Pokémon: When the World Changed

Chapter 598 593: Steel Sandslash

"Only one Pokémon?"

Upon seeing Bisharp on the field, Ethan's expression became serious.

Although the opponent had only a single Pokémon in front of them, the aura it emitted was capable of facing his five Pokémon by itself.

"Quasi-Elite level?"

Noticing this, Ethan narrowed his eyes.

He couldn't help but recall Captain Daniel Harper's Breloom, which was also at that level.

The aura emanating from this Bisharp was very similar.

"A Quasi-Elite level Pokémon!"

"Does that mean that man in black is a trainer of that level? Or does he only possess one Pokémon at that level?"

Ethan's heart sank. If it was the former, perhaps he could still handle the situation. But if it was the latter... then they were in trouble.

"Go, Bisharp! Use Slash!"

While Ethan was thinking, the man in black gave the order.

The blades on Bisharp's arms shone with white light and it lunged directly toward Absol.

At that moment, as the "big brother" of Ethan's team, Sandslash moved.

Spinning rapidly on itself, it used the move Rapid Spin to position itself in Bisharp's path and then launched the move Crush Claw to confront it head-on.

BOOM!

With a deafening crash, the Crush Claw move enhanced by the spin collided directly with the Slash move.

Both Pokémon were locked in a struggle in the center of the field.

"It blocked Sandslash's attack with just the move Slash!"

Ethan's pupils contracted, further confirming Bisharp's strength.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!

After a brief stalemate, the two clashed again.

Although Sandslash had the additional power from the move Rapid Spin, it was evident that it was not on par. It was thrown backward, clearly showing the difference in level.

"Sandslash, use Sandstorm!"

While retreating, Sandslash had already curled into a ball.

Upon hearing the command, it concentrated and executed the move Sandstorm in midair.

Its body rotated as sand swirled around it, forming a sand tornado that shot toward Bisharp.

"Cut!"

The man in black spoke calmly.

Bisharp slightly closed its eyes.

When it opened them, a white ray rose toward the sky.

Slash!

In an instant, the sand tornado was cut in two and dissipated.

However, the scattered sand covered the entire field, finally forming the sandstorm weather.

"Oh? So the sandstorm was still activated?"

The man in black showed surprise.

At that moment, Sandslash had already disappeared from the spot.

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!

The battle erupted with intensity.

Thanks to the Sand Rush ability under the sandstorm weather, Sandslash's speed rose to the maximum.

Spinning rapidly, it launched the move Crush Claw again and again, violently clashing against Bisharp's blades.

For a time, thanks to the boost from the sandstorm, Sandslash was able to face a Quasi-Elite level Pokémon head-on.

"Meltan, Electromagnetic Cannon!"

Ethan looked at Hydreigon in the sky and gave the order.

Electric crackles rang out.

Meltan created a clone and, controlling it, launched an Electromagnetic Cannon aimed at the man in black on top of Hydreigon.

But at the same time, the man in black released another Pokémon.

A Honchkrow appeared in the air, wrapped in flying-type energy that took the shape of a divine bird. It used the move Sky Attack to intercept the Electromagnetic Cannon!

With a crash, Honchkrow halted in midair; the silhouette of the divine bird dissipated, and Meltan's clone disintegrated after the collision.

"A second Quasi-Elite level Pokémon!"

Ethan's expression tightened.

BOOM!

At the same time, another explosion was heard.

Sandslash was sent flying backward by Bisharp.

Although it could briefly burst out with power of that level, it could not sustain a prolonged fight against a true Quasi-Elite.

"The Quasi-Elite level... is very strong."

Ethan's face darkened.

"It seems the only option left is to use that technique. Sandslash, Meltan, use that combination!"

Both Pokémon nodded.

Sandslash began to concentrate steel-type energy.

Its claws and tail started to shine with a metallic luster that spread across its entire body.

It was its other trump card, aside from the combination with the move Rapid Spin: steel muscles, iron bones, and iron skin!

Crackling sounds rang out.

Meltan emitted an electronic sound and flew in front of Sandslash.

Before the surprised gaze of the man in black, Meltan used the move Acid Armor, transforming into a silver liquid.

Activating its Magnet Pull ability, it directly attached itself to Sandslash's body.

Its mercury-like body began slowly covering Sandslash's entire body.

"They did it... Metallic Sandslash!"

Seeing Sandslash completely covered in silver armor, Ethan let out a sigh.

"They fused?"

"Interesting... Bisharp, go! Slash!"

"Us too! Metal Claw!"

Both gave their orders at the same time.

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

Sandslash had completely become a steel-type Pokémon.

The clash between them produced constant sparks and a deafening metallic roar.

After the successful fusion of Sandslash and Meltan, Sandslash's strength seemed to have reached the Quasi-Elite level. Now, in the confrontation against Bisharp, it was no longer at a disadvantage.

"Well done."

Ethan praised his team.

Then he took out a Poké Ball and recalled Lucario.

With another Poké Ball opened, Tyranitar appeared wrapped in a sandstorm.

"Tyranitar, Sand Tomb!"

Upon appearing, Tyranitar began altering the terrain, gradually transforming it into a desert.

"Now you, Vibrava! Ryū: Odoshi!"

Upon hearing the command, Vibrava dived down from the sky.

While spinning, the sand lifted by the Sand Tomb move was propelled into the sky, forming a sand dragon that launched itself toward Honchkrow.

(End of Chapter)