As the afternoon gym battles began, Blaine, despite the different format, also took the time to watch.
No one knew his exact location.
The rules remained the same: one-on-one, the winner takes the badge, the loser leaves the arena.
The opening match was with a formidable elite trainer; Xia Mu remembered him as one of the skilled trainers who had challenged him a couple of days prior.
Judging from his confident demeanor, he was clearly well-prepared.
And indeed, he had gathered sufficient intelligence; seeing Xia Mu send out the Psychic-type Gardevoir, he countered with a level 43 Pinsir.
"Using a Bug-type Pinsir for a type advantage battle? While it does have a type advantage, it doesn't guarantee a win," Xia Mu said with a smile.
Across from him, Xinzhe's expression was serious: "Of course I dare not be careless, after all, my opponent is you. In my entire life, I have never encountered a Gym Leader who could beat me so badly, so this time, I must get my revenge!"
With that, Xinzhe raised his hand and commanded Pinsir to attack: "Go, Pinsir, close range, use X-Scissors!"
'Knock knock~~!' Pinsir let out a rough cry, then charged forward with brute force.
It looked truly frightening, especially since Pinsir's appearance was already unsettling. Its Mold Breaker ability allowed it to attack without being affected by its opponent's ability, allowing it to unleash its moves.
Pinsir was extremely fast, and Xia Mu could roughly confirm that this Pinsir had excelled in speed training.
"Although I really don't want to discourage you, if I ignore your blatant attack, it would be too lenient... Gardevoir, Magical Flame." Xia Mu showed no mercy.
Even though it was his second challenge, and even though his opponent's strength was indeed impressive, he might consider giving him a badge.
However, if he couldn't deliver a battle that would impress him, he definitely wouldn't give him the badge so easily.
While the power of the magical flame attack was only average, it was undoubtedly a perfect counter to the Bug-type Pinsir.
Most importantly, there was a four-level difference in level, an absolute crushing advantage in Special Attack, and Pinsir's weakness in Defense; if this attack hit, it could instantly KO the opponent.
"What? Your Gardevoir can use Fire-type moves?!" Xinzhe was clearly startled.
His previous investigation only mentioned that Gardevoir's psychic abilities were extremely powerful, and that all of its moves were psychic-related. He hadn't expected Gardevoir to know Fire-type moves.
Hearing Xinzhe's words, Xia Mu knew that while this kid had some strength, he was stubborn.
Since he had already investigated the Pokémon in Xinzhe's possession, he should go online and research what moves Gardevoir could learn.
The Pokémon database on the Pokémon League's official website does mention what moves Pokémon can learn, although it's not comprehensive and many moves are still unknown. However, the record for Gardevoir states that it can learn Fire, Electric, Grass, and even Ice-type moves.
Under the sweep of magical flames, Pinsir was hit before it could even get close and was sent flying.
Surprisingly, Pinsir didn't immediately lose its ability to battle, but bravely survived.
However, it was also at its limit. Xia Mu gave the order again, and Gardevoir fired another Psychic, finishing off Pinsir.
Psychic—this wasn't something Xia Mu bought Gardevoir to learn with a TM; it was something Gardevoir learned from Lucario.
It was an unexpected surprise.
"Pinsir is unable to battle. Gym Leader wins.
Please, Shin-cheol, leave the arena. Next challenger, San-yang, please enter the arena." "
Under the judge's ruling, Xinzhe tasted defeat once again.
'Pokémon battles aren't just about type; winning depends on factors like level, move usage, and tactical teamwork. Your reckless attack, even if you win by type, will severely damage your Pinsir. So next time you use Pinsir, remember not to attack so directly; use some tactics.' Xia Mu advised Xinzhe. Although
Xia Mu himself had many flaws, as the victor, he had the right to say these words.
If he were Pinsir's trainer, he would at least make Gardevoir pay .
'Thank you for the advice…' Xinzhe's face was pale. After recalling Pinsir, he left the arena without looking back. At
thirteen or fourteen, he was in the height of his rebellious phase, excessively self-centered, and unwilling to listen to much advice.
Watching Xinzhe leave, Xia Mu's attention turned to the second challenger. '
Should we change our Pokémon?'" "Or should we continue with Gardevoir?" San Yang faced Xia Mu, and even after watching Shinche's battle, he remained calm and fearless.
Xia Mu nodded: "Continue, send out your Pokémon."
Hearing Xia Mu's words, San Yang grinned, seemingly pleased: "That's good, go for it, Haunter!"
A Ghost-type Haunter, level 39, quite good, but unfortunately not Gengar.
No wonder it wasn't afraid of Gardevoir and had such a confident attitude.
"Compared to the challengers this morning, the afternoon challengers are indeed of higher quality, so let me see what you've got." Xia Mu didn't attack first, once again handing the initiative to the challenger.
"I couldn't be happier! Haunter, Dark Pulse!" "Sanyang gave the command, and Haunter immediately understood, licking its lips and grinning mischievously.
Its two illusory ghostly hands converged, forming a circle of dark purple light, before unleashing a powerful attack aimed directly at Gardevoir. "Take
this
! Psychic!" Xia Mu reacted swiftly without hesitation.
For Gardevoir, trained as a special attacker, Psychic was nothing to fear.
Even without any EVs invested, the current level difference meant that even with a type advantage, what was there to fear?
Besides, moves could counter type advantages.
A loud 'Bang!!!' echoed.
Psychic and Dark Pulse exploded from the impact, canceling each other out.
At the same time, something unexpected happened: Haunter suddenly appeared behind Gardevoir, launching a sneak attack with a highly effective strike.
Gardevoir's psychic abilities had sensed something, allowing it to avoid a fatal blow.
However, it had indeed taken damage, surprising Xia Mu.
His gaze lingered on Haunter's move list for a moment before he recognized the move and praised, "Not bad. Having Haunter use Sucker Punch during the brief interval between explosions really caught me off guard."
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(End of Chapter)