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Detect functions similarly to Protect, except one is classified as a Normal-type move while the other belongs to the Fighting-type category.
After successfully using Detect, it was Sceptile's turn to launch a counterattack!
The previous situation had been extremely dangerous—if Drapion's Poison Tail had connected directly, Sceptile would not only have suffered severe physical damage but would also have faced a high probability of being poisoned.
However, Detect had accomplished two crucial objectives: it completely blocked Drapion's vicious multi-pronged assault while simultaneously creating the perfect opportunity for Sceptile to retaliate. Dragon-type energy suddenly enveloped Sceptile's entire form, and taking advantage of the brief moment when Drapion's attack had been neutralized, it coated its claws with concentrated Dragon energy and slashed toward its opponent with devastating force.
"SLICE!"
The unmistakable sound of claws tearing through flesh echoed across the battlefield as Sceptile's Dragon Claw ripped through Drapion's supposedly impenetrable armor, leaving six deep, parallel gashes across its body. Crimson blood immediately began flowing from the wounds, causing significant damage to Drapion.
"Sceptile, create distance and use Agility!"
After successfully landing a critical hit, Jacob immediately commanded Sceptile to establish range. Drapion's devastating combination of claw strikes, bite attacks, and tail stabs had proven far too dangerous in close-quarters combat. For safety reasons, Jacob decided to have Sceptile maintain its distance and transition to special attack strategies.
Sceptile immediately obeyed Jacob's tactical command, leaping backward in a graceful arc to quickly distance itself from Drapion. Simultaneously, it began moving around its opponent at incredible velocity, its emerald form blurring into multiple afterimages that made it virtually impossible for Drapion to accurately track Sceptile's true location.
"Drapion, we'll use Agility as well to catch up!" Wylder shouted with fierce determination. Since Drapion's primary path to victory lay in close-quarters combat, he immediately commanded his Pokemon to pursue.
"Sceptile, maintain your distance and use Dragon Pulse!" Jacob's voice rang out across the arena once again.
Through their previous intense exchange, Jacob had successfully analyzed Drapion's fundamental strengths and weaknesses: its close-combat capabilities matched Sceptile's impressive skills, but its long-range special attack options were practically nonexistent.
This critical discovery meant that as long as Sceptile maintained sufficient distance, it would hold an essentially unbeatable positional advantage.
Upon hearing Jacob's strategic command, Wylder immediately realized that his opponent had identified Drapion's most significant vulnerability.
Wylder possessed very limited options to counter Jacob's hit-and-run tactics, especially now that Sceptile had abandoned close-quarters combat entirely in favor of mobile special attacks.
He released a quiet sigh of resignation—winning this match had already become extraordinarily difficult. This challenge was magnified by the fact that Sceptile's speed capabilities far surpassed Drapion's movement potential. However, Wylder certainly wouldn't surrender easily. Even if only a one-in-ten-thousand chance remained, he refused to abandon hope.
"Drapion, use Sludge Bomb!"
Sludge Bomb represented one of Drapion's few available long-range special attack moves. While its base power wasn't particularly impressive, it possessed a dangerous special property: if the target became poisoned, the attack's damage would double significantly.
Drapion's mouth began accumulating concentrated Poison-type energy before suddenly expelling it in a violent burst. The toxic projectile shot toward Sceptile like a venomous arrow, but against the rapidly moving Grass-type, the attack simply couldn't find its mark. All of the poisonous substance splattered across the battlefield floor, immediately releasing thick, noxious smoke that clearly indicated its extreme toxicity.
Simultaneously, Sceptile's Dragon-type energy coalesced once again. The devastating shockwave of Dragon energy struck Drapion directly, inflicting additional damage to the already wounded Pokemon.
"Drapion, hold your position and continue using Sludge Bomb!"
Although Sludge Bomb attacks couldn't connect with the agile Sceptile at all, Wylder continued commanding Drapion to use the Poison-type move repeatedly.
Large quantities of toxic venom sprayed across the battlefield floor, causing thick, poisonous smoke to rise from multiple impact points. Wylder had never intended to hit Sceptile directly with Sludge Bomb from the beginning—his true strategic purpose was to scatter venom across the terrain to severely restrict Sceptile's available movement routes.
The continuous barrage of Sludge Bomb attacks successfully blocked most of Sceptile's potential paths, forcing it to carefully navigate around the pools of deadly venom covering the ground. This tactical approach greatly limited Sceptile's freedom of movement.
When dealing with a high-speed Pokemon like Sceptile, restricting its mobility was absolutely essential—otherwise, Drapion would never be able to close the distance effectively.
"Drapion, charge forward with Cross Poison!"
