Whitley didn't know what Weavile was saying, but she instinctively felt that Weavile had been deceived.
However, she didn't open her mouth to say something boring like, "You've been deceived."
After traveling with Rope for so long, the one thing she understood most clearly was that... many times, language is the most powerless weapon. If you want someone to listen to you, then you had better have the strength to knock them down if they don't listen to you.
Whitley knew that this Weavile, having reached the level of a demi-god, was not someone like him—someone who wasn't skilled in verbal persuasion—could convince.
Rope might have a chance. But Rope wouldn't do it.
Because this guy couldn't withstand a single punch from Rope…
"Your eyes tell me I might be mistaken about something."
Weavile looked at Whitley and said seriously.
"But you should also know that, given the situation, we can't afford to let this opportunity slip away."
Whitley looked at this Pokémon, which wasn't particularly tall or imposing, but stood there like a knife, exuding a sharp, piercing aura. It was impossible to ignore him.
Or perhaps, the current situation was simply that he didn't want you to ignore him.
Serperior, standing beside Whitley, sensed that a battle was imminent. She watched Weavile warily, fearing he might launch a surprise attack.
The surrounding trainers also sensed the impending battle. They and their Pokémon prepared for combat.
As the tension on the field grew thicker, with a faint whiff of gunpowder in the air, Weavile suddenly spoke.
"My suggestion is... you unrelated humans should step back." Weavile's face showed no trace of contempt, and even a hint of sincerity. "After all, if the battle starts and this young lady has to distract herself to protect you, she'll have no chance of winning."
Though the words were sincere, they carried a strong sense of mockery when spoken by this creature.
Immediately, some hot-headed trainers were ready to act.
But they were firmly held back by their companions.
There were certainly impulsive individuals. However, there were more sensible people around. And with the reputation of a demigod at stake, they had to calmly consider the validity of the suggestion rather than fixate on proving themselves.
"You all leave. I'll handle this."
Though it was a soft, gentle female voice, it carried an unwavering resolve.
Everyone looked at Whitley, taking in the serious expression on the girl's delicate face.
The oldest trainer surveyed the situation and sighed, "We probably can't help much, so be careful."
Whitley nodded.
The man didn't say anything else. After all, the current situation on the battlefield was such that they could still afford to stand there because Weavile had already become separated from the main Pokémon force.
And while they were standing there, the main Pokémon force was already closing in. They couldn't just stand there anymore.
He first headed toward the battlefield behind him.
Then, numerous trainers, each with different expressions but all focused on the same goal, headed toward the battlefield.
Some were cursing their own helplessness, some were marveling at Whitley's courage, and some were relieved that they didn't have to face a demigod.
Whitley didn't have the heart to care whether these people were concerned about her.
Even if they cared, they wouldn't be able to help.
And, to be honest, Whitley didn't want them involved in these matters... it was simply too dangerous...
"I can sense that there must be a stronger Pokémon by your side. Bring them along too. I'm sure you have the ability to command two Pokémon at the same time."
Sneasel, as a Pokémon that typically lives alone or in small family units, rarely gathers in large groups with its own kind.
This has led to Weavile, a demi-god, being more leisurely and bored than demi-gods of other races. Thus, humans have become a good choice to pass the time.
He is quite familiar with human trainers. However, so far, he has not encountered any trainers capable of commanding him. Because that would be dangerous…
Whitley took a deep breath and pulled the object around his neck from his chest.
It was a purple Master Ball.
Whitley took out the Master Ball and threw it.
"Come out! Lugia!"
To be honest, when Weavile heard the name Lugia, he was completely baffled.
Wait... Lugia? The Sea God?
You have him in a ball?
What's going on, little girl? Are you cheating?
A flash of white light appeared, and a silver-white bird materialized, looking at Weavile across from him with a helpless expression.
He admitted that his strength was indeed far superior to Serperior's... but this attribute was simply too disadvantageous for him...
With the appearance of the young Lugia, Weavile let out a half-breath...
It was only a half-breath. He had never heard of any other divine beasts besides the Prince of the Sea having offspring. However, since it was now before his eyes, he couldn't pretend not to see it.
The opponent's strength certainly wasn't as powerful as that of a true deity. But that innate sense of nobility and innate power was enough to make Weavile take it seriously.
"Lugia! Dragon Rush!"
Whitley didn't hold back, unleashing a powerful move right off the bat.
A purplish-red glow emanated from the young Lugia, and dragon-type energy formed a dragon-like armor around its body. Then, with extraordinary speed, it charged straight toward Weavile.
Weavile had a serious expression, preparing to dodge while condensing dark purple Shadow Claw on his claws, ready to seize the opportunity to counterattack at any time.
Little Lugia charged straight toward Weavile. Weavile immediately dodged to the side and extended a claw toward Little Lugia.
However, just as his claw was about to touch Little Lugia, a whistling sound echoed past his ears.
Weavile's other claw blocked beside him.
The next moment, a tremendous force struck his blocking arm.
It was Little Lugia's tail.
However, though the force was great, it was not beyond what he could handle.
Thus, Weavile swiftly grabbed Little Lugia's tail.
Preparing to control Little Lugia.
But just as he grabbed Little Lugia,
"Leaf Storm! Aeroblast!"
The Dragon-type energy on Little Lugia's body dissipated. A powerful Flying-type energy gathered in front of him.
Behind Weavile, he heard the rustling of leaves, but he also felt a wave of heat rising.
His instincts told him that if either of these moves hit him, he wouldn't fare well...