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"BOOM!"
The explosion's deafening roar created a massive shockwave that swept across the battlefield. Powerful winds whipped through the arena as debris scattered in all directions.
The audience strained to see through the thick black smoke that obscured the battlefield. This was Garganacl's third Explosion, and all three devastating attacks had successfully dealt severe damage to Jacob's Pokémon.
"What can Jacob possibly do now?" Layne's voice carried genuine concern as he watched the rolling smoke. "He absolutely must find a way to break Chandler's strategy, or Rabsca will use Sleep Talk again and revive Garganacl for yet another Explosion!"
"Chandler has proven himself to be a true tactical genius," Liliana added with admiration. "Using Sleep Talk to achieve unlimited Revival Blessing usage – he's created an entirely new strategy for Rabsca."
The crowd's energy was building as supporters from across the region began cheering.
"Go, Jacob! You can definitely win!"
"Making it to the semifinals is already incredible! This is the best result Starlight City has achieved in years!"
"Come on! You're so close to the National Finals!"
The local Starlight City fans were particularly passionate, holding up support signs and shouting encouragement. This was the closest their city had come to the national stage in nearly a decade.
"Jacob! Don't give up!"
"You are the pride of Starlight City!"
"We believe in you!"
The waves of cheers rose and fell throughout the arena. Jacob's gaze remained fixed on the dissipating smoke, his determination unwavering. More than anyone else, he wanted to reach the National Finals.
"Everyone, I will definitely make it to the Finals!" Jacob called out, his voice carrying clearly to his supporters.
His hand unconsciously moved to touch the small pendant hanging beneath his shirt – the Charizardite Y stone. If the situation became truly desperate, he wouldn't hesitate to reveal Mega Evolution. But that moment hadn't arrived yet. He wasn't in a hopeless position, and he still had one chance to turn everything around.
He had already identified his opportunity for a comeback, but success would depend entirely on whether Chandler would give him the opening he needed.
Jacob had chosen Sceptile specifically for this final gambit. The Grass-type would be the key to victory in this battle – if his plan worked.
The strategy centered around one of Sceptile's most unique moves: Worry Seed.
While most trainers thought of Worry Seed simply as a way to change an opponent's ability – like removing Garganacl's Purifying Salt – they overlooked another crucial aspect of the move. Worry Seed granted the Insomnia ability, which prevented Pokémon from entering a sleep state.
Under Insomnia's effect, even a Pokémon already asleep would be immediately awakened and unable to use Rest again. Without the ability to sleep, Rabsca couldn't use Sleep Talk, and Chandler's entire strategy would crumble.
This was Jacob's hope for a desperate comeback. It was a subtle interaction that many trainers missed, focusing only on the ability-changing aspect while ignoring the sleep prevention effect.
Now Jacob had to see if Chandler would send Rabsca back onto the field unguarded. If Chandler had no countermeasures and directly deployed Rabsca, Jacob could use Worry Seed to shatter the Explosion strategy and achieve an incredible comeback.
Jacob was gambling that Chandler hadn't considered this particular weakness in his strategy.
"Come back, Garganacl," Chandler commanded as he recalled his fainted Pokémon.
Jacob's heart raced as he waited to see which Pokémon Chandler would choose next. Victory or defeat hinged entirely on this single decision.
If Chandler sent out Grimmsnarl instead, it would prove he had anticipated Sceptile's Worry Seed and prepared a counter. The Dark/Fairy-type's Prankster ability would allow it to use Taunt before Jacob could act, sealing away Sceptile's status moves.
After recalling Garganacl, Chandler reached for a Poké Ball with confident movements. Three consecutive Explosions had given him a commanding advantage. He simply needed to continue cycling his strategy, and when Jacob eventually sent out Noibat, Grimmsnarl could use Taunt to secure victory.
Chandler gripped Rabsca's Poké Ball and hurled it forward decisively.
"Go, Rabsca! Continue with Sleep Talk!"
The moment Chandler sent out Rabsca, Jacob's tension evaporated and a smile crept across his face. He had won. Against all odds, he had actually won this battle.
