Pokémon have arrived, and they're really not called magical beasts.

Realizing brute force wasn't working, Jin swiftly adjusted tactics.

"Ponyta, create distance and hit it with Fire Spin!"

"Combusken, don't let it escape! Close the gap!"

Combusken's fiery potential hadn't fully matured, making ranged combat risky. His Speed Boost ability, however, made him lethal up close. If he closed in, even Ponyta's agility wouldn't save her.

But Ponyta, obeying first, darted backward.

"Cha!" Combusken acknowledged Su Feng, lunging forward like a coiled spring. Yet Su Feng noticed his speed hadn't spiked as expected.

A smirk crept onto Su Feng's face. "Ponyta's ability is Flash Fire, isn't it?"

The trait nullified fire attacks, sabotaging Combusken's Flame Charge and limiting his acceleration. Jin's knowing glance confirmed it. Clever—using Ponyta's immunity to counter fire.

But Su Feng wasn't rattled. Combusken's true strength lay in Fighting-type moves. Time to outwit the outwitter.

"Combusken, halt and Detect!"

Combusken skidded to a stop, eyes sharp. Ponyta unleashed a spiraling Fire Spin, aiming to trap him. But Combusken backflipped effortlessly, dodging the flames.

Jin frowned. "Again! Fire Spin nonstop!"

Su Feng grinned. "Now, Quick Attack while evading! Get closer!"

With two Speed Boost stacks and Quick Attack, Combusken became a blur. Ponyta's relentless fire drained her stamina, her aim faltering.

But Jin spotted a flaw: Quick Attack's linear path and brief pause after each dash.

"Ponyta, Take Down his next landing spot!"

Su Feng's eyes widened. He noticed! "Combusken, guard and leap back!"

Combusken crossed his arms, bracing as Ponyta slammed into him. The impact sent him skidding across the deck, but he rolled to his feet instantly.

Jin stared, baffled. "How…?"

Su Feng smirked. "Xiao Li—pure force redirection."

Jin: "…?"

"Finish this, Combusken!"

At max speed, Combusken was unstoppable. Ponyta, exhausted, stood no chance.

"Low Kick!" Combusken slid beneath Ponyta, sweeping her legs.

"Now, Close Combat!"

"I forfeit!" Jin shouted, recalling Ponyta into his Hisuian Ball. "No need to push her further."

The crowd erupted in applause. Guests and crew had gathered, phones recording the showdown.

[Livestream Chat:]

[OMG THIS IS PEAK POKÉMON BATTLING!!]

[Combusken and Su Feng are SYNCED! Commands executed flawlessly!]

[Jin's strategy was fire tho! Ponyta's a beast!]

[My Rattata would've fainted in 0.5 seconds.]

[Anyone in S City's Golden District wanna battle? Tennis court, NOW!]

Su Feng bowed, then handed Jin a Hyper Potion. "Apply this. She'll recover by tonight."

Jin sighed. "Thought we stood a chance. Didn't expect to get steamrolled."

Su Feng patted his shoulder. "You lasted longer than most. First one, actually."

Jin: "…"