–+–
The Drain Punch is among the most formidable techniques in the Fighting-type arsenal.
Granted, the Geodude was already significantly smaller than Ogerpon, but after its Terastallization, the leader of the Geodude pack loomed large.
With that crown-like jewel glowing atop its head and those fists clenched tightly, the sheer intensity of its charge was terrifying—Sera could practically feel the impact just by watching the screen.
[Ogerpon used Vine Whip!]
Ogerpon scrambled to react, extending vines from beneath its grassy cloak and lashing out at the charging Geodude.
But the Geodude, fully committed to its assault, ignored the strikes entirely and barreled straight toward her.
However, while its offensive power looked fearsome, the Geodude leader’s flaw was glaringly obvious: it was far too slow.
In the nick of time, Sera’s fingers tapped frantically at the screen.
She hadn’t interfered in previous skirmishes, but this Geodude leader was a formidable opponent; judging by its level alone, it was at least ten levels higher than Ogerpon.
It was time to let Ogerpon know she wasn’t fighting this battle alone.
Much like in previous modes, Sera could participate directly in the combat.
It was similar to a QTE (Quick Time Event) in real-time games; by rapidly tapping the prompts appearing on the screen, she could push Ogerpon to perform beyond its limits.
[Ogerpon has sensed your guidance!]
–+–
“Oger-pon!”
Dust and gravel rained down on its face, and Ogerpon felt a lingering tremor of fear.
She had instinctively tried to use its only known move, Vine Whip, to fend off the Geodude, but the attack hadn’t slowed the rocky titan at all.
Yet, just as that fist—charged with a violent rush of air—was about to collide with it, Ogerpon felt a strange, inexplicable nudge.
It was as if a soft, girlish voice whispered in its ear, warning it to dodge at all costs.
Driven by instinct, Ogerpon’s body moved faster than its thoughts.
It stomped the ground and pushed off, retreating with a burst of momentum that allowed it to narrowly evade the rock-hard fist.
“…Geodude?!”
The Geodude leader, having missed its mark, seemed just as confused.
But being a Rock-type Pokemon with a simple disposition, it didn’t dwell on it for long.
With the first strike failed, it immediately prepared its next move.
“Geo-dude-dude!”
With a roar, it curled its body up into a tight, round ball.
–+–
[The Geodude leader used Defense Curl!]
Defense Curl?
Sera’s expression tightened.
She immediately knew what move the Geodude intended to use next.
Even though the Terastallized Geodude had changed its typing to Fighting, its Rock-type moves still benefited from the same-type attack bonus.
For a moment, Sera was at a loss for how to help Ogerpon overcome this.
The level gap was just too wide.
Ogerpon’s Vine Whip couldn’t even break through the Geodude’s defenses, yet a single hit from the opponent would drain most of its stamina.
Still, watching the screen, Ogerpon stood firm, mask and all.
It hadn’t given up.
If Ogerpon is still fighting, how can I give up?
Sera took a shallow breath and stretched her fingers, loosening them.
To ensure Ogerpon won this challenge, she had to give it her all, even if the QTEs grew increasingly difficult.
[Ogerpon has sensed your encouragement!]
–+–
“GEODUDE—!”
The Geodude leader’s hardened body scraped and smashed against the ground, sending gravel flying with a thunderous, rolling roar.
Ogerpon braced itself, sensing the intensity of this assault was far greater than before.
Instinctively, it took a step back, trying to gauge a way to dodge…
But then, Ogerpon heard the girl’s soft murmur again.
“You can do it!”
—That was what she had said.
Power surged from the mask on its face, and a jade-green light flooded its body.
“Oger-pon!”
Ogerpon didn’t want to run anymore!
Though the situation remained dire, Ogerpon felt a sudden surge of joy.
It realized it was facing this powerful enemy under her watchful gaze.
The rolling charge was terrifying, but as long as she was looking, Ogerpon felt there was nothing to fear.
–+–
[Your encouragement has become Ogerpon’s strength!]
[Ogerpon remembered the move Horn Leech!]
[Ogerpon used Horn Leech!]
Under Ogerpon’s control, the thorny vines condensed into a sharp, piercing horn.
The Geodude leader seemed to sense that something was wrong, but it continued its charge.
As it crashed into Ogerpon, the Ogre simultaneously drove the Horn Leech deep into the Geodude’s rocky exterior.
Both attacks landed at once.
The recoil sent Ogerpon sliding backward, while the Geodude shifted its trajectory, already gathering energy for the next strike.
[The Geodude leader is rolling again!]
[Ogerpon used Horn Leech!] Find the original chapter at g.com.
Third round.
The Geodude’s defenses had been raised by Defense Curl, so even though the Horn Leech hit hard, it didn’t seem to mind, confident that the accumulated power of its consecutive Rollouts would inevitably crush the Ogre.
Ogerpon gritted its teeth and drove the Horn Leech into the Geodude once more.
Life energy flowed from the thorny vines back into Ogerpon’s body, restoring a portion of its stamina.
Watching them go head-to-head, a pang of worry rose in Sera’s heart.
The power of the third Rollout would be astronomical.
Ogerpon was already struggling, and it certainly wouldn’t be able to withstand the next impact.
But the simulator provided no QTE interface; Sera couldn’t intervene.
She couldn’t understand why Ogerpon, which had been dodging earlier, was now trading health blow-for-blow after learning a new move.
On screen, the Geodude began to roll again.
[The Geodude leader is rolling again!]
—This was the third time.
Sera’s heart leaped into her throat.
[The Teal Mask radiates a brilliant glow!]
The sudden system prompt interrupted her thoughts.
The mask of wild joy on Ogerpon’s face began to shimmer with a crystalline brilliance.
It was then that Sera realized the jewel embedded in the mask was glowing with the exact same light as the Geodude’s Terastallization.
But that wasn’t what mattered most.
[Ogerpon remembered the move Ivy Cudgel!]
Ivy Cudgel…
A move she had never seen before appeared on her screen.
The girl held her breath as the Ogre reached into its cloak and pulled out a wooden club entwined with sturdy vines.
[Ogerpon used Ivy Cudgel!]
Thick Grass-type energy surged, forming a deep green glow around the wooden club.
The Geodude leader, backed by the power of three consecutive Rollouts, came barreling toward her.
Facing the onslaught, Ogerpon raised the club and swung it with all its might!
Grass-type energy erupted in a flash.
Sera heard a dull, heavy thud, and the Geodude leader was sent flying out from the center of the screen like a falling star.
“GEODUDE!!!”
[The Geodude leader has been knocked out of the battle area.
Battle concluded.]
Even the victory announcement felt different from usual.
As the camera perspective shifted, Sera watched Ogerpon, wearing the Teal Mask, drag the vine-covered club toward her.
She couldn’t help but swallow hard.
What a magnificent move—Ivy Cudgel!