Name change for better identification of the character: Case = Kaise
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The dark flooring of the Shadow Pit gleamed under the arena lights as two figures faced each other from opposite ends.
Kael stared down his powerful opponent, every muscle tense.
First strike wins.
[Cotton Spore]!
Soft, pale yellow tufts of wool began drifting from Kael's fleece, floating through the air like dandelion fluff.
He knew his move set's limits. His [Cotton Spore] + [Static] combo only worked if enough of the charged fluff filled the battlefield. Using it right away was his best opening.
---
In the observation room, Case leaned forward in his chair, watching the feed.
"So this is the combo…" he murmured. "Smart… but is it really that simple?"
A faint smirk crossed his lips.
---
Down in the arena, the drifting fluff slowly gathered around Pignite.
The Fire/Fighting-type barely seemed to notice, eyes flashing with contempt.
The tufts clung to its fur and instantly ignited, curling into black ash as sparks danced across Pignite's skin.
White smoke coiled upward from the scorched fibers before they crumbled to dust.
Of course… Kael's heart sank.
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Heat began radiating from Pignite's body, its crimson snout flaring with embers. Firelight flickered in its eyes eyes now wild with aggression.
It hadn't just been watching him prepare.
It had been charging up.
The heat reached its peak.
Pignite's legs bent, body leaning forward, locking Kael in its sights.
Danger prickled along Kael's wool.
Not good…
BOOM!
[Flame Charge]!
Like a freight train ablaze, Pignite surged forward, wreathed in roaring fire. The temperature spike was enough to suck the moisture out of the air, leaving white vapor streams in its wake.
The hardened arena flooring blackened beneath its steps.
Kael's earlier-laid fluff clung to its body but instead of slowing it down, the static discharge fused with the flames, wrapping Pignite in a sheath of fire laced with lightning.
The fusion of red flame and crackling yellow arcs made its charge even more terrifying.
Move!
Kael's instincts screamed at him. A direct hit would end him.
He threw his weight sideways, gathering white energy along his horn.
[Tackle]!
The momentum of his own dash yanked him out of the charging line just in time.
BANG!
Pignite's flaming bulk roared past, the searing heat scorching the wool along Kael's left flank black.
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"Huh?" Case's brows lifted in surprise.
"Using [Tackle]'s boost to dodge Flame Charge? Clever."
He leaned in, anticipation rising.
---
Pignite skidded across the floor, sparks screeching under its feet as it ground to a halt.
It turned sharply, preparing to launch again.
Then—
Bzzt!
Yellow arcs leapt from its body. A shudder rippled through its muscles.
Not immune to electricity, Pignite had paid for combining its attack with Kael's [Static]. The lightning's aftereffects were clear.
Now!
Ignoring the burn still stinging his hind leg, Kael channeled his inner power.
A regal, deep blue ring of energy shimmered into existence before him.
With a sharp flick of his head, he hurled it toward the slowed Pignite.
Pignite's eyes widened. Too paralyzed to dodge, it crossed its forearms, flames roaring between them in an X-shaped guard.
Vmmm!
The deep blue energy ring carved through the fire like paper. The flames tore at it, stripping some of its force, but it bit deep into Pignite's arms.
Shhhhk!
Two slashes, down to the bone.
Blood hissed into steam before it hit the floor.
The pain only enraged it further.
Pignite's eyes, once tinged red, now burned a solid crimson. It dropped to all fours, feral and unstable.
Flames surged higher, condensing into an intense, suffocating aura.
Its ability [Blaze] had triggered.
Kael's earlier triumph vanished, replaced with grim realization.
Great. Another Fire-type that goes berserk.
BOOM!
Pignite lunged like a beast unleashed, fire swirling wildly.
Kael tried the same dodge, gathering speed with [Tackle] but Blaze-empowered Pignite was faster, closing the gap in a heartbeat.
Kael's pupils shrank.
CRASH!
The flaming juggernaut slammed into him, the impact detonating in a wash of fire and force.
"Aaaagh!"
His wool ignited, pain lancing through every nerve.
He hit the ground hard, rolling in a blackened heap.
---
"…It's over." Case's tone carried genuine regret.
He stood, ready to intervene and pull the gifted Mareep from the match.
Then he froze.
On the monitor, the charred, battered Kael was moving.
Arcs of electricity erupted across his body more powerful than any he'd released before.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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