Zhuqing Breeding Center.
Following Lance's and Steven's battle, Cynthia and Diantha came next, each sending out Kommo-o and Goodra.
Compared to the previous match between Lance VS Steven, this one was anticipated a bit less.
The reason was simple: Cynthia and Diantha had just battled in the Master League two days prior.
Ultimately, Cynthia emerged victorious.
Compared to Lance and Steven, who had an even win-loss record and whose performance depended heavily on their current state and their Pokemon's condition, Diantha had more losses than wins against Cynthia in their past battles.
Even knowing it would be an exciting match, the excitement was somewhat muted when the outcome was already known.
When Li Wei announced the start of the battle, Cynthia, who was already radiating a full aura, had her momentum rise even further.
Cynthia declared loudly:
"Kommo-o, Dragon Dance!"
Kommo-o first pounded its chest with its fists, growling, as if performing a war dance, its body swaying rhythmically.
Kommo-o's scales clashed violently, emitting a clanging sound like war drums!
The children watching were instantly captivated by this powerful dance.
Diantha's lips curled slightly, and she responded calmly,
"Acid Armor!"
Goodra, already smooth and moist, secreted a large amount of wet, viscous fluid from its body surface.
Just like the move's name, its body seemed to melt, becoming even softer, smoother, and more elastic.
This was one of the reasons for Goodra's strong defense; some moves, like Water Gun, couldn't even harm it because they would be weakened by its smooth surface.
Both sides immediately started by boosting themselves.
Professor Professor Rowan explained to the children,
"Kommo-o used Dragon Dance to boost its Attack and Defense, while Goodra greatly increased its Defense."
After boosting its Speed, Cynthia chose to test with a strong attack: "Scale Noise!"
Kommo-o's scales vibrated violently, emitting an extremely piercing noise that surged directly towards Goodra!
Lance also explained to the children,
"Scale Noise is a Dragon-type move that can deal decent damage to Goodra, but it also lowers the user's Defense."
Steven immediately added:
"But Goodra's strength lies in its Defense, and its moves are more geared towards Special Attack, so this move won't have too much of an impact on Kommo-o."
"Wow! So cool!"
Professor Professor Rowan seized the opportunity to teach the children,
"Children, this is Pokemon battling. You must skillfully utilize your Pokemon's type advantages, strengths, and weaknesses."
"Some moves, like Scale Noise, may lower your Defense, but they can be very useful at times."
"Got it!"
Kommo-o's Scale Noise initially dealt very good damage to Goodra.
But Diantha quickly figured out a way to counter it, using clever force to nullify Scale Noise.
"My dear, Muddy Water!"
Goodra, who had been painfully closing its eyes amidst the noise, opened them and raised a torrent of murky water with a swing of its hand!
Muddy Water not only washed away and negated Scale Noise, but it also broke through the noise, striking Kommo-o like a wave.
Not only did it cause damage, but the Muddy Water also soiled its shining scales, which was very uncomfortable for Kommo-o.
Kommo-o shook its head, appearing somewhat agitated.
"Muddy Water is Muddy Water. Sometimes, if it can obstruct the opponent's vision, it can also have the effect of lowering their accuracy."
But Diantha's attempt didn't work this time.
Although it made Kommo-o's shining scales muddy and very uncomfortable, it didn't affect its vision.
Diantha pressed her advantage: "Encore, Muddy Water!"
Goodra let out another long cry, and surging muddy waves, raising even higher, swept towards Kommo-o.
Cynthia's style was to overcome all with a single powerful force.
"Break through it, Close Combat!"
Kommo-o roared, its fists becoming even stronger and more powerful.
It pushed the power and speed boosted by Dragon Dance to their limits, its entire body enveloped in furious Fighting-type energy.
Like a tank, it smashed through Muddy Water, reaching Goodra in an instant!
Fists, feet, elbows, knees, tail… every part of its body transformed into a deadly weapon, raining down blows on Goodra's soft body!
Goodra cried out in pain, pushed back by the fierce close-range barrage, leaving marks on its smooth body.
But Kommo-o also seemed a bit out of breath from its full-power assault.
"Close Combat is a very effective Fighting-type move, but it also weakens the user's Defense and Special Defense."
Lance mused, "But since it's already in close quarters, I think with Cynthia's style, she'll continue to attack fiercely."
Just as Lance predicted, Cynthia declared loudly:
"Finish it! Sky Uppercut!"
Kommo-o stomped its right foot, kicking off the ground, and instantly sand and stones flew!
Kommo-o's full power gathered in its right fist, delivering a ferocious uppercut from below, directly striking Goodra's jaw!
Diantha's reaction was also quick: "Protect!"
At the critical moment,
A blue light flashed in Goodra's eyes, and a solid azure shield instantly unfolded in front of it!
Bang— Sky Uppercut slammed heavily into Protect, unleashing a huge shockwave!
Cracks appeared on Protect's semi-circular light shield, which eventually shattered, but it successfully blocked the fatal blow.
Goodra slid backward due to the residual impact, panting heavily.
The children immediately erupted in huge exclamations of awe!
Kommo-o's full-power attack was blocked, and it panted slightly, but its fighting spirit remained high.
Goodra successfully defended, but due to being hit by Scale Noise and Close Combat consecutively, its stamina was greatly depleted.
"Clangorous Soulblaze!"
Kommo-o still had a significant stamina advantage, so Cynthia still chose to boost.
"Dragon Breath!"
"Dragon Claw!"
Finally, Kommo-o, using Clangorous Soulblaze, displayed even greater power,
And cut through Goodra's Dragon Breath with Dragon Claw!
The green claw also accurately struck Goodra.
Li Wei raised the flag in his left hand,
"Goodra is unable to battle! Kommo-o wins!"
With that, the two exhibition matches concluded.
The children erupted in thunderous applause and cheers!
"Close Combat was so cool!"
"Goodra is so cute!"
"Kommo-o is so strong!"
The children were not stingy with their applause, cheering for the excellent performances of both Pokemon.
Especially Goodra's Protect at the crucial moment,
And Kommo-o's powerful and rhythmic battle, both became hot topics of discussion among the children.
Diantha said helplessly, "I lost to you again."
Cynthia smiled, "I enjoyed battling you."
Finally, the four Champions smiled and greeted the children.
Looking at the children's smiling faces, Li Wei believed that this would become an unforgettable memory for them for the rest of their lives.