Recognizing that the moment was right, Wylder issued his final, decisive attack command.
After continuously using Sludge Bomb while enduring several of Sceptile's powerful Dragon Pulse attacks, Drapion's stamina reserves had already been depleted by more than half!
This was the critical moment to determine the battle's outcome. Wylder was betting everything on this single, all-or-nothing assault—fighting with his back against the wall and giving absolutely everything he had. Victory or defeat would be decided by this one attack.
Drapion heard Wylder's command and responded with a fierce gleam in its eyes. Using all four limbs for maximum power, it charged toward Sceptile with reckless abandon.
Jacob immediately recognized Wylder's desperate tactic, which was designed to force Sceptile into a final, decisive confrontation with Drapion. He looked at his trusted partner and made his decision in an instant.
If that's how Wylder wanted to end this battle, then they would accept the challenge! Jacob possessed complete confidence in his Sceptile's abilities. Even against powerhouse opponents like Tyrantrum, Sceptile could hold its own in combat—Drapion would certainly not prove insurmountable!
Would Sceptile necessarily lose in close-quarters combat? Absolutely not!
"Sceptile, use Grassy Terrain, then follow up with Leaf Blade at maximum power! Don't hold anything back!"
Jacob's voice echoed with unwavering confidence. While he had complete faith in Sceptile's capabilities, he still chose the safest approach by having his Pokemon activate Grassy Terrain to boost the power of Grass-type moves.
Grass-type energy surged upward from Sceptile's feet, instantly transforming the entire battlefield into a lush Grassy Terrain that would enhance all Grass-type attacks.
Immediately afterward, Sceptile fixed Drapion with a piercing, blade-sharp gaze.
"WHOOSH!"
Grass-type energy erupted from both of Sceptile's wrists, forming scythe-like Leaf Blades on each arm that glowed with brilliant emerald light!
"SCEPTILE!"
Sceptile's eyes focused on Drapion with cold, calculated precision. In this moment, the Grass-type seemed to transform into an ancient warrior wielding twin blades, its gaze filled with lethal intent and absolute determination.
"Cross Poison, Drapion!"
Drapion's hooked claws became coated in sinister Poison-type energy as it swung its powerful forelimbs, launching what would be its final attack!
When two courageous opponents meet on a narrow battlefield, the one with greater determination emerges victorious. In this type of close-quarters combat, what truly matters is a Pokemon's courage and confidence—neither competitor could afford to hold back even slightly!
Leaf Blade swept forward, and fluorescent green Grass-type energy erupted with tremendous force.
Cross Poison slashed downward, and purplish-black Poison-type energy burst forth with equal intensity!
"CRASH!"
The collision sound thundered across the arena as Sceptile and Drapion crashed into each other like two speeding freight trains!
Sceptile's imposing three-meter frame slammed into Drapion with incredible force, directly halting the Poison-type's desperate charge. Then, in one fluid motion, Leaf Blade swept across in a brilliant arc, and spectators saw only a blinding flash of green light.
"ROOOOOAR!"
The dramatic change happened with lightning speed. Everyone witnessed Sceptile and Drapion collide, followed by the brilliant fluorescent green Grass-type energy flashing and disappearing. Before anyone in the audience could process what had occurred, they saw Sceptile cleanly sever Drapion's hooked forelimb claws. Immediately afterward, the razor-sharp Leaf Blade continued its path without any hesitation, striking toward Drapion's head with lethal precision.
Simultaneously, fluorescent green Grass-type energy surged outward in all directions, instantly engulfing Drapion's entire form.
"Stop the battle!"
The referee hadn't anticipated such a swift and decisive conclusion. He quickly blew his whistle and rushed onto the battlefield.
When the brilliant green light finally dissipated, spectators could see Sceptile pinning Drapion to the ground with one powerful hand, while the glowing Leaf Blade on its other arm was pressed directly against Drapion's neck. Its gaze remained chilling and absolutely focused. If Sceptile chose to do so, it could end Drapion's life in an instant!
Facing the very real threat of death, Drapion didn't dare to move a single muscle. Its eyes remained fixed on Sceptile, not daring to make even the slightest sound.
"I surrender!" Wylder regained his composure at this crucial moment and quickly conceded defeat.
"Jacob wins and advances to the top sixteen!"
"JACOB!" "JACOB!" "WYLDER, YOU FOUGHT AMAZINGLY!"
The entire arena erupted in thunderous applause as nearly every spectator rose to their feet, cheering enthusiastically for both Jacob and Wylder. Without question, this match had been the most spectacular battle of the tournament so far.
Even as the defeated competitor, Wylder had earned the complete respect and admiration of the audience.