The elongation of distance resulted in both sides having more opportunities to use amplification-oriented transformation techniques at the beginning of the fight.
Even if amplification techniques no longer improve by percentage values, numerous applications can dramatically enhance a single Pokémon, potentially playing a decisive role.
Therefore.
Both Baimu and the burly man were actually hesitant to let the opponent continue amplifying. Once they completed basic amplification, they rushed toward each other, aiming to gain the first-move advantage.
Within a few breaths, the distance between them significantly closed!
"Fairy Wind!"
"Sonic Fist!"
The commands were issued.
An eager Hitmonchan launched a preemptive strike, convinced that it could deliver its best punch of the week!
In the blink of an eye, it slid towards Mawile with such speed that it seemed to shrink the ground beneath its feet.
Whoosh!
The sound of rushing wind erupted! It was the wind-breaking sound created by Hitmonchan as it swung its fist, its right fist spinning like a drill under the blinding halo of Sonic Fist, ready to explode like a shocking bomb, leaving an impression that even if by luck one managed to dodge it, they'd still be paralyzed half-body.
The Iron Fist Trait combined with the Bodybuilding Skill could elevate Sonic Fist to such a realm!
But Mawile wasn't just a punching bag for beating. It had already swung its massive jaw behind its head, spinning its whole body like a top, transforming the hurricane mixed with light pink particles into a rampaging tornado to clash with Sonic Fist!
The turbulent attribute energy collided, violently collapsing and then swelling into an explosion!
Bang!
Brilliant flames mixed with smoke suddenly engulfed the two.
However.
Hitmonchan and Mawile retreated from different directions in the next moment, breathing lightly while waiting for the smoke to disperse.
At this time, both sides felt disadvantaged in charging through the smoke first.
So, both chose to hold their positions.
Players in a game can't imagine that a physical attacker like Mawile can use a special attack like Fairy Wind to cancel out Hitmonchan's Sonic Fist, which was continuously amplified by bodybuilding Iron Fist.
Yet, this very scene was clearly unfolding in Pyrite Arena.
"What a pity! I thought that punch could have taken down Mawile! Who could've known Mawile's Fairy Wind would be so strong!"
The host sighed while asking White Bird, "Mr. White Bird, what do you think?"
"I agree with your view; had Sonic Fist hit Mawile, taking it down wouldn't have been a problem."
White Bird calmly replied, "But one thing you got wrong, Mawile's Fairy Wind isn't strong. The reason it could counter Sonic Fist is partly due to the low base power of Sonic Fist. Another reason is related to the torque brought by Fairy Wind."
"Torque?"
"Yes, Hitmonchan's punch, with its twisting and swift motion, carries a screw drill-like force. And Mawile's Fairy Wind happened to rotate in the opposite direction, which to some degree reduced the power of Sonic Fist."
"Wow, hearing you say that, I feel Contestant Baimu's response is truly impressive."
"Not really, this is just basic operation. If it were me, I could do better. Besides, the match has just begun; let's wait and see."
White Bird showed great confidence in the burly man below.
——
In the arena.
The dust and smoke slowly cleared away.
The two Pokémon looked at their opponents not far away, and after confirming no further action from the other, launched another attack.
"Close Combat!"
"Rush!"
At the moment the trainers issued commands, their Pokémon moved as if synchronized with their thoughts.
As usual, Hitmonchan slid forward. Known as possessing the soul of a boxer, it always remembered the steps and combat style of boxing, even in urgent situations like the present.
In comparison, Mawile, having just been exposed to boxing through Baimu, was not capable of skillfully utilizing various techniques.
However, for the moment, simply understanding the content of boxing was enough to benefit it in its battle with Hitmonchan.
What surprised it more was that Hitmonchan's every move was exactly as Baimu described yesterday.
It found that even if its reflexes were slightly slower than Hitmonchan's, it could still respond using what Baimu had explained.
Smart like a trainer, wise like me!
Mawile was delighted, its massive jaw behind its head moved like a living thing, swiftly and flexibly biting down on Hitmonchan's right hook first, with a dark red glow!
Hitmonchan, unable to dodge, had its entire right fist engulfed by the jaw.
Boom!
A dull sound erupted as brown-red and dark red lights flickered and collided, causing Mawile to furrow its brow yet showing no sign of relent. It did not have the habit of loosening its bite once it clamped down.
Instead, it intensified its grip.
The sharp teeth of the massive jaw dug into Hitmonchan's bulging muscles, the intense pain nearly contorted the latter's face. Just as its left fist was about to strike Mawile's face, a sudden Machamp-like force pulled its body over Mawile's head!
What terrifying strength, merely by biting an arm, it managed to lift the entire body!
The burly man and Hitmonchan both knew the situation was bad, and immediately sought to counteract. But the power of a punch depends on ground leverage, and Hitmonchan, dangling in the air, like a rootless duckweed, couldn't muster much strength with its Sonic Fist.
Moreover, Mawile had already begun spinning at high speed with itself as the center!
"Fairy Wind!"
The wind, filled with pale pink particles, attacked from below upward. Hitmonchan felt as if countless long knives were cutting back and forth, suffering the relentless storm's sweep.
And when the Fairy Wind dissipated, it was slammed hard onto the ground by Mawile.
"Aipi!"
Hitmonchan grimaced in pain.
"Hold on! Get up!"
The burly man shouted with all his might.
But seeing Hitmonchan's struggling attempt to stand, and its right arm twitching like it was difficult to move, he realized it was just a step away from collapse.
"Hitmonchan is in great danger—oh! The *** contestant opts for a switch! Hitmonchan successfully leaves the field!"
The host excitedly shouted, "Let's look forward to his next Pokémon!"
In the arena.
Mawile regretfully missed the red-light-drawn Hitmonchan. It felt like it could have taken down the opponent with just a bit more speed.
"Tchido!"
It flew back to Baimu's side.
"Is there a problem with the huge jaw?"
Baimu asked softly. Using the huge jaw to perform a [Rush] into [Close Combat] was akin to exchanging injury for injury; he wouldn't usually advocate such a tactic unless the opponent was exceptionally strong.
The risk was too high.
"Tchido~"
Mawile nodded and shook its head, indicating it was in pain but could endure.
"You better rest off the field for a while."
Baimu pondered for a few seconds before opting to switch Mawile out.
During the switch.
The opponent's second Pokémon appeared.
It was entirely brownish, without a visible head; its black eyes were located in the chest area; its arms and legs had spring-like joints.
Hitmonlee, the kicking Pokémon.
It was related to the previous Hitmonchan but different from Hitmonchan's powerful punches, Hitmonlee possessed remarkably stretchable and flexible legs.
"As expected, the Tyrogue family huh…"
Baimu took a deep breath as his chosen Pokémon landed smoothly.
"Luck~"
Chansey let out a most auspicious cry.