After the match, the sky had already darkened. Wen Qi stepped forward to announce the end of the day's competition. He first arranged for everyone to eat, then sent them to rest. The accommodation for the other Pokémon went smoothly. Due to the massive size of the Venusaur, Wen Qi had to settle it in a shed under a large tree to rest. The Venusaur, aware of its unique physique, didn't refuse and settled down there.
Wen Qi recalled all his Pokémon into the small world for recovery, as only Gogoat, Heracross, and Scizor would be competing the next day. In the small world, Wen Qi also conducted a review with the Pokémon that had battled today, analyzing their performance to help them understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how to become stronger. Even Torterra, who had won easily, was advised to keep improving and not become complacent. After finishing all the reviews, it was late, and Wen Qi began to rest.
The next morning, sunlight spilled across the arena as the 41-50 Elite Group matches were about to begin. Pokémon gathered in the draw area, each with different emotions. The three level-50 Scyther from the Scyther family stood agile and confident, their eyes full of eagerness to showcase their strength. The three level-50 Venusaur from the Venusaur family moved steadily, calm and composed, as if already certain of the draw results. The five elite-level Scyther from the farm were quick and restless, eagerly hoping for a favorable battle order. Wen Qi's level-44 Heracross and level-48 Gogoat also arrived at the draw. Heracross excitedly rubbed its hands together, raring to go, while Gogoat remained relatively calm.
The draw began. The three Scyther drew numbers 2, 4, and 6. The Venusaur family drew 1, 3, and 5. The five elite-level Scyther from the farm drew 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Wen Qi's Heracross drew 12, and Gogoat drew 13. The Pidgeot and Poliwrath families could only watch from the stands, their eyes filled with disappointment and unwillingness, silently vowing to train harder and qualify next time.
The 41-50 Elite Group matches officially kicked off, with thrilling battles unfolding one after another. Before the fights began, the Venusaur strode onto the field with steady, powerful steps. Its massive, imposing body exuded an unmatched aura of dominance, and its vibrant flowers seemed to proclaim its nobility and strength. It stood in the center of the arena, its sharp, serious gaze seemingly able to see through everything. The surrounding Pokémon were stunned into silence by its presence. The once-noisy arena fell quiet, everyone awed by its authority. Some timid Pokémon instinctively stepped back, their eyes filled with reverence. Even the confident competitors felt immense pressure, their high spirits dampened. The Venusaur's majesty enveloped the entire arena in solemnity. This was as Wen Qi had arranged with the Venusaur earlier—since the upcoming battles would be dangerous, it would act as referee, ensuring fairness while protecting the contestants from severe injury.
Soon, the battles began. The Venusaur family and the Scyther family clashed fiercely first. The Venusaur unleashed powerful Grass-type moves like "Leaf Storm," sending countless sharp leaves swirling like a violent tornado, and "Solar Beam," a scorching, blinding beam shooting straight at the opponent. The Scyther countered with their sharp scythes, using "X-Scissor," their blades crossing as if to cut through anything, and "Fury Cutter," rapid and relentless attacks. The two sides exchanged blows, the battle intense and captivating.
The elite-level Scyther from the farm also took the field, engaging in thrilling contests. They moved swiftly, using "Swords Dance" to boost their attack with graceful movements, and "Aerial Ace," striking with incredible speed and agility. Finally, it was Wen Qi's Heracross's turn, facing a level-43 Scyther. At the start, the Scyther struck first with "Quick Attack," charging at Heracross like lightning. Heracross reacted swiftly, sidestepping the fierce blow. The Scyther then used "Air Slash," sending powerful wind blades howling toward Heracross. Unfazed, Heracross withstood the attack with "Protect," a faint glow enveloping it to block the damage. Heracross counterattacked with "Horn Attack," its horn gleaming as it charged like a sharp lance. The Scyther leaped agilely to avoid the strike and used "Wing Attack" mid-air, hitting Heracross with force. Heracross winced but stood firm. The Scyther pressed on with "X-Scissor," its scythes crossing to slice through the air. This time, Heracross didn't dodge but met it head-on with "Take Down," charging like a cannonball. The collision sent dust flying across the arena.
