Dudunsparce, a Normal-type Pokémon known as the "Land Snake Pokémon."
It evolves from Dudunsparce after learning its signature move, Hyper Drill.
Normally, an evolved Dudunsparce should have only two segments.
But among these creatures, there are roughly one in a hundred lucky ones that evolve into a three-segmented form.
Due to their increased weight and length, it's generally believed that these Dudunsparces might possess greater combat power.
In Aiden's previous live stream, he had used it as an example to explain the conventional tactics of Substitute + Protect + Toxic.
However, this Pokémon's tactical versatility was vast, so even he didn't know what new tricks Nemona's Dudunsparce might pull out.
But the answer was soon revealed—
"Dudunsparce, Hyper Drill!"
As she issued her command, Nemona revealed the Tera Orb in her other hand and immediately tossed it above Dudunsparce.
Aiden instantly understood.
Theoretically, Terastallization was a phenomenon exclusive to the Paldea region.
But thanks to President Geeta—or rather, the Paldea League—they seemed to have figured out part of the mechanism behind Terastallization through their earlier exploration of Zone Zero.
Thus, Tera Orbs could be used normally even here in Kitakami, thousands of miles away.
It was even rumored that some wild Pokémon capable of self-Terastallization had appeared in the ecological dome that Blueberry Academy spent a fortune building.
Presumably, this was also the result of cooperation with Paldea.
As the Tera Orb passed above Dudunsparce, it instantly shattered, triggering the dormant Tera energy. Soon, a layer of Tera armor enveloped Dudunsparce.
At the same time, Dudunsparce began charging up, and when the symbol representing the Normal type appeared above its head, it immediately started spinning wildly, drilling forward like a drill!
Hyper Drill—a terrifyingly powerful signature move with such strong piercing capabilities that it could break through defenses like Protect.
Therefore, it was an offensive move that couldn't be defended against by normal means.
And through this command, Nemona's intentions were conveyed directly into Aiden's mind.
If she couldn't yet dazzle Aiden with tactical brilliance, then she would abandon tactics altogether, returning to basics and using her strongest move to decide the battle!
Having the courage to burn her bridges showed just how quickly Nemona had grown as a trainer.
But sometimes, being too passionate wasn't necessarily a good thing.
"Sylveon, use Substitute to block the opponent's attack and Swift again at the same time!"
After speaking calmly, Aiden gave Sylveon a subtle glance.
"Syl~"
Sylveon immediately understood, making adjustments in quick succession.
At this moment, an inexplicable heartbeat sound suddenly drew everyone's attention.
"Has Sylveon finally gotten serious?"
Arven blinked, hearing such a powerful heartbeat for the first time.
Clearly, this was a sign that all its blood was boiling.
"As expected of Teacher Azure's Pokémon—it even has a second phase like in a game?"
Lacey tilted her head, recalling Aiden's previous tactical style, and found this development quite reasonable.
After all, Teacher Azure never went all out from the start but instead let his opponents gradually adapt before suddenly switching styles to catch them off guard.
So this was true even in actual battles?
No wonder he dared to issue such calm commands—he must have absolute confidence in his abilities!
No.
Perhaps what we're seeing now still isn't Teacher Azure's full power…
Lacey couldn't help but feel curious.
Who could possibly force Teacher Azure to unleash his full strength?
Full-power Teacher Azure—this existence had already become something akin to a conceptual god.
"…"
Only Cynthia, who knew a bit about the situation, remained silent, revealing a mysterious smile.
If she hadn't guessed wrong…
The outcome of this battle might surprise everyone.
Seeing Sylveon set up its defensive stance, Nemona instantly revealed an expression of realization.
"Dudunsparce, bypass the front and attack Sylveon from behind!"
Yes, this was also part of Nemona's calculations!
Because of the presence of Substitute, Teacher Azure would naturally trust the decoy.
But in reality, once Hyper Drill started spinning, its speed was terrifying.
As long as it got close enough, it could easily change direction mid-spin and dodge even Substitute!
Teacher Azure, this is the ultimate move I've prepared for so long!
When it got close to Sylveon, Dudunsparce's speed suddenly paused.
Then, its body traced an elegant white arc on the ground, effortlessly changing direction and striking the opponent from behind at 180 degrees!
Gotcha!
Staring at the seemingly defenseless Sylveon, Nemona's face instantly lit up with a smile.
With the added power of Terastallization, she was confident that even if this move didn't instantly KO Sylveon, it would still deal significant damage!
Thump, thump—
At that moment, the previously clear, rock-like heartbeat suddenly weakened considerably.
It felt almost like a sigh of relief?
Nemona faintly sensed something was off, but there was no time to react.
The spinning Dudunsparce had already struck its target, completely piercing through Sylveon's body in an instant.
Wait…
Piercing???
Nemona realized this at the same moment she heard a loud "Bang!" The "Sylveon" behind her, hit by Hyper Drill, instantly turned into thin air and disappeared.
Meanwhile, the real Sylveon seized the moment of confusion and attacked.
A barrage of Swift attacks rained down on the nearby opponent, quickly causing the exhausted, temporarily defenseless Dudunsparce to roll its eyes and collapse unconscious on the spot.
"Sss—"
Arven couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.
Big Brother Aiden really dared to take risks—using his main body to shield the decoy and trick Nemona into attacking the substitute. If it had failed, he might have been severely injured in an instant!
But in the end, Aiden's gamble paid off.
"Dudunsparce is unable to battle!"
Lacey also snapped out of her daze after a moment and belatedly made the call.
"…"
Nemona held her Poké Ball silently for a while before letting out a sigh.
"I lost."
In fact, when she recalled Pawmot earlier, she had already noticed that her main forces had almost no fighting ability left.
That's why she resorted to such a desperate move.
But it seemed her little plan had been seen through by Teacher Azure from the very beginning.
She hadn't expected that when Teacher Azure went all out, he'd give her a clean 3:0 sweep.
Though it was her own request, it was still…
"This was too cool!"
After the battle ended, Aiden was about to pick up Sylveon to comfort its racing heart when Nemona's voice, filled with passion, suddenly startled both him and Sylveon.
"Teacher Aiden, please go all out again during my next Gym Challenge—I'll do my best to defeat every Pokémon you send out!"
Nemona had already walked over, sweat covering her forehead and palms, but her eyes still burned with enthusiasm.
It seemed the recent loss hadn't affected her at all; instead, it had only fueled her addiction to battling Teacher Azure at full strength…?
"…"
Aiden's lips twitched a few times.
This was exactly how it was in the game—against stronger opponents, Nemona only grew more excited.
This was indeed a trait unique to trainers with big hearts and strong wills.
But…
Oh no, it seems I've truly awakened Nemona's battle addiction!
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