POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Amid thunderous applause, the noble Steven Stone took the stage.

When his Metang emerged, the audience erupted into cheers. The title of "quasi-legendary" always carried an allure that captivated the crowd.

Even when the opposing trainer sent out a fully evolved Rhydon, it hardly garnered attention compared to Metang.

The battle commenced swiftly.

Rhydon began with its signature combination: spinning into a roll and launching a calculated charge. Its controlled trajectory reflected its refined skill.

Metang, however, remained motionless, hovering in place. Its eyes gleamed with an azure light as it used Psychic to lift the 300-kilogram Rhydon effortlessly into the air.

Rhydon's rolling attack was halted mid-motion, and with a burst of telekinetic force, it was hurled to the ground.

Seizing the moment, Metang retracted its claws, turning them into thrusters. With an accelerated burst, it closed the distance in an instant.

Bullet Punch!

The Steel-type energy struck Rhydon's head like a bullet. Unable to react, Rhydon collapsed, defeated.

Victory was absolute.

The crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch. Metang had demonstrated the overwhelming strength and precision expected of a pseudo-legendary, leaving the audience in awe.

---

In the waiting room, sparse applause mixed with heavy silence.

Trainers exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions somber. They had anticipated Metang's strength but had not expected such perfection.

Its Psychic ability showcased its immense mental power. Its speed in closing the distance revealed unparalleled agility. The precision of its Bullet Punch proved its mastery of timing and technique.

And yet, its famous Steel-type defenses had not even been tested.

Steven's Metang was a flawless opponent, leaving the other competitors feeling a deep sense of dread.

When Steven returned to the waiting area and handed Metang over to the medical team, every eye followed him.

---

The next matches felt subdued. Three consecutive battles passed without much applause, the crowd still awestruck by shiny Metang's dominance.

Finally, Rax's number, 233, was called.

As he approached the arena, whispers followed him. Many had noted his familiarity with Steven and paid closer attention, curious to see how he would perform.

opponent sent out a towering Steelix, its massive body casting a shadow over Rax's Marowak. The size difference was comical—Steelix's tail alone was longer than Marowak.

Steelix vs. Marowak!

The crowd murmured, some doubting Marowak could even scratch such a massive opponent.

---

Steelix stood motionless, exuding an air of superiority. Its trainer smirked, confident in the battle's outcome.

"Curse," Rax commanded calmly.

Marowak began its ritual, increasing its attack and defense at the cost of speed.

Steelix's trainer frowned. "Iron Tail!"

Steelix moved with surprising agility, twisting its massive body and swinging its tail down at Marowak.

"Bone Boomerang!"

Rax's Marowak hurled its bone, the spinning projectile colliding with Steelix's Iron Tail mid-air. The impact deflected the attack slightly, though the bone stick was sent flying.

But before anyone could mock the effort, the bone boomerang's second strike hit Steelix squarely on the forehead.

The crowd gasped. Was it luck? Or was it planned?

Steelix's Iron Tail, now off-course, struck the ground harmlessly. Smoke and dust rose from the impact.

"Stomp!"

Rax's command echoed through the arena. The crowd doubted Marowak could stand after such a clash, but their doubts were short-lived.

A pulse of Ground energy erupted from the dust, hitting Steelix at close range. The towering Pokémon recoiled, visibly damaged.

As the dust cleared, Marowak caught its returning bone mid-spin. Not a scratch was visible on it.

Steelix's trainer was stunned. "How is this possible?!"

---

In the waiting room, Steven watched with interest. He smiled faintly, impressed by Marowak's perfect control.

"Beta," he muttered to his Metang, "Don't worry. You can handle it."

Metang pondered the tactics, nodding in understanding. If it could seize Marowak's bone with Psychic, the battle would be over.

---

Back on the field, Marowak's tactics became clearer to the crowd. Its first attack had subtly altered Steelix's trajectory, setting up the second strike. The precise hit to Steelix's head disrupted its balance entirely.

Steelix's massive size, usually an advantage, now worked against it. Its body struggled to recover as Marowak approached with ease.

With a final leap, Marowak delivered a devastating Bone Club attack to Steelix's head.

Bang!

The crowd winced at the impact. Steelix collapsed, unable to continue.

"Steelix is unable to battle! Marowak wins! Contestant 233 advances!"

---

Despite his victory, Rax sighed as he left the field.

"…Still no name," he muttered, frustrated.