Pokémon: Check-In System

Pichu scurried into the battle arena, but upon seeing the massive crowd of spectators, it hesitated, feeling intimidated. Due to its small stature, it couldn't see the battlefield clearly.

The pink, bubble-blowing feline Pokémon gently exhaled another bubble. Pichu hopped onto it, and the bubble slowly floated upward.

From midair, Pichu had a perfect view of the entire battlefield.

"Pichu~~!" it chirped in delight.

On the battlefield below, Combusken was locked in a standoff against Sandslash. Pichu's eyes widened with excitement.

"The battle begins!!"

The referee waved the flag, signaling the start of the match.

"Sandslash, finish this quickly. Use Drill Run!"

Bron's face remained expressionless, but inwardly, he was brimming with confidence.

His Sandslash had undergone rigorous training, even enduring intense waterfall meditation. It had gone through relentless drills, honing its resilience against Water-type Pokémon.

Though Water-type attacks still dealt significant damage, his Sandslash was far superior to an ordinary one.

If even Water-types couldn't faze his Sandslash, why should he fear a mere Combusken?

Bron glanced at his watch.

Three minutes.

That should be enough.

Sandslash sharpened its white claws, its eyes blazing with determination. It lunged forward, powerful legs propelling it toward Combusken.

As it ran, Ground-type energy surged through its arms. Its claws merged, rapidly spinning like a steel drill as it charged at Combusken.

Drill Run, a Ground-type move, had a clear advantage against the Fire-type Combusken.

Sandslash's spinning body kicked up a storm of sand, its momentum overwhelming.

But Combusken only gave it a casual glance.

As Sandslash closed in, Combusken bent its legs and leaped into the air, effortlessly dodging the attack.

"Flamethrower!"

"Cha~mo!"

Fire welled up in Combusken's throat. It puffed out its chest and unleashed a blazing column of fire.

"Block it with Rock Tomb!"

Sandslash scraped its white claws against the ground, letting out a fierce roar. Towering rock formations erupted from the ground, shielding it from the fire.

The sturdy rock barrier successfully absorbed the flames, though the intense heat melted some of the stones into lava.

Bron smirked, pleased with the perfect defense.

However…

The next moment, his smile vanished.

Combusken had already begun sprinting forward. As it ran, its legs glowed with dazzling white light, intertwined with a crystalline blue energy—an awe-inspiring sight.

"Sandslash, use Crush Claw!"

Sandslash growled, its claws gleaming with Normal-type energy, becoming razor-sharp.

With impressive speed, Sandslash swung its claws just as Combusken came within range—

But it only struck an afterimage.

"Cha-mo!"

In an instant, Combusken appeared at Sandslash's side and delivered two powerful kicks to its body!

The sheer force sent Sandslash flying across the battlefield.

Bron gritted his teeth. He hadn't expected Combusken to be so fast—this was troublesome.

Still, it didn't matter. Victory would be his.

"Sandslash, get up and use Rollout!"

Sandslash pushed itself up, curled into a ball, and rapidly rolled toward Combusken.

"Double Kick!"

Rollout's initial power was weak. The moment the two Pokémon clashed, Combusken's kick sent Sandslash flying again.

Sandslash's endurance was impressive—it quickly regained its balance and rolled toward Combusken again.

"Dodge."

Though Sandslash's speed had increased, it was still no match for Combusken.

With a simple sidestep, Combusken effortlessly avoided the attack.

Bron's lips curled into a sly grin.

The battlefield, still littered with rock formations from Rock Tomb, worked to his advantage.

Sandslash, still rolling, used the terrain's natural slopes to propel itself into the air!

Even mid-air, Sandslash maintained its Rollout momentum, descending straight toward Combusken!

Seeing how little room Combusken had to dodge, Bron smirked. There was no way it could escape now.

Nero narrowed his eyes. As Sandslash closed in on Combusken, he gave his command:

"Feather Dance!"

Feather Dance—a move that scattered numerous feathers around the opponent, drastically lowering their attack power. It was a move Combusken had inherited!

"Chamo!"

Combusken spun in place, scattering countless orange-red feathers into the air.

The feathers elegantly surrounded Sandslash, forming a cushion of soft down.

With its fall cushioned, Combusken extended its arms and effortlessly blocked Sandslash's attack.

"What…?"

Bron, who had been certain of victory, was left in disbelief. He hadn't expected Combusken to have such a move hidden up its sleeve.

"Toss it up, then use Fire Spin!"

"Chamo!"

Sandslash struggled, waving its arms, but it was futile. Combusken tensed its muscles and hurled Sandslash into the air.

As Sandslash soared, the remaining feathers clung to it.

Then, before everyone's eyes, Combusken unleashed a massive Fire Spin!

The swirling inferno engulfed the feathers, igniting them instantly!!!

Spectators gazed at the sky as the burning feathers shimmered like stars, illuminating their faces with a warm glow.

The dazzling fire contrasted beautifully against the dark winter sky, creating a breathtaking scene. Despite the season's cold, the flames filled the air with a comforting warmth.

Trapped within the fiery vortex, Sandslash let out pained cries. While Ground-types resisted Fire-types, they had no inherent defense against Fire-type moves.

As the flames dissipated, tiny embers drifted through the air like falling stars. Sandslash plummeted from the sky.

Its once-brown body was now charred black, completely incapacitated.

"Sandslash is unable to battle! Combusken wins!"

"Beep!"

Bron's watch chimed. He glanced at it.

Exactly three minutes.

But… he had lost.

"Unbelievable! What an astonishing victory against type disadvantage! In under three minutes, Nero's Combusken has defeated Bron's Sandslash!"

"What?!"

"No way! That fast?!"

From the moment Combusken entered the field to Sandslash's defeat, barely three minutes had passed. The battle had lasted only a few exchanges.

Trainers at this level were usually evenly matched.

The shortest battle they had ever seen was around five minutes, yet Combusken had won in three—against a type disadvantage, no less.

It was nothing short of astounding.

Moreover, the Fire Feather Dance was spectacular, resembling a fireworks display, as if celebrating the New Year in advance.

Meanwhile, in the staff lounge…

In the dead of winter, the air was biting cold. While Nero stepped forward to challenge Sandslash, one of the staff members had already poured himself a cup of warm water and set it on the table.

His plan was simple—finish up a few minor tasks, then use the warm drink to fend off the chill.

After wrapping up his work, the staff member lifted his head to glance at the television screen. The moment he saw Combusken claim a flawless victory, he couldn't help but replay the events from just minutes ago in his mind.

Nero's words echoed in his head:

"I have my mighty general, Combusken—capable of cleaving through Sandslash!"

And yet, as the staff member absentmindedly reached for the cup on the table, he suddenly froze.

"Wait… what the hell?! The water's still warm?!"

----- 

Want to read ahead of schedule? 

Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635