Chapter 150: Unexpected Joy—Graveler

"Huo La, you're really amazing! That punch just now was so cool!" Ai Mei hurried over, eyes sparkling, her tone full of excitement.

Xiao Gang also walked over, nodding at him.

Huo La smiled and nodded, just as he was about to speak, his gaze fell on the not‑far distance—Dong Ni was leading Ai Bi Lang here, both still glistening with light sweat, clearly having just finished a match.

"Ai Mei, are these two your friends?" Dong Ni stepped closer, his eyes first landing on Huo La with a hint of appraisal, then turning to Xiao Gang, his tone fairly gentle.

"Dad, yes! They're friends I met on the road; Huo La even won the match just now!" Ai Mei hurriedly introduced, not forgetting to praise Huo La.

Dong Ni nodded, his look at Huo La now tinged with admiration: "Your Snorlax is trained quite well; its Combat Technique has great power. However, I must remind you—what you said to that kid earlier was a bit too arrogant; most of the contestants here have been training in Fighting for years, and they'll likely take offense."

Huo La followed his gaze across the arena—sure enough, many contestants were covertly watching him, their eyes holding a hint of resentment, even a touch of hostility, giving him an instant feeling of "a blade at his back."

It was only then that he belatedly recalled that his earlier remark was indeed a bit reckless, having "offended" everyone present.

Nevertheless Huo La wasn't flustered; he took a deep breath, shrugged, and said calmly, "I think if I can defeat everyone here, then my earlier words shouldn't count as offending anyone—after all, strength is the only real measure."

"Hahaha! Good kid, full of ambition!" Dong Ni laughed at his bluntness, reaching out to pat Huo La's shoulder with a firm, fighter's heft, "But don't get careless; my Ai Bi Lang isn't afraid of your Snorlax!"

"Ai Bi!" Ai Bi Lang on the side immediately raised its gauntlet, giving Huo La a "challenge" gesture, eyes sharp and full of fighting spirit—clearly, it also regarded Huo La as a strong opponent.

Huo La watched Ai Bi Lang's tensed muscles and focused gaze, and silently nodded.

Although Dong Ni is an irresponsible father, his training of Ai Bi Lang can be described as quite devoted.

"Then I look forward to battling you, Mr. Dong Ni. When the time comes, my Snorlax won't hold back."

"Alright!" Dong Ni patted Huo La's shoulder, "I'll meet you in the finals!" With that, he turned, leading Ai Bi Lang away, gathering strength for the next round.

After a brief half‑hour rest, the second round officially began.

Xiao Gang stood with his Xiao Quan Shi in the battle zone, opposite a youth clad in a black Martial Arts Uniform; beside him, KenTaiLuo was wagging its tail, hooves constantly digging the ground, exuding a volatile aura.

"Ai Mei, you think I can win! In this match I'm sure I can win, securing the first victory of the P1 Competition for you!" Xiao Gang clenched his fist, shouting with boiling enthusiasm, his eyes full of eager desire to prove himself.

"Heh, wait until you actually win before you start making confession speeches!" the Martial Arts Uniform youth sneered, pointing at Xiao Gang and ordering, "KenTaiLuo, use Charge!"

"Moo!" KenTaiLuo lowed, its four hooves stamping the ground, charging at Xiao Quan Shi, the speed so fast it stirred a gust of wind.

"Xiao Quan Shi, use Protect quickly!" Xiao Gang hurriedly shouted the command.

Xiao Quan Shi instantly tensed its body, crossing its arms in front. KenTaiLuo's Charge slammed into it, producing a muffled "boom," yet Xiao Quan Shi merely wobbled and stood firm—its Rock-type hardened body temporarily withstood the impact.

"Good chance! Xiao Quan Shi, use Brick Break!" Xiao Gang's eyes lit up, seizing the moment.

Xiao Quan Shi raised its thick right arm, gathering Combat Energy, and smashed it onto KenTaiLuo's head. KenTaiLuo winced, letting out a muffled groan, then with a "dong" its four hooves knelt to the ground, its head dizzy, clearly badly injured.

"KenTaiLuo, don't give up! Use Close Combat, crush it!" the Martial Arts Uniform youth rushed, his voice pitched higher.

"Moo—!" KenTaiLuo let out a low roar, shaking its head, its eyes instantly turning red as if enraged, wildly charging at Xiao Quan Shi again and again with increasing force, its hooves even scraping the rock body, scattering tiny stone chips.

"Xiao Quan Shi, Protect! Protect quickly!" Xiao Gang watched the scene, his face paling, repeatedly shouting defensive commands—yet Xiao Quan Shi's arm began to tremble slightly, a few tiny cracks appearing on its body, clearly about to give out.

"Mr. Xiao Gang, just concede!" Ai Mei, anxious from the stands, couldn't help speaking, "If this continues, Xiao Quan Shi will be smashed to pieces!"

Huo La also walked over at this moment; his opponent for this round had been instantly eliminated.

He frowned, sighed, picked up a Red Cloth used for forfeiture from his seat, and handed it to Xiao Gang: "Letting a companion get beaten on the field for nothing isn't what a Trainer should do. Do you want to win the match, or protect Xiao Quan Shi?"

Xiao Gang watched the continuously struck Xiao Quan Shi on the stage, then glanced at the worried Ai Mei beside him, his face full of inner conflict.

Finally, he clenched his teeth, took the Red Cloth, and threw it forcefully onto the stage— the Red Cloth arced through the air and landed steadily in the center of the battle zone.

"Xiao Quan Shi forfeits; the winner of this round is KenTaiLuo!" the referee immediately raised the flag, announcing the result.

Xiao Gang hurried onto the stage, gently cradling Xiao Quan Shi, looking at its cracks, his eyes reddening: "I'm sorry, it's all my fault; I shouldn't have let you suffer such severe injuries just to win... please forgive me."

"Fist~" Xiao Quan Shi let out a soft sound, raising its short paw, gently patting Xiao Gang's cheek as if comforting him. At that moment, a white light suddenly burst from Xiao Quan Shi, instantly enveloping its body—the light grew brighter, even the surrounding air seemed wrapped in warm energy.

Xiao Gang, surprised, released his grip, watching the illuminated Xiao Quan Shi enlarge, its body swelling from a round stone mass to a bulkier form, sprouting two extra arms. Moments later, the light faded, revealing a larger, four‑armed Graveler standing steadily on the stage.

"Graveler~" the Graveler shook its arms, emitting a powerful call toward Xiao Gang.

Xiao Gang stared at the evolved Graveler, eyes widened with delight, then solemnly rose and bowed deeply to the Graveler: "Graveler, please continue to guide me in the future!"

"Graveler!" the Graveler raised its four arms, nodding vigorously, its voice full of vigor.