Draco Meteor required a long charge-up time with obvious telegraph before use, and lowered the user's Special Attack significantly due to recoil afterward.
But, it couldn't be helped, this was currently the most powerful Dragon-type move available. (Excluding legendary Pokémon exclusive moves)
It also proved just how powerful this Flygon was as a Dragon-type. Being able to comprehend Draco Meteor meant its potential was definitely not lacking, at least its comprehension ability was exceptional.
"Flygon doesn't have much stamina left. Keep up the offensive!"
"Crawdaunt, use Swords Dance to power up!"
Sieg had the other two Pokémon temporarily keep Flygon occupied while Crawdaunt took the opportunity to use Swords Dance for enhancement. This move was one it had learned naturally through its bloodline after breaking through to elite level.
Compared to Dragon Dance which boosted both Attack and Speed simultaneously, Swords Dance only raised Attack, but the boost was far greater than Dragon Dance's.
As for which of the two enhancement moves was superior, that was a matter of perspective.
"Crawdaunt, finish it! Razor Shell!"
"Boom~"
Crawdaunt's thick, powerful legs stomped down hard as it leapt high into the air. In midair, its pincers condensed into a shell-blade form, directly slashing toward Flygon.
Already severely injured, Flygon struggled to move quickly. Combined with Sharpedo and Honchkrow eyeing it from the side like predators, it had no chance to escape or dodge.
Water has no form, yet it can take any form.
A massive water blade condensed, wisps of mist seeping out. As the blade's light flowed, water vapor rose.
The water blade flashed past in an instant. What was once gentle water had now become the sharpest of blades.
Flygon barely endured this strike before plummeting to the ground, kicking up a huge cloud of dust. Its entire body collapsed powerlessly on the ground, its eyes showing spirals.
"Flygon is unable to battle. Black Sky has passed the mid-captain examination!"
The referee on the side announced the exam results expressionlessly.
A faint smile rose at the corner of Sieg's mouth. He wasn't surprised by this outcome. His Pokémon had made tremendous progress, each one surpassing their previous level.
Crawdaunt stood on the field, the five-pointed star on its head gleaming brilliantly under the lights!
Sieg stepped forward to pat Crawdaunt's body, praising it softly. "Well done. Your moves have improved significantly, and the transitions between skills in battle have gotten much faster."
Sieg glanced at Flygon collapsed in the center of the field. Staff members were already entering to clean up.
Just as he was preparing to leave for the administrative hall to update his status, the hidden door in the corner suddenly opened. The man who'd spoken with Sieg before the battle walked out, though he no longer had that superior attitude from before.
Instead, he was bowing and scraping, following behind a man in a suit.
This suited man was none other than Archer.
He walked out from the hidden passage with an expressionless face, moving at a measured pace. Sieg instantly felt a sharp, oppressive aura rushing toward him.
Sieg's expression tensed immediately. Even Crawdaunt, who'd been relaxed just moments ago, stiffened entirely, assuming a guarded posture as if encountering a natural predator.
Crawdaunt's body was telling it that the person before them was extremely dangerous.
Archer casually glanced at Crawdaunt and said, "Not bad. You've actually been promoted to mid-captain. You're usable material after all."
Sieg quickly bowed, bending at the waist with clasped hands. "It's all thanks to Team Rocket and your cultivation, sir. This subordinate doesn't dare claim credit."
Archer nodded slightly, showing no emotional expression. He simply waved his hand, dismissing the man beside him.
The entire arena now contained only Sieg and Archer.
"How did you obtain that shiny Pichu?"
Archer's emotionless voice rang out.
Though phrased as a question, his tone brooked no argument.
Sieg's mind instantly worked out what happened. The other party probably had extremely high clearance within Team Rocket to be able to investigate even this secret, considering Sieg had used an anonymous listing when posting the sale.
"Reporting to you, sir, I found it in an abandoned power plant on the outskirts of Mauville City. There's also a special magnetic field there. This subordinate is willing to offer both the shiny Pichu and the location of the special magnetic field to you as a meeting gift."
Sieg didn't dare hide anything. Though his heart felt reluctant, he could only painfully part with it.
After all, when an executive like Archer personally asked, you couldn't fight against those with power.
Archer, dressed in his suit, nodded. A flash of appreciation passed through his eyes, clearly satisfied with Sieg's answer.
However, he still waved his hand dismissively. "No need. I'm not so low as to take advantage of a kid like you. Tell me, what do you want? Whether it's Rocket Points, precious Pokémon, or items, as long as it doesn't exceed the upper limit of that shiny Pichu's value."
Sieg stood respectfully in place, head lowered in thought, but didn't respond for a long while.
Facing a powerhouse of this level, he really had no bargaining power. If Archer wanted to forcibly seize this Pokémon, it would be as easy as breathing. Sieg could only offer it up with both hands.
Otherwise, with Archer's strength and position, killing him would be no different from crushing an ant.
This was the tragedy of the weak.
Only the strong held any real power.
Seeing Sieg not responding for so long, Archer showed a hint of impatience. "Speak up. I don't like owing favors."
Hearing Archer's words, Sieg relaxed slightly. Only then did he "boldly" speak. "This subordinate has long desired the Dark-types Zoroark and Absol. I wonder if..."
Sieg trailed off, showing a hesitant expression.
Archer was slightly surprised, staring at Sieg as he spoke. "You've got some nerve. Those two Pokémon are almost as rare as pseudo-legendaries."
Hearing this, Sieg thought he had no hope. His eyes dimmed somewhat, and he was about to ask for a different reward.
"However... though I can't directly give you these two Pokémon, I can give you an opportunity. As long as you make significant contributions in the mission coming up in a few days, I'll have a reason to properly reward you."
Archer didn't reveal too much. He glanced once more at Sieg with his lowered head, then reentered the hidden passage, disappearing from the arena.
Only then did Sieg raise his head, taking a deep breath to suppress all his dissatisfaction back into his heart.
In his view, what Archer had just told him were completely empty promises. He should've just asked for practical Rocket Points or Pokédollars instead.
But the strong dictate terms to the weak.
Sieg could only suppress the unhappiness in his heart. He bowed again with clasped hands toward the slowly closing hidden door, saying respectfully, "Being able to serve and ease your worries is this subordinate's honor. This subordinate respectfully sends you off!"
Archer didn't respond, though a teasing laugh could faintly be heard from the passage.
"Hehe, that Lt. Surge fellow should be very interested in this shiny Pichu. I can squeeze him dry for this!"