Amidst everyone's gaze, a dragon's roar came from the distant sky.
A massive Gyarados descended from the clouds, its aura chilling to the extreme.
Over the past few days of training with Glastrier, Gyarados's mastery over aura had skyrocketed to an unbelievable degree.
One second it was obediently watching cartoons, the next it could transform into a savage beast. Scaring Pikachu and Eevee to tears with just one glare.
Gyarados swooped down swiftly, carrying Axel as it circled in the sky.
All the students present fell silent, staring upward in excitement.
"Holy crap, here he comes, finally!"
"So this is the rumored trainer of Nihilego? His dragon looks way scarier than that red dragon from the recent tournament."
Hearing this, Gyarados stumbled mid-air, almost falling out of the sky.
'The hell, you trying to get me killed?'
'You're the one scarier than Eternatus. Your whole family's scarier than Eternatus!'
Sensing Gyarados's glare, the trainer who spoke instinctively shrank back, hiding in the crowd.
But as Gyarados descended, the others seemed to have discovered a new continent, "The legendary exchange student. Didn't think he'd be kinda handsome too."
"Ahhh! I'm gonna die! If I could be tortured by him and his Pokémon personally, I wouldn't even want money."
"Senior, what kind of feral nonsense is that? If you've got a way in, bring me along."
"Wait, wasn't it said he wasn't that serious about battles? But he looks like he's been working really hard."
"Dark circles under his eyes, pale lips. He looks totally overworked."
"Could it be he's been training day and night these past few days without rest?"
The moment this was said, the students in the stands collectively gasped.
That possibility was real. Very real.
Some knew that Axel had initially fielded several Dragon-types, but then suddenly switched to the Nihilego trio these past days.
Coupled with his obvious signs of exhaustion now… Their gazes toward Axel instantly turned solemn and respectful.
Even Koda, who had been fixated on defeating Axel, was no exception.
"Cough cough~", Hearing the murmurs below, Axel nearly broke down on the spot, hastily signaling Gyarados to put him down in the arena.
"You're here?", Seeing Axel arrive, Flint lit up with excitement.
It was his first time separated from Infernape for more than a day. He had missed him dearly.
"I'm here," Axel chuckled, nodding to Raihan and Briar, who was overseeing the match, and immediately pulled out Infernape's Poké Ball.
"Oooh!"
A flash of white light, and the muscular Infernape lunged at Flint, rubbing affectionately against his shoulder.
But its gaze kept darting furtively toward the nearby Duraludon.
Its right hand also moved unconsciously, as if it was about to throw something at any moment.
Flint scratched his head in puzzlement.
In the few days with Axel, Infernape had definitely grown stronger. Just the brighter flames and lustrous fur proved that.
'But why does Infernape suddenly feel… kind of sleazy?'
Before, whenever Infernape encountered strong Pokémon, it always stared straight at them.
Its eyes would shine with a fighting spirit. Not this kind of look.
But Flint didn't think too much of it.
Though Axel had plenty of tactics, Flint had already researched thoroughly before leaving Infernape with him.
None of Axel's tactics matched Infernape's style. There was no way its battle methods could've been changed so easily.
More importantly, he trusted Infernape.
Having trained alongside him for years, Infernape's willpower was rock-solid. There was no way it would just stray off course.
Thinking this, Flint finally relaxed, giving Infernape's shoulder a pat.
"Soon you'll be fighting Raihan's Duraludon. Are you excited?"
"Oooh!", Infernape roared with force, eyes blazing with fiery light.
It had just been worrying about how to explain its newfound strength to its trainer. Then right away, a strong opponent came knocking.
'This time, trainer will definitely fall for my power!'
With Infernape's arrival, Teacher Briar put on a professional smile.
"Gym Leader Raihan, Elite Four Flint, when would you like to have your exhibition match?"
"You can choose to battle before Axel's match against the Elite Four, or afterward."
Raihan and Flint didn't answer, but instead both turned their gazes straight to Axel.
"When do you want us to fight?"
'Huh?'
Axel blinked. He hadn't expected the question to be thrown at him.
Who was the Elite Four here again?
But seeing they weren't just being polite, Axel didn't want to waste the students' time waiting, so he answered directly:
"On my way here, I saw Lacey's father rushing this way, probably to watch his kid's battle."
"Since they haven't arrived yet, how about you two go first?"
"Good!"
Raihan agreed immediately, standing tall, eyes blazing as he looked at Flint.
"Since Duraludon evolved, this will be my first battle. I hope it'll be a good one."
Flint nodded as well, "Don't worry, my Infernape specializes in all-out offense. You'll definitely get your fill!"
Infernape blinked slyly, biting its finger lightly.
Recalling the strategies it had learned from Axel's Pokémon, its eyes gleamed.
'Don't worry, trainer.'
'This time… I'll make sure the opponent really feels pain!'
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