Slaking was at level 94—clearly, Eric had been hiding his strength very deeply. Julian had thought that he had only recently broken through to the Champion level, but it now seemed he had achieved it several years earlier.
"I don't understand," Julian said. "Why didn't you announce it after becoming a Champion? If you had shown your strength to the Elder Council, your Dawson family could've easily become the true dominant power in Victoria."
Champions held immense power and status in any country—in smaller nations, they were almost like emperors from ancient times.
Even in a superpower like Drakoria, a Champion's authority and status were significant. As long as they didn't commit treason or engage in heinous acts, a Champion could practically do as they pleased within the country.
"Hmph," Eric snorted. "Because my Dawson family was secretly supported by Anglia. If the Elder Council found out I've become a Champion, do you think they'd let me live?"
Since this battle would end with either his death or Julian's, there was no longer any need to hide anything.
Julian was slightly taken aback. So that was the reason—no wonder Eric had chosen to conceal his strength. He had thought Eric was simply being humble, but it turned out he had no other choice.
"Then why didn't you go to Anglia? You're a Champion—they'd definitely welcome you with open arms."
"I am still a citizen of this country! I won't betray my own nation!" Eric roared angrily.
Julian was stunned—the old man had said it with such conviction and pride. But if he was truly loyal, why did he accept support from Anglia in the first place?
Still, Julian could tell that when Eric said those words, he truly meant them.
Looking at Eric, Julian said calmly, "I will leave your body intact."
Hearing this, Eric burst out laughing, enraged. "Hahaha! Julian, do you really think you've got me cornered? Is it because my Pokémon is Slaking?"
Julian shook his head. "No, it's because my Pokémon is Metagross."
"Meta~"
Metagross let out a deep metallic rumble, clearly pleased by Julian's words.
---
Pokémon: Metagross (Steel/Psychic)
Level: 92
Potential: Gold
Ability: Light Metal
Held Item: Metal Coat
Gender: Genderless
Moves: Tackle, Steel Beam, Confusion, Metal Claw, Bullet Punch, Flash Cannon, Magnet Rise, Psychic, Scary Face, Hammer Arm, Meteor Mash, Take Down, Agility, Hyper Beam
TMs: Iron Head, Zen Headbutt, Iron Defense, Reflect, Protect, Light Screen, Psycho Cut, Shadow Ball, Gyro Ball, Psyshock, Trailblaze, Bulldoze, Mud-Slap, Aerial Ace, Icy Wind, Rock Tomb, Brick Break, Thunder Punch, Rest, Teleport, Psychic Fangs, Hard Press, Giga Impact, Future Sight, Focus Punch, Earthquake, Heavy Slam, Body Slam, Ice Beam Rock Slide, Grass Knot, Ice Punch, Fire Punch, Recover
Egg Moves: None
Note: Enhanced by the Heart of Arceus—all stats boosted, potential increased.
Note: After absorbing the Blacklight Core, the Pokémon continuously absorbs sunlight to restore its stamina (limited to Steel- and Rock-types)
Note: After using the Steel Crystal, Steel-type moves' power increased by 30%.
Note: Enhanced by the Blood of the Gods—potential transformed.
Note: Gold potential—path to godhood unlocked, overall strength increased by 50%.
Note: Gold Potential; possesses a trace of divinity. Within a ten-kilometer radius, Pokémon with potential lower than Gold have their strength suppressed by 10% (Purple potential), 20% (Blue), 30% (Cyan), 50% (below Cyan).
---
In terms of stats alone, Slaking was indeed impressive, but it still fell short compared to Metagross.
As Metagross's potential advanced to Gold-grade, although its strength hadn't reached the level of a First-class Legendary, its potential already rivaled one.
As a result, its body naturally started to exhibit traits of a First-class Legendary—such as suppressing the strength of ordinary Pokémon.
Eric's Slaking was indeed strong, but his Metagross was even stronger.
"Metagross!"
"Slaking!"
The battle officially began.
Slaking immediately activated the Zeal Seed, eliminating the negative effects of Truant. The once-sluggish creature instantly turned as fierce as a boiling ram, its eyes gleaming with wild intensity. A powerful aura erupted from its body, and it let out a roar like King Kong challenging Metagross.
With the Zeal Seed activated, Slaking's overall strength increased by 10%, but it was still suppressed by the trait of Metagross's Gold potential.
"Meteor Mash!"
A fist glowing with rainbow light slammed toward Slaking.
"Mega Punch!"
A gleam flashed through Eric's eyes. Slaking was inherently a Pokémon with immense strength, and his Slaking had also consumed Explosive Jelly, boosting its strength by 50%.
Competing in strength with Slaking was simply asking for death.
Eric sneered inwardly.
Julian had only become a Champion a few months ago, while he had been one for years now.
As Meteor Mash and Mega Punch drew closer, the air pressure generated by their fists collided first. The instant their force met, a white shockwave burst forth.
Julian and Eric had already retreated to a safe distance as the fight began, each releasing their Pokémon to protect themselves.
Eric sent out a Gothitelle at the peak of Pseudo-Champion level, while Julian rode on Moltres, also at the peak of Pseudo-Champion level, with Celebi hovering above his head and Jirachi held in his arms.
The shockwave spread outward in all directions, and in the blink of an eye, the entire Dawson family manor was annihilated. The family members, bodyguards, and servants—all died without even realizing what had happened.
The mortality rate exceeded 99%.
Only a few very lucky survivors remained.
Eric remained indifferent—so long as he survived, he could rebuild the Dawson family anew.
The shockwave finally stopped only after colliding with the protective barrier Jirachi had erected.
And this was only the clash of the pressure from their fists. As the force continued to escalate, Metagross's fist finally made direct contact with Slaking's.
BOOM!!!!
A thunderous roar echoed throughout the area. The buildings already damaged by the earlier shockwave were instantly pulverized into dust by the vibrations caused by the deafening sound. Even the few remaining survivors were killed outright by the sheer force of the sonic force.
The intense collision of their fists kept producing continuous bursts of air explosions—causing the very space around them to tremble violently, as if on the verge of shattering at any moment.
Eric's face darkened when he saw that Metagross wasn't immediately sent flying by Slaking's punch. His Slaking could easily shatter a mountain with a casual blow. Yet, this Metagross's strength actually rivaled that of Slaking enhanced by Ultimate treasures.
Rivaled?
Metagross would like to say—"you're overestimating yourself."
Slaking was indeed the most powerful opponent Metagross had ever faced in terms of raw strength, possessing nearly sixty percent of its own strength.
And as Metagross began exerting more and more force, Slaking's expression shifted from surprise to utter shock.
'This guy hadn't even been using its full strength from the start!'
Slaking had thought that Metagross barely managed to withstand its punch by using all its might—but now it realized that Metagross hadn't even been serious.
Now, even when Slaking used all its strength, it still couldn't hold back Metagross.
As Metagross unleashed its full power, with a loud BAM, Slaking's body was sent flying like a meteor.
BOOM!!
It crashed heavily into the protective barrier, causing the entire shield to shudder violently.
*****
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