Even after tanking a direct Water Pulse, Infernape had completely shaken off Milotic's Attract effect.
Infernape had always been known for its blazing temperament and unyielding fighting spirit. Ever since Liu had been forced to step away from frontline expeditions due to his knee injury, Infernape hadn't experienced a truly intense battle in a long time.
But now—
Milotic's overwhelming pressure dragged it straight back into those life-and-death struggles of the past.
Liu could clearly feel the change in his partner.
His heart surged with emotion.
What was supposed to be a simple teaching match had turned into something far more meaningful.
The opposing Pokémon already possessed at least high-level strength.
Not just Infernape—even Liu himself felt his blood heating up, as if he had returned to his younger days, charging through dangerous secret realms.
With a burst of shameless enthusiasm, Liu shouted:
"Since that's the case—Infernape! Let's go all out!"
"ROAR!"
Infernape's fighting spirit flared violently.
Its figure blurred as it closed the distance in an instant, fists wrapped in orange-white flames as it launched a ferocious strike.
Mach Punch + Fire Punch!
Wind fed the flames.
"Aqua Tail!" Oliver commanded calmly.
He had never believed Infernape would fall to a single Water Pulse.
That would've been wishful thinking.
Everything was unfolding exactly as Oliver had anticipated.
Infernape's power-packed fist collided head-on with Milotic's slender tail.
Water and flame clashed, sending thick steam billowing across the field.
Milotic was knocked several meters back—but almost immediately surged forward again, as if it hadn't been hit at all.
Infernape clearly held the advantage in raw physical power.
It didn't retreat.
The two Pokémon exchanged blows repeatedly.
Milotic's breathing gradually grew heavier.
Liu frowned slightly.
"Something's off…"
"Infernape has the Iron Fist Ability—and it's a seasoned Pokémon. How is Milotic still trading blows head-on?"
Then he noticed it.
Every time their attacks collided, a thin veil of water appeared at the point of impact, subtly weakening Infernape's strikes.
Liu's eyes widened.
"So that Water Ring from earlier…!"
"Then we end this in one hit!" Liu shouted.
"Infernape—finish it!"
Infernape lunged, fist aimed straight for Milotic's head.
"Water Gun! Dragon Tail!"
A powerful Water Gun blasted out, briefly obscuring the battlefield with steam.
Infernape shattered the attack with brute force—
—but Milotic had already lowered its body.
Its tail whipped upward, smashing directly into Infernape's ankle.
"ROAR!"
The strike disrupted Infernape's balance entirely.
Pain surged.
Liu reacted instantly.
"Now! Thunder Punch!"
Despite losing balance, the distance between the two Pokémon was dangerously close.
More importantly—
Infernape had never used Thunder Punch earlier in the match.
If that attack landed, Milotic would almost certainly be knocked out.
Crackling electricity wrapped around Infernape's fist.
Oliver's eyes narrowed.
He hadn't expected that move either.
But Milotic hadn't been training for nothing.
"Substitute!"
A quarter of its stamina vanished as a decoy formed instantly.
Infernape's electrified punch slammed straight through—
CRACK!
The "Milotic" shattered like glass, fragments scattering everywhere.
"Not good!"
Before Infernape could react—
SMACK!
Milotic's tail struck its back, sending it flying several meters across the field.
Infernape rolled and leapt back to its feet, eyes blazing as it stared down Milotic.
This Pokémon was no weaker than some lower-tier veteran-level Pokémon.
The exchange left the entire class stunned.
The battle had been exhilarating.
Milotic swayed slightly, its stamina clearly dropping.
Infernape, battered and bruised, still burned with indomitable will—as if it could fight for hours more.
Oliver sighed softly.
Despite Milotic holding the advantage in tactics, raw endurance and experience still favored Infernape.
If the fight dragged on, Milotic would lose.
That was an unavoidable gap in strength.
Without hesitation, Oliver recalled Milotic.
"I lost. This battle taught me a lot."
Liu froze.
"Lost?! What are you talking about?! Put it back—keep fighting!"
From his perspective, Infernape had been on the defensive the entire time!
Oliver shook his head.
"There's no need. I'm not your opponent."
Continuing would only mean Milotic getting hurt for no reason.
But Liu's face darkened.
Now it looked like Oliver was deliberately conceding to save his pride.
Sure enough, the students began whispering.
"Milotic was totally dominating—why stop now?"
"He didn't want Teacher Liu to lose face."
"Yeah… a high schooler beating a veteran trainer would look bad."
"No way, Liu's just rusty."
"Or maybe he's getting old…"
Liu's eye twitched.
He immediately raised his voice.
"Enough!"
"Did you all notice something during that match?"
"I intentionally gave several incorrect commands."
"Oliver took advantage of every mistake."
"This battle proves that strategy matters just as much as Pokémon strength."
"Even with a powerful Pokémon, poor decisions can cost you everything."
The class fell silent—then nodded in realization.
"Ohhh—so it was a negative example!"
"He was teaching us what not to do!"
Liu finally exhaled in relief.
Then he shot Oliver a fierce glare.
You little brat… having this much strength and not saying a word.
But beneath that glare—
There was unmistakable admiration.
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