The power of Hyper Beam was undeniable. Though after using this devastating move, the user would inevitably fall into a brief period of vulnerability.
But normally, after unleashing such power, the battle was essentially over.
If you defeated your opponent, either the battle would end or progress to the next round. The short recovery time was typically enough for a Pokémon to regain its strength.
If you failed to defeat your opponent, however...
There would be no hope. You could only await defeat.
The game instructions in Eddie's previous life had casually stated that a Pokémon couldn't move for one turn after using Hyper Beam, but this was reality.
Weakness was weakness—how could it possibly be cured in just one turn?
So in a real battle, using this move was powerful, but the risk was substantial.
Misty certainly knew the drawbacks of Hyper Beam, but to show Riolu the utmost respect, she ordered the attack without hesitation.
After all, in her assessment, the gravely injured Riolu no longer posed any threat. Victory was inevitable, so why worry about Hyper Beam's side effects?
"ROAR!"
When the attack ended, Gyarados suddenly appeared extremely weakened, its mighty roar diminished to a whimper.
Yet it was undoubtedly satisfied, having finally conquered the opponent that had been taunting it.
Just as it turned to witness the pitiful Riolu who had surely been defeated by Hyper Beam...
It froze in shock.
Riolu was still standing. Though barely alive and looking as if a gentle breeze could topple it, the Fighting-type Pokémon remained upright—neither unconscious nor unable to battle!
"How is that possible?!" Misty exclaimed in shock. The scene before her defied all expectations. "How could Riolu possibly withstand a direct hit from Hyper Beam?!"
"How? It's simple—by using the move Endure," Eddie replied calmly.
Endure: A move that enables the user to survive any attack with at least 1 HP remaining.
Eddie had commanded this move to ensure Riolu's survival. It must be said that Misty's decision to use Hyper Beam had played right into his hands.
"Endure... I completely forgot that move existed," Misty admitted, looking regretful. "I shouldn't have used Hyper Beam."
"I originally just wanted Riolu to damage Mega Gyarados as much as possible before fainting," Eddie explained. "But I never expected you to use Hyper Beam. Now I'll follow through on your mistake, and claim this victory!"
Eddie had initially planned for Riolu to inflict maximum damage before being knocked out, but Misty's tactical error had handed him the opportunity for victory. He couldn't let her "generosity" go to waste.
"This isn't over yet! Mega Gyarados, dive into the water!" Misty commanded, refusing to accept defeat. The battle wasn't finished, and she still had a chance to turn things around.
If Mega Gyarados could just survive this brief period of vulnerability, she could still snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Besides, with Riolu's current condition, it might not be able to completely defeat Mega Gyarados during this narrow window of opportunity.
"No, you don't stand a chance, Misty! Riolu, use Force Palm!" Eddie shouted.
Unlike Misty, Eddie would never make such a critical error in commanding his Pokémon, giving away victory to his opponent.
When he had seen Mega Gyarados use Hyper Beam, he immediately began strategizing how to defeat the Water/Dark-type during its vulnerable recovery period.
Now that the opportunity had presented itself, how could he let victory slip away?
Though Riolu was covered in wounds, the fighting spirit in its eyes blazed brighter than ever.
It knew victory was within reach!
Riolu let out a determined cry, summoning its remaining strength, and rushed toward the severely weakened Mega Gyarados.
Mega Gyarados had heard Misty's command and was attempting to retreat into the water.
However, its extreme weakness had drastically reduced its speed, allowing Riolu to catch up easily.
Riolu raised its paws and pressed them against Mega Gyarados's abdomen, releasing a burst of energy.
Both paws emitted powerful shock waves that continuously impacted Mega Gyarados's body.
Force Palm: A Fighting-type move that sends shock waves through the opponent's body, with a 30% chance of causing paralysis.
This was the effect of the move. Statistics showed there was a 30% chance of inflicting paralysis on the opponent.
However, Eddie's passive ability provided a luck bonus, and combined with Mega Gyarados's current weakened state...
How could the paralysis effect not be triggered?
Just as Eddie had anticipated, Mega Gyarados fell victim to paralysis.
The massive serpentine body that had been about to dive into the water, already weakened, now became completely immobilized—a sitting target.
"Mega Gyarados is paralyzed... it's over," Misty said, recognizing the situation.
Seeing this development, Misty knew Eddie wouldn't waste any opportunity. She understood that the battle was effectively decided.
Although Riolu theoretically had no moves that could defeat Mega Gyarados quickly, Eddie had used the relatively underpowered Force Palm specifically to paralyze Mega Gyarados.
That proved he had a plan. He must have a way to completely defeat Mega Gyarados in its current state.
"Perfect. Mega Gyarados can't move anymore," Eddie declared confidently. "Now it's time to use that move. Misty, are you prepared to accept defeat?"
Eddie had used Force Palm to ensure Riolu could land its next attack with absolute certainty. Now the moment had come to claim victory.
"Stop the theatrics," Misty replied. "Since you made that move, it means you have a finishing attack that can defeat Mega Gyarados in one strike. Using Force Palm was just insurance against any unexpected complications, right?"
"Even now, you demonstrate such caution. Compared to my rash decision to use Hyper Beam, I'm clearly outmatched in this regard."
"So be it—show me the move that can defeat Mega Gyarados in a single blow!"
Misty had accepted the inevitable. Facing Eddie's methodical approach, she couldn't reverse the situation.
Since there was no path to victory, she might as well witness the method Eddie would use to defeat Mega Gyarados in one decisive strike.
She was genuinely curious about this. What move did Riolu possess that could overcome Mega Gyarados in a single attack?
"Very well. Let me show you how Riolu will defeat Mega Gyarados," Eddie said confidently.
"Riolu! Finish Mega Gyarados with Reversal!"
Hearing the command, Riolu let out a powerful cry and concentrated all its remaining energy into its fist, launching itself at the immobilized Mega Gyarados.