fainted Pokémon. But the victory? Priceless.
Riolu, who had been the lowest-leveled on the team, had now shot to the top. But level and stats weren't the point here.
What mattered most—was that Ash was back.
And that meant Satoshi had his full strength again.
Lt. Surge, on the other hand, had only one Pokémon left.
The battle had flipped completely.
Now it was Lt. Surge's turn to worry—how would he win from here?
End of the Chapter
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