Take a break

Ruìsāng’s gaze lingered with indifference on the fight unfolding before him, his interest waning to the brink of a yawn as the tedious spectacle dragged on. As the lacklustre battle drew to a close, the restless audience clamoured for something genuinely thrilling—a spectacle worthy of their time. Amidst this clamour, Ruìsāng’s scoff echoed subtly, flanked by the dark silhouette of a Vulpix, while his Mawile remained encased within her Poké Ball.

The man adjacent to him, catching the hint of disdain in Ruìsāng’s scoff, threw a challenging query his way. “You think you can do better?”

Before he fully processed the situation, Ruìsāng found himself in the throes of battle. The combat that ensued was swift, starkly contrasting the previous one. A Rhyperior emerged first, challenging the arena. In response, Ruìsāng unleashed his Mawile, her diminutive form eliciting derisive laughter from the crowd. Yet, despite the size mismatch and mutual type vulnerabilities, it was Ruìsāng’s Mawile who swiftly seized the upper hand.

With a steely gaze, Ruìsāng observed his adversary struggling to maintain the battle’s momentum. “Give up, before your Pokémon gets seriously hurt,” he warned. He attempted to recall his Mawile, but the Rhyperior, in a surge of agitation, leapt to intercept, its trainer’s frustration mirroring its own. Undaunted by the colossal adversary, the Mawile's eyes blazed with a fierce, pink-hued determination.

Reluctantly engaged in the fight, Ruìsāng commanded the fight forward. The Rhyperior launched a ground-shaking Earthquake, to which he swiftly responded with a command for her to jump. “Focus Blast,” he instructed. Mawile, agile in her movements, spun mid-air. From her gaping maw, an orb of searing orange energy materialised, striking the Rhyperior squarely. The creature faltered, ultimately succumbing to the ground.

“Worthless fool,” Ruìsāng muttered under his breath at his defeated opponent. He turned, navigating through the throng with a cold detachment, his Mawile trailing close behind. Yet, the Vulpix halted, her gaze fixated on a Serperior nearby. She stood her ground, baring her fangs in a low, menacing growl.

Hēixié came to an abrupt halt, her growl resonating with a challenge towards a towering Serperior. This unexpected standoff captured Ruìsāng’s attention. He paused and observed the scene, his gaze shifting from the Vulpix to the imposing Serperior, and finally resting on the blonde woman who had questioned Hēixié's intentions.

Ruìsāng crossed his arms, his posture exuding a casual confidence. He regarded the woman with a mix of amusement and challenge. “Why? Interested in proving your Pokémon against her?” he queried, his lips curving into a slight, teasing smile. “I wasn’t planning on another battle, but if you’re eager to try, I’m game,” he added, his hand gesturing nonchalantly towards the nearby battle arena.

The air around them began to buzz with excitement as onlookers tuned into their exchange. The growing crowd's energy was palpable. Cheering and murmurs of excitement rippled through the gathering, each person eager to witness a clash between the Pokémon.