A sandstorm raged, engulfing the entire battlefield in a hazy yellow dust, as Cheng Feng's three Pokémon struggled to maintain their footing in the storm.
Ninetales' nine tails danced in the strong winds, as it continuously gathered Fire-type energy, attempting to resist the sandstorm's invasion while maintaining its Sunny Day ability, hoping to create a counter-effect with the sandstorm rather than being directly overwhelmed by it.
Although the light had become faint under the sandstorm's cover, Ninetales still diligently condensed Fire-type energy. Unfortunately, the sandstorm skill used by the quasi-Champion Level Super Steelix mercilessly dispersed the surrounding Fire-type energy, and the sandstorm weather directly took over.
"Rapidash, get close to Ninetales and provide cover!"
"Darmanitan, charge directly at Steelix, don't fear the sandstorm!"
Cheng Feng shouted loudly, knowing that he had to take the initiative now and not be trapped by the sandstorm.
Darmanitan, like a burning cannonball, bravely charged forward against the sandstorm's impact. Flare Blitz's power was halved due to the loss of the Sunny Day ability's boost.
However, the flames on its body, though flickering in the sandstorm, remained scorching hot. After all, its Sheer Force ability and its inherent 140 base Attack stat made its STAB Fire-type moves incredibly explosive.
Amidst the sandstorm, Super Steelix stood firm like an indestructible steel fortress, seemingly at ease.
At this moment, a fiery red figure, like lightning, shot forth—it was the formidable Darmanitan! Each step on the sandy ground kicked up sparks, and its goal was singular: to defeat Super Steelix.
However, facing this aggressive opponent, Super Steelix showed no sign of panic.
"Steelix, use Sand Attack."
Sand Attack, a Ground-type status move, has no offensive power but can lower the opponent's accuracy. However, in real battles, using it in a sandstorm can be surprisingly effective.
It slowly twisted its thick, powerful body, then suddenly swung its massive, python-like tail with force.
In an instant, a surging wave of sand swept towards Darmanitan with overwhelming force.
This sand wave carried countless sharp stones, whistling through the air. The stones, shimmering with a cold glint in the moonlight, resembled deadly projectiles.
If unfortunately hit by this terrifying sand wave, even Darmanitan, known for its strength and sturdy build, would suffer damage from the direct impact of the sand and stones.
"Darmanitan, abandon the attack, jump and dodge!" Cheng Feng quickly commanded upon seeing this.
Darmanitan leaped high, soaring over the Sand Attack's assault. But just as it landed...
"Hyper Beam."
Super Steelix opened its massive maw and unleashed a powerful Normal-type energy beam. The Hyper Beam roared through the sandstorm, like a charging bull, directly clearing away the sand stirred up by the sandstorm skill, heading straight for Darmanitan.
"Use Arm Thrust to block!"
Cheng Feng's heart was in his throat, as he attempted to use a Fighting-type move to counter the Normal-type energy's invasion.
Darmanitan's arm muscles tensed, and it swung with force, colliding head-on with Hyper Beam. A powerful energy wave erupted between them, and Darmanitan was sent reeling backward, its feet carving deep marks in the sand.
At the same time, Rapidash had already approached Ninetales. Ninetales' Howl sounded again, once more boosting Rapidash's physical attack.
Rapidash stomped its four hooves on the ground a few times, then charged towards Super Steelix like an arrow released from a bow. The Flame Wheel on its body spun faster and faster, creating a unique spectacle in the sandstorm.
The chaos was simply too much. Ever since the opponent seized control of the weather, and with the loss of the Sunny Day ability's boost, his tactics and strategies were completely unworkable.
He was relying entirely on his Pokémon's own battle experience to make autonomous decisions, just like Rapidash's charge this time; he hadn't given any command at all.
"Super Steelix, Iron Tail!"
Super Steelix's tail shimmered with metallic luster, sweeping towards Rapidash like a giant iron rod. Rapidash did not flinch, charging head-on into Iron Tail. Fire and steel collided, emitting a harsh grinding sound, directly sending it flying.
The Flame Wheel skill, boosted by two stages of Attack, still dealt considerable damage to Super Steelix, which is doubly weak to Fire-type moves, but Super Steelix's physical defense of 230 points was still not enough to defeat it.
In this fierce battle, Palossand remained tightly pressed against the escort vehicle, continuously retracting sand. The vehicle began to shake violently, as if it could be crushed at any moment.
Cheng Feng knew that he had to defeat Super Steelix as quickly as possible to rescue the escort vehicle.
"Ninetales, use Mystical Fire!" Cheng Feng decided to change tactics, having Ninetales launch a long-range attack.
A ball of mystical blue flames gathered in Ninetales' mouth, with mysterious runes flickering within the flames. It gently exhaled, and the Mystical Fire, like a nimble snake, pierced through the sandstorm, flying towards Super Steelix.
Super Steelix felt the threat of Mystical Fire and tried to dodge. But under the influence of the recoil from the Hyper Beam skill, its movements were slightly sluggish.
Mystical Fire struck its body, and half of Super Steelix's body was engulfed in the flames.
"Now! Darmanitan, Rapidash, full power attack! Ninetales, increase the power of Mystical Fire!"
Cheng Feng seized the opportunity and shouted loudly.
Darmanitan and Rapidash simultaneously charged towards the injured Super Steelix. Darmanitan's Flare Blitz activated again, concentrating all its power into this single impact.
Rapidash leaped high, its Flame Wheel growing even larger, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to Super Steelix.
Super Steelix's Trainer was already growing impatient. It was just an Elite Four Trainer, after all. He had deliberately created an opening with Hyper Beam to lure Darmanitan and Rapidash in, seizing an opportunity for a double KO.
"Earthquake!"
Super Steelix's massive and sturdy body stood on the ground, its thick, powerful tail raised high, like a giant drumstick. It suddenly exerted force, slamming its tail hard onto the ground.
"Bang!"
A loud bang echoed, and the ground instantly cratered deeply, dust flying and broken stones scattering.
Immediately after, Super Steelix swung its tail again, delivering another heavy blow to the ground.
"Bang bang bang!"
The continuous pounding was deafening, as if the whole world trembled with it. Each collision of the tail with the ground triggered a violent Earthquake.
The earth began to shake, just like the terrifying 12-magnitude Earthquakes people experience daily in Little Sakura's country.
Accompanied by rumbling sounds, terrifying Ground-type energy continuously emanated from Super Steelix's tail, rapidly spreading across the entire land.
This powerful energy caused surrounding rocks to crack, trees to be uprooted, and sand and stones to fly, creating utter chaos.
It not only impacted Darmanitan and Rapidash in front but also reached Ninetales and Trainer Cheng Feng in the back, all within the range of Earthquake's attack...