Chandler noticed Jacob's sudden shift in expression and felt a chill of uncertainty. Why was Jacob smiling? What method could he possibly have to break this seemingly perfect strategy?
Something was wrong. Chandler's mind raced through his strategy, searching for any flaw he might have missed.
Then Jacob's voice rang out across the battlefield with absolute confidence.
"Sceptile, use Worry Seed! I told everyone I would definitely make it to the Finals!"
The moment Jacob spoke, realization crashed over Chandler like a cold wave.
Worry Seed. Insomnia ability. Sleep prevention.
His strategy had a critical weakness.
Sceptile condensed bright Grass-type energy, forming a glowing seed that flew directly toward Rabsca. The Bug and Psychic-type, built for defensive endurance rather than mobility, couldn't dodge the incoming projectile.
The fluorescent green Worry Seed struck its target and immediately took root. Rabsca's ability changed from its original power to Insomnia, and the transformation instantly woke the Pokémon from its healing sleep.
The crowd erupted as they understood what had just happened.
"Worry Seed! That's brilliant!"
"Why didn't anyone think of that before? Just change Rabsca's ability to Insomnia!"
"Without the ability to sleep, Rabsca can't use Sleep Talk anymore!"
"Jacob remembered that Sceptile used Worry Seed at the beginning of the battle – he's been planning this the entire time!"
Rabsca stood on the battlefield, now fully awake and completely helpless. Without access to Rest and Sleep Talk, it had no moves left to use. The Pokémon that had been the centerpiece of Chandler's strategy was now nothing more than a sitting target.
Chandler's face went pale as the full implications hit him. His entire team composition had been built around this strategy. With Garganacl defeated and Rabsca neutralized, only Grimmsnarl remained capable of battle – and a support-oriented Grimmsnarl could never sweep three opponents.
"I've won this battle!" Jacob declared triumphantly. "Sorry, Chandler, but I must reach the National Finals!"
Jacob smiled as he remembered his promise to Nina. He had compelling reasons to win this tournament. His Dreepy was still waiting to evolve in the Dragon-type Secret Realm, and once that evolution was complete, Jacob would have yet another powerful team member ready for battle.
As Sceptile's Worry Seed connected with Rabsca, this thrilling semifinal match reached its turning point.
"Sceptile, it's time for our counterattack! Use Night Slash!"
"Scep!" Sceptile roared with satisfaction, finally getting its chance for revenge after being suppressed by Garganacl throughout the battle.
The remainder of the battle unfolded without further dramatic twists.
Although Jacob's three Pokémon had all sustained heavy damage, securing victory was now straightforward. Rabsca fell quickly to Sceptile's assault, unable to defend itself without any usable moves.
When Chandler sent out Grimmsnarl as his final Pokémon, one powerful Leaf Storm from Sceptile was enough to claim victory.
"Grimmsnarl is unable to battle! Jacob wins the semifinal match!" the referee announced, his voice carrying clearly throughout the arena.
The venue immediately exploded with overwhelming applause and celebration.
"Jacob!"
"That was incredible!"
"Congratulations to Jacob for successfully advancing to the finals and qualifying for the National Finals!"
From the commentary booth, both announcers shared the crowd's excitement.
"What an absolutely spectacular battle!" Layne exclaimed. "While Chandler ultimately lost, he showcased a truly brilliant strategy that opened our eyes to new possibilities."
"The combination of Rest, Sleep Talk, and Revival Blessing was genuinely innovative," Liliana agreed enthusiastically. "I'm certain that after today, many trainers will attempt to develop their own Rabsca using similar techniques."
"But the ultimate victory belongs to Jacob and to Starlight City," Layne continued with evident emotion. "If I'm not mistaken, this marks the first time Starlight City has reached the National Finals in nearly ten years. Let's give our applause to Jacob and to everyone who supported him on this incredible journey!"
The crowd's roar of approval seemed to shake the very foundations of the arena as Jacob raised his fist in triumph, knowing that his greatest challenge still lay ahead in the finals.