The three chosen ones on the opposite side tensed, quickly spread out, and had their surrounding spirit beasts move closer for protection.
The phoenix's ability was incredibly useful for playing death football; flames added to ball speed and power, and could even detonate for a secondary explosion to further enhance it.
If Bai Ye landed a kick to the face, they would likely need another stretcher.
But, the moment the opponents spread out…
Bai Ye suddenly kicked the ball, not towards their front, but a high lob into the sky.
Jin Sha shouted from behind, "Aerodactyl, Cross Chop!"
Aerodactyl swooped down from the air, using its wings to slash the ball downwards. Jin Sha then waved her hand again.
"Pikachu!" Jin Sha called out, "Quick Attack!"
Pikachu sprinted forward, crackling with electricity, its body transforming into a streak of lightning as it dashed ahead, intercepting the falling soccer ball.
"Not good!"
The three chosen ones exclaimed, having been fooled by Bai Ye's feint.
Lucario had been carried off the field with its master, so the goalkeeper was now Venusaur.
"Venusaur, use Vine Whip!" one chosen one yelled.
Venusaur, a giant toad with a blooming Rafflesia on its back, was massive enough to block half the goal by itself. As for the other half…
The instant Pikachu reached the ball, two vines shot out from the sides of Venusaur's flower, sweeping across and intertwining to block the incoming soccer ball.
But…
The air seemed to ripple.
"Careful!" a chosen one immediately warned, "They have Gengar, it can turn invisible!"
As expected, the moment the ball was batted away, Gengar revealed itself and directly slammed a Shadow Ball at the soccer ball, sending it back.
Shadow Ball effect: The soccer ball would become imbued with shadow, making it erratic.
However, with the warning, Venusaur was prepared. Its intertwined vines coiled again, forming a large net in front of the goal.
The Shadow Ball effect didn't increase shooting power, only made the ball erratic. With Venusaur creating a vine net, the remaining half of the goal was sealed, rendering the ball's unpredictability useless.
The next instant, the soccer ball, as expected, dropped into the net woven by Venusaur's vines. It spun against the net but ultimately failed to break through.
The three chosen ones breathed a sigh of relief, but at that moment…
"Did you forget about me?"
Bai Ye's voice suddenly echoed.
The three were startled, looking at where Bai Ye had stood, only to find it empty.
They had forgotten he could teleport!
When they looked back at the goal, Bai Ye was already there, leaping into the air and fiercely kicking the soccer ball.
Flames ignited!
Venusaur let out a pained cry. As a Grass-type spirit beast, fire abilities were extremely unfavorable.
The next instant, Venusaur's vines snapped, and Bai Ye slammed the soccer ball into the goal.
"Goal…"
The big screen quickly displayed the word "GOAL."
2-1, Bai Ye and Jin Sha took the lead again.
And…
With only five minutes left!
As Bai Ye returned to his half and the soccer ball was reset at the center circle, the three chosen ones exchanged glances, understanding each other's intentions.
They had to go on the offensive!
With five minutes remaining, overturning the score was difficult. But if they scored one goal, 2-2 would at least guarantee ten minutes of overtime, giving them hope.
However, as the whistle blew.
"Seviper, Giga Impact!"
Jin Sha decisively ordered Seviper to Giga Impact, coiling in front of the goal, its massive body completely blocking the net without a single gap.
And that wasn't all…
"Dragonite, Protect!"
"Milotic, Mystic Power!"
Dragonite and Milotic immediately positioned themselves in front of Seviper.
Dragonite's specialty was defense, and Jin Sha's Milotic was also trained for a defensive counter-attack strategy.
Thus, Seviper blocked the goal.
Dragonite and Milotic were responsible for defense.
Was this the end?
Of course not!
Bai Ye directly pulled out his sword box and smashed it onto the ground. Immediately, seven flying swords emerged and transformed into streaks of light, zipping left and right along the penalty line, forming a net of interception.
Bai Ye, still not satisfied, threw several talismans into the air.
As the talismans burned…
Rock Throw!
The ground outside the penalty area cracked, and massive rocks flew up, forming a line. Soon, a trench appeared outside the penalty area, along with an earthen wall that completely obscured the area behind it.
The three chosen ones felt their minds go numb.
How were they supposed to play now?
This was a strategy of complete defense, giving them no opportunities.
What was most troublesome was the lingering effect of Bai Ye taking one of them out.
They had considered such tight defense and even devised strategies to break through it.
But…
With one of them incapacitated by Bai Ye, their spirit beasts were incomplete, and their strategies died before they could be implemented.
The three gritted their teeth, feeling their scalps tingle at Bai Ye and Jin Sha's defense, but they had no choice but to press on and launch a fierce attack.
However, after finally breaking through the first layer of stone walls, streaks of sword light constantly swept the ball away. Even if by some stroke of luck the ball managed to slip through the flying swords, there were still Dragonite, Milotic, and Seviper blocking the way.
Then…
The final minute!
The soccer ball finally broke through the defense of Dragonite and Milotic, bringing a glimmer of hope to the three chosen ones. Facing the final obstacle, Seviper, they planned to use Hyper Beam to push it back, sending Seviper and the ball into the goal together.
But at that moment…
The elusive Gengar reappeared, this time in front of their own goal.
"Shadow Ball!"
Gengar, before the opposing Snorlax could use Hyper Beam, raised its hands high and unleashed a Shadow Ball towards the soccer ball.
With a roar!
The Shadow Ball struck the soccer ball, imbuing it with shadow. Wrapped in black smoke, it split into countless shadowy projectiles that flew forward.
The next instant…
The three chosen ones turned pale with shock. In their haste to equalize, they and their spirit beasts had pushed too far into Bai Ye and Jin Sha's half, leaving their own side completely empty.
Then…
They saw Bai Ye, this cheater, teleport to his own penalty area and unleash a explosive shot at Venusaur.
Venusaur's vines were powerless against the burning soccer ball. It could only watch as its vines were incinerated, and the ball slammed into the goal, sending the net billowing.
"Goal…"
3-0!
The game was decided!
…