Both sides had expended much stamina, but their fighting spirit remained high. The Scyther used "Focus Energy," concentrating to boost its critical-hit rate, aiming for a decisive blow. Heracross seized the moment to use "Sleep Talk," a soft glow restoring some of its energy. The Scyther struck with a full-power "X-Scissor," charging like thunder. Heracross gritted its teeth and, at the critical moment, unleashed "Reversal," its power surging as if burning with fighting spirit. Their attacks clashed, locked in a stalemate, the tension at its peak. Finally, Heracross's tenacity prevailed, pushing the Scyther back. Exhausted, the Scyther collapsed, gasping for air. Heracross stood victorious in the arena, panting but holding its head high, proudly displaying its triumph. Wen Qi cheered for its victory, and the audience, moved by Heracross's resilience, applauded.
After Heracross's thrilling match, Gogoat, who had a bye, faced a Venusaur in the next round. The battle began with the Venusaur launching "Leaf Storm," a whirlwind of sharp leaves. Gogoat calmly used "Protect," forming a transparent barrier to block the attack. The Venusaur then fired "Solar Beam," a golden beam like a sword. Gogoat dodged with a quick sidestep and struck back with "Vine Whip," lashing the Venusaur. The Venusaur shuddered but pressed on with "Petal Dance," turning petals into sharp blades. Gogoat countered with "Stomp," shaking the ground and weakening the attack. Gogoat then went on the offensive with "Seed Bomb," launching seeds like projectiles. The Venusaur used "Synthesis," glowing green to recover while dodging some seeds. It followed up with "Sludge Bomb," hurling black sludge. Gogoat met it head-on with "Double-Edge," the collision shaking the arena. After intense exchanges, both were drained. Gogoat used "Grassy Terrain," covering the field with grass to steadily recover. The Venusaur tried to stop it with "Sleep Powder," spreading pink spores to put Gogoat to sleep. Gogoat used "Sleep Talk" to stay awake and struck with "Razor Leaf," leaving deep cuts on the Venusaur. The Venusaur weakened, its attacks slowing. Gogoat, refreshed by the terrain, charged with "Horn Leech," hitting the Venusaur hard. The Venusaur collapsed, unable to continue. Gogoat stood proudly, head raised, as if declaring victory. Wen Qi cheered, knowing Gogoat usually disliked fighting, making this performance remarkable. The audience applauded the exciting match.
As the tournament progressed, thrilling battles continued. Each Pokémon showcased its best moves, the tension mounting. Some overpowered opponents with strong attacks, while others relied on agility to outmaneuver. After multiple rounds, the final four emerged: Wen Qi's Gogoat, advancing with stamina and diverse skills; two Venusaur, steady and powerful; and a formidable Scyther, known for its speed and sharp attacks. The audience eagerly awaited the semifinals, wondering who would claim the title.
First up were Wen Qi's Gogoat and the Scyther. The Scyther struck first with "Quick Attack," charging like lightning. Gogoat dodged by using "Dig," burrowing underground. The Scyther followed with "Air Slash," scarring the ground. Emerging, Gogoat fired "Razor Leaf," forcing the Scyther to retreat. The Scyther adjusted, flying high and diving with "Wing Attack." Gogoat used "Bulk Up" to boost defense and strength, enduring the hit. The Scyther then used "X-Scissor," but Gogoat's "Stomp" disrupted its aim. The Scyther used "Focus Energy" to boost critical hits, while Gogoat used "Synthesis" to recover. The Scyther struck with full-force "Aerial Ace," and Gogoat met it with "Take Down," the collision immense. However, after a grueling fight, Gogoat's stamina gave out due to the gap in strength. Just as the Scyther's attack was about to seriously injure Gogoat, the Venusaur intervened, releasing a gentle force to soften the blow, sparing Gogoat from severe harm. The Scyther won the match. The audience cheered for the Scyther, and Wen Qi acknowledged Gogoat's effort and perseverance.