Chapter 308: Ability Swap

The electromagnetic wave spread forward, forming ring after ring of circular light-wave patterns.

And under the bewildered gazes of Seadra and Mira, it did not land on the former, but instead formed a gleaming orb above the former's head, releasing a fierce and blinding flash of light.

Boom!

The electromagnetic wave burst open, transforming into countless wildly dancing silver serpents; the somewhat dim arena beneath the overcast sky instantly became dazzlingly bright, like a flashbang tearing through the darkness!

Seadra and Mira, who had been watching with excessive curiosity, were both successfully blinded for a short time—one shook its head, the other rubbed its eyes, struggling to recover its sight.

Vivian's excited voice rang out across the venue.

"Unbelievable! The electromagnetic wave was only a bait move! Seadra and Young Lady Mira, who took the bait, have unfortunately fallen victim!"

The scoreboard immediately deducted points from Mira for taking the hit.

After barely waiting for the blindness to fade, Seadra and Mira discovered that Chansey had already come quite close—at a glance, only four or five steps away.

The urgency made her shout:

"Water Pulse!"

A glowing blue orb of water rapidly formed in front of Seadra and shot toward the latter, but before it could arrive, a faint pink light lit up on Chansey first.

"Trick!"

The pink light sank into Seadra's body, then drew something out from within it, which sank into Chansey's body.

Boom!

The Water Pulse bloomed like a flower, forming rolling waves that struck the latter, yet caused no damage whatsoever to Chansey, which had gained the 【Water Absorb】 ability.

The water flowed like winding, twisting water serpents around Chansey's body, a small amount seeping into it and raising its Special Attack.

What a spectacular scene!

A brilliant technique that turned the opponent's attack into a means of strengthening oneself!

Although Chansey appeared somewhat inexperienced, it still caused Mira's points to be deducted by nearly a third; she, who had originally held a slight lead, was now directly overtaken in reverse.

The rainwater scattered from the sky also seemed to be drawn toward the former, creating a thin layer of faint light around it.

"Sing!"

"Yawn!"

Both sides gave orders at the same instant; Chansey cupped its hands and began singing a moving song, with colorful notes leaping out like little sprites.

Meanwhile, Seadra, not far away, suddenly opened its mouth wide and, while letting out a tremendous yawn, blew out a stream of milky-white air.

The airstream and the colorful notes collided with each other, then all surged toward the sky, exploding one after another with boom boom boom to form gorgeous fireworks mixed with white mist!

Unfortunately, Seadra's yawn was clearly not as enduring as Chansey's singing.

Although most of the notes were blown into the sky, as it sang as though no one were watching, more and more colorful notes leapt forth, dancing around it in graceful spirals, and struck Seadra's head.

Pop!

A single note exploding on its forehead was enough to make the latter show a drowsy look.

In no time at all, Seadra drooped its limp head and abruptly fell into a sleeping state.

A flash of impatience crossed Mira's face; her score was deducted once again, leaving less than half, while All Baimu had only just been deducted a little over a quarter!

Under both sides' deliberate control, less than two minutes remained.

Was it all over?

"Seadra, wake up!" she shouted, hoping her voice could rouse it.

The latter's body trembled slightly, seemingly responding to its trainer's voice.

But before it could wake on its own, Chansey had already, under All Baimu's command, extended a "helping hand" toward it.

"Heal Bell!"

Ding ling ling~ Ding ling ling~

The soothing sound of bells echoed through the arena; emerald light transformed into wave after wave of light released toward Seadra, unmistakably emanating from the maternal-faced Chansey.

"Soft-Boiled!"

Merely curing the status condition was not enough; Chansey, with a benevolent air, lifted a glowing orb from its belly and tucked it into Seadra's body, healing its lost stamina.

Seeing this, Mira's expression shifted from displeasure to alarm; she turned to look at the big screen and suddenly saw her score being deducted by a large amount!

Without a doubt.

It was precisely because the act of healing showcased the unique personality of Chansey as a Pokémon—whether caring for Pokémon or sharing "eggs."

"Mr. All Baimu has displayed the personality of Chansey as a Pokémon wonderfully! Miss Miss Qiao Yin looks very satisfied!"

Vivian's voice rang out.

"Body Slam!"

Mira watched the little time that remained, her composure visibly crumbling into panic.

But how could Chansey allow Seadra to land a hit? The instant the latter took flight, the long-awaited psychic power surged out in full, locking onto Seadra's body.

"Telekinesis!"

A blue light shone on Seadra's surface, and it was forcibly frozen in midair.

Mira's score was deducted once more.

"Move! Use Earth Power!"

She shouted, but Seadra was completely unable to move; just when it had finally gathered Ground-type energy, a piercing whistle suddenly sounded from above the venue.

Beeeeep—!

"Match over!"

Vivian, holding the microphone, swung her arm down sharply.

Seeing this, Chansey hurriedly set Seadra down from midair.

The latter slowly wriggled over to its trainer's side, dejected and at a loss.

On the big screen.

Both sides' scores were clearly visible.

One score had a quarter deducted, while the other had only an almost imperceptible sliver remaining.

The next instant.

All Baimu's and Chansey's portraits occupied the entire big screen.

"The one who has successfully advanced to the finals is — Mr. Baimu!"

Vivian's voice drew wave after wave of cheers from the audience.

Patstein switched on his mic and said: "A brilliant performance. Not only did he flexibly employ moves that originally had no effect, he also successfully leveraged his opponent's Ability to gain the upper hand for himself. Brilliant, truly brilliant."

Yanase flipped her hair. "Subarashi~"

Miss Qiao Yin beamed with smiles. "To see such fluid and graceful rescue work in a Glamorous Battle — what a delight!"

All Baimu and Chansey bowed together to the audience and the judges in thanks.

——

The contestant corridor.

All Baimu, who was leaving with Chansey, was suddenly called out by Mira.

"Your Chansey performed excellently, but next time I won't lose to you this easily."

She extended her hand.

Seeing that she was still fairly amicable, All Baimu gave it a light shake and asked: "May I ask why you didn't use Milotic?"

"What else could it be? Of course it was to counter your Mawile."

Mira sighed: "Who could have expected there to be such a strong Chansey by your side? The Ability Swap wiped out in an instant all the advantage I had built up with my Seadra."

"Haha."

All Baimu gave a slight smile. In truth, he had only been able to obtain this move through mimicry two days prior, and the level had caused his Zweilous to show signs of evolution; the Ability Swap had shifted the Glamorous Contest's momentum in his favor.

It was hard to say whether the Lucky Scale hadn't played a role again.