Steelix still had some energy left, but not much.
The [Solid] trait only gave it the strength for one last strike.
It was almost over at this point, as Steelix's current skill set didn't have any moves that could turn the tables, nor did it have the ability to quickly recover its nearly depleted energy.
However.
Baimu didn't declare the end.
He knew Steelix didn't want it to end, either.
"Roar..."
Its massive body let out a creaking sound, like metal fatigue. Struggling, Steelix turned its mountain-like head and opened its abyss-like maw towards the Mega Gallade and Mann Chong not far away.
"Dragon Breath."
Baimu gave the final command.
Steelix, unable to move its body anymore, took a deep breath and used its last ounce of strength to spew out the accumulated indigo flames!
Whoosh!
The blazing flames almost turned into a fire dragon.
But in the next moment, a dark violet blade of light zipped over, cutting it cleanly in half!
Bang!
The blue flames shattered.
The Mega Gallade, wielding the arm blades, stood straight where it was, its blood-red blades shining dazzlingly under the attribute energy.
And as the rising full moon illuminated the battlefield, its fluttering cape made this pure-white knight look utterly sacred.
"Again..."
Mann Chong swallowed his words halfway.
Because he saw the spiraling eyes of Steelix fainted.
Honestly, after the Close Combat hit, he suspected that Steelix had already lost its ability to fight, who would've thought it could still move, let alone spew out a Dragon Breath.
Solid trait? It must be that.
But thankfully, he won...
He won!
Mann Chong clenched his fist fiercely, his brows filled with exhilaration and excitement. The long-unfelt emotion surged through him, making him feel more alive.
The Gallade, reverted to its original form, was equally thrilled, infected by his trainer.
They exchanged looks, both breaking into radiant smiles.
It was clearly just an ordinary battle, and the opponent's strength was far inferior to some formidable foes in the tournaments, yet the feelings swelling in both of them were no less than when they advanced past the semifinals.
Was it simply the long absence from battles?
Mann Chong was unsure, but undoubtedly, at this moment, he just wanted to savor this rare joy.
He was just about to go over to Baimu to say something when his cousin Aman suddenly rushed up, hugging him excitedly.
"Mann Chong! Amazing! Mann Chong!"
Cousin Aman exclaimed joyfully, releasing him only to applaud, not stopping even when her hands turned red.
After all, a child who once loved Pokémon battles so much suddenly said he didn't want to be a trainer anymore and hadn't battled with other trainers for so long, how could she be at ease?
Upon seeing that familiar expression on his face, she was overjoyed.
"You're too loud, you'll disturb the guests."
Mann Chong pleaded shyly, asking his cousin not to clap anymore, as she dragged him to the corridor of the inn.
The onlooking guests, seeing him coming over, curiously surrounded him, asking questions left and right.
"Was that Mega Evolution you used earlier? So cool!"
"I think I know you, did you participate in the Ever Grande Conference?"
"At your age, I was always traveling, did you just finish your journey? Why are you working as a waiter?"
The barrage of questions left Mann Chong unsure of how to respond, as he waved his hands with a somewhat forced smile, "Um, well, I..."
"We sincerely apologize, everyone, he's exhausted from the battle and needs rest, we're terribly sorry..."
Cousin Aman stepped in, standing between them, pushing Mann Chong away from the scene.
The tenants exchanged glances, then looked at Baimu still on the field, and dispersed back to their rooms.
On the field.
Baimu quietly comforted Steelix.
This guy was called from far away hoping to show its skills, but who would've thought, after knocking out a teammate and nearly finished output, it would be taken down in one hit by a seemingly random Pokémon.
Hmm.
Even though it retaliated a bit, it didn't make much of a difference in essence.
"Take it easy, it's just a small defeat, the key is that you held on till the end."
Baimu gently patted its forehead, producing a soft thumping sound.
This level of force was within Steelix's comfort zone, even hitting it with a small wooden hammer wouldn't be an issue.
"Roar..."
Steelix's chin rested on the ground, letting out a low response.
Actual battles are different from stop-practice exchange battles, it requires fighting till the last second, until the very last drop of energy is spent.
Giving it all for victory, refusing to give up until the last moment.
This was the result of Ace Aggron's personal example and teachings, its will influenced Baimu, and also all the Pokémon in the team, even the usually idling Galarian Corsola would push itself to the limit.
"Get some rest."
Baimu recalled it to its Pokeball, turning on his illustrated guide.
Although unclear of Mann Chong's exact strength, his Pokémon's average level was definitely no less than level 65, with Ace Gallade probably exceeding level 70.
Of course, it was just speculation at the moment.
"Woohoo~ growing up, growing up." His face lit up with joy seeing the Galarian Corsola level up.
Why battle Mann Chong? Simply to allow the Pokémon to grow.
If truly aiming for victory, he could've brought out Aggron and the others, battling Mann Chong till the last second, rather than using some "newbies."