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"Augustine's Palafin uses the water jets from its feet to continuously change direction in the air, making it impossible to predict which angle it will strike from."
"How will Charizard handle Palafin's attack? Can it dodge Palafin's Wave Crash while launching a counterattack, just like last time?"
"This small battle will very likely determine the outcome of the entire match. Both trainers want to win this crucial moment."
...
Watching Palafin continuously shift its position in the air using the water jets from its feet, tracing a 'Z' shaped pattern as it closed in on Charizard.
Jacob remained calm and composed. After a brief moment of consideration, he immediately gave his command: "Charizard, charge up... use Solar Beam at maximum power!"
In that instant, Jacob had figured out a strategy to defeat Palafin. It was the most straightforward method, but also the most effective one.
He would trade hits.
No matter how much Palafin altered its attack route, its final target would always be Charizard. Eventually, it would have to close the distance and land its strike.
As long as Charizard endured Palafin's attack and unleashed Solar Beam at the moment of impact, Palafin would have no way to avoid it!
This way, although Charizard would take a Wave Crash, Palafin would also take a Solar Beam.
Under the sunny weather conditions, Charizard could definitely withstand one Wave Crash from Palafin. However, Palafin, having already taken one Solar Beam earlier, absolutely couldn't withstand a second one.
Trading blows, a life-for-life battle strategy! This was Jacob's tactic.
Once Palafin was defeated, the remaining Bellibolt would definitely be no match for Sceptile with its Lightning Rod ability.
Victory in this match would be within reach. The only sacrifice required was for Charizard to take one Wave Crash head-on.
...
Upon hearing Jacob's command, Charizard instantly understood his trainer's intention. It made its decision without any hesitation.
Determination filled its eyes.
Just getting injured? For the sake of victory, a little injury meant nothing, right?
Sometimes, Charizard and Jacob were remarkably similar. Normally, during battles, they wouldn't accept even the slightest unnecessary hit. But when it came to critical moments where they had to fight desperately for victory, they became more ruthless than anyone else and wouldn't hesitate for even a second.
Unnecessary hits would be avoided, but necessary ones would be taken without complaint.
Charizard flapped its wings and actively flew toward Palafin.
"Boom!"
Palafin's full-power Wave Crash slammed directly into Charizard's body. Surging Water-type energy splashed everywhere, sending Charizard's body plummeting toward the ground like a kite with its string cut.
At that moment, Charizard felt as if several of its bones had broken, but this only ignited its fighting spirit even more. Its claws gripped Palafin tightly, refusing to let go.
Staring at Palafin, a flash of ruthlessness appeared in Charizard's eyes.
At the same time, Charizard began charging its Solar Beam. Endless Grass-type energy, amplified by the sunny weather, rapidly gathered into Charizard's mouth.
"Break free, Palafin!" Augustine's expression darkened. At that moment, he also realized Jacob's plan.
If Palafin took this Solar Beam at such close range, this match would be over.
Palafin began struggling desperately to break free from Charizard's grip. With the absolute difference in physical strength, Palafin broke free with just a bit of force.
It had to be said that Palafin still held an absolute advantage in raw strength. While it could break free from Charizard's claws, at such close range, it simply couldn't dodge Charizard's Solar Beam.
Almost instantly! The Solar Beam had fully charged, and a brilliant beam of light erupted from Charizard's mouth, engulfing Palafin and striking it directly!
"Boom!"
The brilliant beam of light pushed Palafin toward the ground, causing a massive explosion.
When the light beam faded, Palafin had lost its ability to battle. It lay unconscious and had also reverted from its Hero Form back to its ordinary form.
"Palafin is unable to battle. Charizard wins."
The referee's announcement rang out. Jacob had successfully defeated Augustine's ace Pokémon, Palafin, with Charizard. This left Augustine with only one Pokémon remaining—Bellibolt.
"Come back, Palafin. You did very well." A flash of disappointment crossed Augustine's eyes. For someone as proud as him, losing to Jacob, and especially losing despite having fought against Mega Evolution, how could he accept it?
Reality is always full of disappointments; no one can have smooth sailing throughout their entire life.
Taking a deep breath, Augustine threw out Bellibolt's Poké Ball. He knew that his last Pokémon, Bellibolt, simply couldn't defeat Sceptile with its Lightning Rod ability.
"Come back, Charizard."
"Go, Sceptile."
Looking at Bellibolt entering the field, Jacob still chose the safest strategy, recalling Charizard and sending out Sceptile.
...
The rest of the match unfolded exactly as everyone expected. Mega Sceptile, with its Lightning Rod ability, after setting up three Swords Dances, easily defeated Bellibolt with its powerful physical attacks, securing victory in this match.
"Bellibolt is unable to battle. Jacob wins this match."
"Let us congratulate Jacob for advancing to the final championship match. He will compete in the finals one week from now."
"Let us congratulate Jacob."
When Sceptile defeated Bellibolt, thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience.
"Jacob!"
"Jacob!"
"Jacob!"
...
Jacob had advanced to the final championship match with a dominant 3-0 victory. Now he was just one step away from the ultimate Champion title. He only needed to win one more match to make history for Starlight City and Frosthollow Province.
At this moment, Jacob was the hero of Starlight City and Frosthollow Province. He was the first contestant from Starlight City to reach the finals in so many years, setting a new record for the city.
And if Jacob won the championship, he would also set a record for the entire Frosthollow Province, becoming the hero of all Frosthollow Province and the first High School Cup Champion from the region.
This was the closest Starlight City and Frosthollow Province had ever been to the Champion title.
...
Back at the Lin family home, Jacob received countless messages of congratulations and blessings.
Asher: "Well done! As expected of my younger brother, as expected of the genius second only to me. You have some of my style from back in the day. Good luck in the final match."
Kyle: "Jacob, damn, you're really amazing. I'm taking leave next week to come to the capital and watch the battle in person. Don't let me down!"
Maximus: "Good luck."
Nina: "Only one match left. Good luck, Jacob. Don't put too much pressure on yourself—you're already the best."
Amelia: "Congratulations, good luck."
Julia: "I won. See you in the finals. Do you remember our first official battle? Give it your all and don't leave yourself with any regrets!"
Raya: "Jacob, congratulations. After the finals, whether you or Julia wins the championship, let's all have a meal together."
...