Chapter Thirteen: An Unexpected Encounter with the Champion? Dynamax!

Dynamaxing, simply put, is a phenomenon where Pokémon grow to enormous size for a limited time, their moves transforming into Max Moves. Some special Pokémon even have exclusive Gigantamax forms, granting them unique G-Max Moves. This phenomenon can only occur in regions of Galar with Dynamax energy, making it a battle system unique to Galar.

Seeing Centiskorch Dynamax confirmed for Su Yi that he was indeed in Galar.

"Whoa?!" Startled by the opponent's sudden growth, Rufflebird panicked.

"What is that, nya? It’s suddenly bigger than any giant monster, nya!" Dewgrass stared upward, dumbfounded.

"Dynamaxing—it’s so common in the games, but witnessing it in reality is truly overwhelming." In the dim world, the gigantic Centiskorch radiated a crushing presence. Aside from the truly colossal Elder Dragons, only a handful of monsters from the Monster World could compare in size.

"Should I fight, or retreat?" Su Yi hesitated.

Dynamax lasts only a short while, but it’s nearly impossible to dodge a Dynamaxed Pokémon’s Max Moves; those attacks rain down like a storm, leaving no room to evade. Usually, the only option is to endure.

The best strategy now would be to withdraw, let Dynamax wear off, then return to defeat Centiskorch. But this was Rufflebird’s debut battle—just like the first time with Dreadjaw Wyvern. Su Yi’s command would forge the initial bond of trust, allowing him to better lead these wild-hearted beasts in the future.

Yet, fleeing in their first battle would likely leave his partner beasts dissatisfied.

"But compared to a fleeting show of courage, it’s more important to keep my companions from needless harm. After all, failure would disappoint them too."

Su Yi raised the capture ball, aiming it at Rufflebird. "Rufflebird, we—"

Just as he was about to call for a retreat, a clear, resonant voice echoed from the sky.

"That’s a Pokémon I’ve never seen! What’s wrong? Can’t Dynamax?"

Su Yi whirled toward the voice.

Hovering above was a powerful Charizard, and astride its back sat a dark-skinned, purple-haired man, smiling down at Su Yi.

"That’s… Leon! Galar’s undefeated Champion, and one of the Masters Eight of the Pokémon World Coronation Series!" Su Yi was stunned. Finally, he’d encountered another living person in the Pokémon world—and what a heavyweight for his first meeting!

"It would be a shame to end such a thrilling battle just because you can’t Dynamax. Here—catch!"

Noticing Su Yi’s astonishment, Leon pulled off his Dynamax Band and tossed it down.

"Thank you!" Su Yi recovered from his surprise, smiled, and raised his grappling device to snatch the Dynamax Band out of the air.

"Oh? That’s an interesting gadget." Leon’s eyes lingered on Su Yi’s left-hand device with curiosity.

"So this is the Dynamax Band," Su Yi muttered, quickly strapping it on. This was the key tool Trainers used to Dynamax their Pokémon.

"Are you ready to Dynamax, Trainer?" Leon called out.

Su Yi replied with a confident thumbs-up. "I’ve been waiting to try this kind of battle myself!"

"Rufflebird, are you ready to grow?" Su Yi grinned.

Caw! Rufflebird answered eagerly.

"Battle continues!" Su Yi recalled Rufflebird into the ball, gripping it tightly. The Dynamax Band emitted arcs of dark red energy, which surged into the ball. Immediately, the capture ball expanded, glowing with a swirl of red and white light.

"Go! Let’s begin our first Dynamax battle!"

With all his strength, Su Yi hurled the enormous capture ball.

Boom! Rufflebird, shrouded in dark red energy, burst forth and grew and grew, soon matching Centiskorch in size.

Caw!

Rufflebird let out a call, excitement mixing with awe at its new form.

"Rufflebird got big too, nya!" Dewgrass cheered, dancing with excitement.

Dynamax Rufflebird—Elder King Rufflebird, makes its grand debut!

Centiskorch, seeing its opponent match its size, attacked first.

Max Ooze!

The ground trembled as dark purple poison burst forth, forming a raging vortex of Poison-type energy that engulfed Rufflebird. At the same time, Centiskorch’s special attack rose, empowered by the Max Move.

Buffeted by the toxic whirlpool, Rufflebird staggered, its skin blistering with acid burns.

"Strike back, hard! Rufflebird, use Max Rockfall!" Su Yi commanded.

Caw! Rufflebird shook its head to dispel the pain, then struck the ground with its sharp talons. A massive slab of rock tore free, crashing down toward Centiskorch.

With a thunderous crash, the stone slab toppled like a collapsing building, burying Centiskorch amid flying debris as a sandstorm rose into the sky.

It’s super effective!

Centiskorch convulsed, crying out in pain. Its eyes glinted with frustration; it unleashed a shrill screech, and glowing yellow energy blossomed around its body. Countless Bug-type energy butterflies swarmed forth like snowflakes, hurtling toward Rufflebird.

Su Yi’s eyes flashed. He called out again, "Rufflebird, blow those bugs away with Max Airstream!"

Caw! Rufflebird responded, sweeping its talons to conjure whirling gales. Flying energy surged into a massive tornado, colliding with the Max Flutterby.

"Oh? Not a bad idea. Will it work?" Leon, spectating from Charizard’s back, brightened at Su Yi’s tactic, a smile of anticipation on his lips.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Tempests raged and insects shrieked; the two forces clashed in a violent struggle.

Centiskorch, already at a disadvantage, began to falter.

"Push forward, Rufflebird! Give it everything you’ve got!" Su Yi shouted, fist clenched in encouragement.

Caw! Rufflebird rallied, pouring all its strength into the storm. The Max Airstream swelled, overwhelming the Max Flutterby, tearing it apart and blasting it away.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Centiskorch took the full brunt of the storm, its weakened Flutterby swept away. As the Dynamax energy faded, Centiskorch shrank and collapsed with a mournful cry.

The battle was over. Rufflebird returned to its normal size, the dark red sky faded, and the world’s true colors returned.

"We won, nya!" Dewgrass cheered.

"Victory! Well done, Rufflebird!" Su Yi rushed over and threw his arms around Rufflebird’s neck, lavishing praise without restraint.

Rufflebird hugged Su Yi with its claws, letting out joyful cries. This battle had ignited its passion for fighting, and for the first time, it began to recognize Su Yi as its Trainer.

"I’ll be counting on all of you for future battles," Su Yi said, holding out his fist.

Caw? Rufflebird tilted its head in confusion, then happily bumped its claw against his fist.

"You two share a remarkable bond," Charizard landed softly and Leon jumped down, applauding gently.

Su Yi removed the Dynamax Band and handed it back. "I owe our victory over Dynamax Centiskorch—and the trust of my partner—to you, Champion Leon."

Leon slipped the band on with a smile. "I merely added a finishing touch. I’m delighted to have witnessed such an exciting battle."