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"Close Combat!" New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✦𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚✦𝕟𝕖𝕥
At the critical moment, Hala displayed the fighting spirit befitting an Island Kahuna.
He followed the command without hesitation.
Chris's Haxorus paused mid-step, relieving the momentum of his intended attack. He forcibly pulled back, clenched his right claw, and slammed it heavily towards Hala's Hariyama who stood directly in front of him.
"Thud, thud..." The moment their attacks collided, Hariyama was immediately thrown back several steps.
Their strength wasn't even comparable!
Hariyama's power was indeed formidable, but compared to Haxorus, a Pokémon whose offensive capabilities often led trainers to mistake it for a pseudo-legendary Dragon-type, Hariyama's power simply wasn't enough!
"Dragon Rush!" Chris immediately called out his next command!
Haxorus's eyes flashed with cold determination. Dark green Dragon-type energy engulfed his entire body like a flaming aura. He charged toward Hariyama, who hadn't yet regained his balance!
This time, even if Hala gave another command, it wouldn't make a difference.
The Fighting-type Pokémon with its massive weight couldn't establish firm footing, leaving no opportunity to release another Close Combat.
"BOOM!" Haxorus slammed into Hariyama without resistance.
Hariyama was launched into the air, his enormous body sliding across the battlefield for a full three meters before finally coming to a stop.
When he did, his eyes were already swirling with dizziness. That mountainous physique had been completely overwhelmed by Haxorus's terrifying attack power.
"KRAAAW!" Haxorus roared excitedly. This was the first time Chris had commanded it to defeat a rival in an official battle, and the Dragon-type couldn't contain its excitement.
There was a special pride in having trained hard for years, developing its body every day!
"It seems our island has an amazing guest today," Hala said, praising Chris while simultaneously throwing another Poké Ball.
Hala's second Pokémon was "Crabominable" Lv.63.
This was a large crab covered in white fluff. Its two crab claws weren't shaped like pincers, but instead resembled a pair of fists!
Really enormous fists, like cooking pots!
"I wonder how it tastes," Chris muttered, smacking his lips. As someone from the southern region, his first thought upon seeing those crab claws was: there must be plenty of meat in there, and it would probably taste delicious even if simply steamed without sauce.
Crabominable's type combination of Ice and Fighting was indeed a good choice against the pure Dragon-type Haxorus.
A Fighting-type move was ordered, but it wasn't Hala who gave the command—it was Chris.
Focus Blast was one of the TMs Chris had purchased from the Lilycove City Department Store. Since Haxorus could learn it, Chris had taught it to him.
It was specifically chosen as a countermeasure against Ice-type opponents!
Moreover, Crabominable, with its dual Ice and Fighting typing, was vulnerable to the Fighting-type moves in Haxorus's arsenal.
Haxorus opened its mighty jaws, and a Focus Blast began to condense at the tips of its axe-like tusks, immediately flying outward as it was released!
A blue energy arc flashed across the battlefield, heading straight for Crabominable's face!
"Protect!" Hala yelled.
Crabominable immediately crossed its lanky, fist-tipped arms, constructing an invisible barrier to block the Focus Blast.
But just as Crabominable dispelled the Focus Blast before it, Haxorus had already rushed toward it like a phantom.
The purpose of that Focus Blast wasn't to attack—it was to provide Haxorus with an opportunity to close the distance!
Haxorus raised its sharp claws high, which began to shine with a bright white light. Instead of using a Dragon-type move, it chose the Normal-type move "Slash."
Instant power! Like a dazzling aurora piercing Crabominable's eyes!
"Protect!" Hala could only continue to choose defensive moves. He had considered using Ice Punch to counterattack and trade damage for damage.
Haxorus, as a pure Dragon-type, would take double damage from an Ice Punch, but Crabominable wasn't vulnerable to Normal-type attacks. It should have been able to withstand this Slash at the height of its battle condition, making it a favorable exchange.
But Hala immediately realized that, given the strength demonstrated by this Haxorus, his Crabominable might not even have the chance to gather the power of its Ice-type energy before being struck by Slash!
Defense was the only option! Only defense!
Crabominable crossed its arms again. It was fortunate enough to successfully use Protect consecutively, a rare occurrence that actually worked.
But in the next second, everyone only heard a loud "CRACK!" as the invisible barrier constructed by Protect was easily pierced by Haxorus!
Slash cut deeply into Crabominable's body.
Haxorus effortlessly jumped backward.
Crabominable collapsed where it stood.
Not only was Protect's defense shattered, but the level difference was too great, and Haxorus's physical power was sufficient to defeat Crabominable in a single blow.
The entire audience, including Hala himself, couldn't help but stare in astonishment.
"Lucky break," Chris remarked, rubbing his chin. He had been a little surprised initially, but after thinking about it, he felt relieved.
It wasn't entirely unexpected that Haxorus had been able to break through Crabominable's Protect. The move it had just executed wasn't simply Slash—it had incorporated techniques learned from observing Machamp.
Based on Machamp's fighting style, applied to the execution of Slash.
But the fact that it had instantly defeated the non-vulnerable Crabominable after breaking through Protect's defense...
Apparently, Slash's critical hit effect had been triggered.
Crabominable had been lucky enough to successfully use Protect consecutively without it failing, but Haxorus had even better luck with Slash landing a perfectly timed critical hit.
Whether it was luck or raw power, Haxorus had completely overwhelmed Crabominable.
Even Hala's commands, backed by strength, couldn't turn the tide.
"Luck is indeed an important factor in battles," Hala had to acknowledge.
He retrieved his Poké Ball to recall Crabominable, then looked up at Chris once more. "Congratulations! Visitor from afar, you have successfully passed the grand trial of Melemele Island's Kahuna!"
The scene before him dissolved, and Chris walked back toward his room.
The conversation with Hala on the handheld device continued.
[Hala: I didn't expect you to be so strong. It seems that next time we battle, I should use my full power!]
[Hala: This is a Z-Ring I crafted myself. I'm giving it to you now. With it, you can use Z-Moves in battle, but you'll need the corresponding Z-Crystals!]
[Hala: What? You already have a Mega Ring? Then let me upgrade it for you! With this, you'll be able to use both Z-Moves and Mega Evolution simultaneously.]
[Hala: Additionally, here are some Z-Crystals from my collection. Consider them your reward for completing the grand trial of Melemele Island!]
[Obtained important item: Z-Power Ring]
[Item obtained: Fightinium Z]
[Item acquired: Icium Z]