"Waa—"
Compared to just a few days ago, Lapras seemed to have changed slightly.
Moreover, its mere appearance caused the temperature in the arena to suddenly drop.
The Orange Archipelago was located in the tropics, and the arena itself wasn't small. For the temperature to plummet like that upon its arrival, Lapras's strength was undoubtedly exceptional.
"What a powerful Lapras!"
"It's not much weaker than Lorelei's Ice-type Pokémon!"
Bruno was visibly shocked.
As a veteran member of the Elite Four, he could instantly sense that this Lapras was extraordinary.
In reality, Lapras's level, battle experience, and even its potential were far inferior to Lorelei's Pokémon.
After all, for an ordinary Pokémon to reach the Champion level, a bit of talent and a long lifespan were usually enough.
But to reach the high-tier Champion level—talent, potential, and battle experience were all essential.
However...
Lorelei's Pokémon didn't have the Never-Melt Ice.
That alone was a rare treasure in the Pokémon world—considered a sacred artifact among Ice-types. Just a single shard could boost the power of Ice-type moves by fifteen percent.
Let alone the ancient Never-Melt Ice—which could enhance Ice-type power by fifty percent.
With such a boost, Lapras's strength had taken a huge leap forward.
---
"Hitmonchan, don't be careless," Bruno warned.
"I didn't expect the small Orange League to have such a powerful Pokémon Trainer."
He grinned. "This trip just got interesting."
"But I think you're boring," Riku replied impatiently.
"Enough talk. Let's get to the battle!"
"Lapras, Ice Shard!"
Riku didn't want to waste any time on verbal sparring and issued the command immediately.
In the past, it took Lapras—at its early Champion level—at least three seconds to conjure an Ice Shard.
Now, it was practically instant.
With a sharp whoosh, icy shards formed in front of Lapras and shot straight at Hitmonchan.
"Dodge!" Bruno reacted quickly.
"This Lapras isn't weak—we need to get in close!"
"Hitmonchan, use Mach Punch to close the distance!"
Riku narrowed his eyes. "Trying to get close?"
"Lapras, Protect!"
"Waa—"
A transparent barrier suddenly formed in front of Lapras.
At the same time, Hitmonchan had already darted in and launched a lightning-fast Mach Punch.
However, it hadn't expected Lapras to go on the defensive rather than attack.
Bang—
The barrier shattered under the punch, and Hitmonchan was knocked back slightly by the recoil.
And in that single second—
"Lapras, Ice Beam!" Riku ordered.
"Hitmonchan, retreat quickly!" Bruno's shout came almost at the same time.
But Hitmonchan was still recovering from the recoil, and Lapras had already raised its head, charging a glowing white orb at its mouth.
"Crap!"
Bruno's heart skipped a beat. "Hitmonchan, you must dodge Lapras's Ice Beam!"
Bang bang bang—
"Hacha!!"
The Ice Beam blasted out of Lapras's mouth like a frozen cannon.
Hitmonchan tried to leap out of the way, but it was too close—and too slow.
A split-second too late.
With a chilling cry, Hitmonchan's right leg was frozen solid.
Riku didn't miss the opportunity.
"Lapras, push forward!"
"Hydro Pump—finish it!"
His commands were swift and precise.
But Bruno wasn't just any Pokémon Trainer.
He opened his mouth to respond—then paused.
Because...
Hitmonchan's speed was crippled.
Its most crucial asset—mobility—was gone.
With its leg frozen, its footwork was completely disrupted.
No matter what command Bruno gave—it was already too late.
Bang—
Though Lapras was noticeably slower when casting Water-type moves compared to Ice-types, it didn't matter now.
Hydro Pump struck Hitmonchan head-on, launching it across the arena before it collapsed unconscious at Bruno's feet.
Bruno calmly took out a Poké Ball.
"Hitmonchan, return. You did well today."
Bruno's Pokémon had been through countless battles and life-or-death trials.
Even in defeat, they never lost their dignity.
He remained composed.
After all, that was only his first Pokémon.
---
"Waa—"
Although the exchange between Lapras and Hitmonchan had been brief, the battle had only lasted a few dozen seconds.
Only when Bruno recalled Hitmonchan did the audience finally react—
"Awesome! When did our Orange League produce such a powerful Trainer?"
"He looks young. Just earlier, Drake's Pokémon couldn't even scratch that Hitmonchan. The difference is huge!"
"I thought the League was going to be completely humiliated today, but maybe we still have a chance!"
"I hope this young Trainer gives us more surprises!"
"He probably won't win the whole thing, but at least we won't look bad!"
"Cheer up!"
"Give this young man a round of applause!"
"Go!"
---
The cheers lifted May's spirits, but they stung in the ears of Drake and the other Gym Leaders.
"Isn't it just one win?" one of the Seafoam Islands Gym Leaders grumbled.
"This is all thanks to Drake. If his Dragonite and Electabuzz hadn't worn down Hitmonchan's stamina earlier, how could Riku have won so easily?"
"It wasn't even a win, okay?"
"What nonsense are you spouting?" May couldn't take it anymore.
"Hitmonchan barely used any stamina in those earlier matches. Apart from the final Close Combat, they were all basic moves—nothing too draining."
"Enough!" Drake suddenly cut in, his expression serious.
"Just watch. Beating one of Bruno's Pokémon doesn't mean anything."
---
In the arena, Bruno suddenly burst into loud laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"This trip wasn't a waste after all."
"That last round, Riku—you fought beautifully."
"So now... let me show you what true speed looks like!"
-----------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter