<h4>Chapter 285: Marcus Vs Light</h4>


    "Let the battle begin!"


    kazam teleported instantly, appearing on the back of Shedinja and used ''Confusion.'' However, as a psychic-type move, ''Confusion'' had no effect on Shedinja except to potentially confuse it. kazam opted for ''Confusion'' instead of a move like ''methrower'' to save time, knowing it couldn''t waste any. But before ''Confusion'' could strike Shedinja, it vanished and reappeared in front of kazam, hitting it with ''Shadow Ball'' using ''Shadow Sneak.''


    The ''Shadow Ball'' appeared smaller than usual, measuring 10 cm in diameter instead of 12 cm. Shedinja hadpressed the move, making it more lethal with a perfect round shape. The attack hit kazam, prompting it to teleport to a safe distance. Both Pokemon levitated, and kazam attempted ''methrower,'' but Shedinja easily dodged the attack.


    Shedinja''s incredible speed,bined with moves like ''Shadow Sneak'' and ''Shadow Jump,'' made it nearly impossible for kazam tond a normal move. kazam recognized this and had previously attempted teleportation to surprise Shedinja, which failed.


    It knew that this tactic wouldn''t work twice. Although it could resort to ''methrower,'' the move''s slowness didn''t favor kazam, a psychic Pokemon. Shedinja utilized ''Substitute'' to provide additional protection, and now it had two more copies at the ready.


    Feeling cornered, kazam employed ''Elemental Maniption.'' Five spears of fire materialized out of thin air and streaked towards Shedinja at incredible speed. Shedinja evaded three of them but had to use ''Switch'' to switch between the substitutes to avoid the remaining two. Meanwhile, Shedinja had already used ''Agility'' four times, enhancing its speed. With preparationsplete, it initiated its attack.


    Four ck tentacles formed around kazam, binding it and rendering it immobile. Meanwhile, Shedinja unleashed a ''Shadow Ball.'' Anticipating a second ''Shadow Ball'' hit, kazam responded with ''Elemental Maniption,'' conjuring ten swords of fire. Five of them deflected the ''Shadow Ball'' while being instantaneously reced by another set of five swords.


    This feat was only possible due to the effects of ''Greater Telekinesis.'' kazam''s increased level had allowed for more proficient use of the ability, prompting it to stack up the swords of ''Elemental Maniption.''


    Shedinja resorted to spamming ''Shadow Balls'' and using ''Hypnosis.'' kazam attempted to employ ''Telekinesis'' to free itself from the bind, but the shadowy restraints proved stronger than expected.


    The long-range battle continued for some time, and kazam realized it was going nowhere while sumbing to dizziness caused by the ''Hypnosis.'' Taking a risk, kazam teleported to another location. Fortunately, the shadowy binds did not follow. However, it was once again caught off guard by Shedinja''s sudden appearance and struck by ''Night sh,'' a dark-type move highly effective against kazam. The previous ''Shadow Ball'' had also been devastating.


    Shedinja wasn''t inherently stronger than kazam, but it proved to be a formidable opponent. With experience and strategic prowess, Shedinja posed a significant challenge. After pondering for a while, kazam devised a n: ''Gravity.''


    kazam utilized ''Gravity'' to suppress Shedinja, while Shedinja countered with its own ''Gravity.'' However, kazam maintained a continuous usage of ''Gravity'' while Shedinja had to expend significant stamina to keep up.


    Furthermore, kazam''s immenseputational powers allowed it to multitask more swiftly than Shedinja. While upholding ''Gravity,'' kazam simultaneously employed ''Elemental Maniption'' to attack.


    Shedinja could also multitask, but it couldn''t match kazam''s speed. It could abandon ''Gravity,'' but that would significantly reduce its speed, and kazam was no slouch either. After engaging in this manner for five minutes, Shedinja started to sustain injuries, ultimately resulting in its defeat.


    One of the fire swords managed to strike Shedinja, and it could only hold on by employing ''Endure.'' When the next fire sword approached, Axel intervened and stopped the match.


    "kazam wins the battle. Take some time to rest, and then I will reward the victor."


    This marked the first time Shedinja had lost to a Pokemon of the same rank sinceing under Axel''s guidance. It dealt a significant blow to Shedinja, which, although not as arrogant as Charizard, possessed its own sense of pride. kazam, being older, more experienced, and stronger than Shedinja, had made asting impact on Shedinja''s mentality. Axel sensed this and decided to allow some time for Shedinja to calm down, intending to have a conversation with itter.


    The group rested for a while, and the time for rewards had arrived.


    "The first Axel Pokemonpetition has been splendid. Through thispetition, most of you must have realized your weaknesses and mistakes, which will make you stronger.


    Now, onto the rewards. The winners in each category are: Pidgeotto, Venusaur, Arcanine, Nidorino, and kazam.


    As I mentioned before, you may request anything, and I will fulfill it for you. So, go ahead and ask."


    First was Pidgeotto, which requested a grooming machine. The machine would automaticallyb its feathers and keep it groomed. Since they would be leaving Hakone City soon, Pidgeotto didn''t trust Axel to maintain its feathers perfectly.


    Axel was taken aback by the request initially, thinking it could have asked for anything—resources or training manuals to be stronger. However, after contemting for a while, Axel realized that he would do anything to make his Pokemon stronger. Therefore, Pidgeotto''s request for a grooming machine was actually a smart choice. Instead of being foolish, it showed Pidgeotto''s ingenuity.