https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-104-Twenty-Nine-Years-Left-in-Thirty-So-No-Problem/12830664/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-106-Are-You-Really-Going-to-Be-Called-Gyarados-Ghost-from-Now-On-/12830666/
Chapter 105: Is This the Power of Psychology?
Chapter 105: Is This the Power of Psychology?
Cynthia took a deep breath.
Truly, Jing He is a remarkable teacher.
She returned her Rhyhorn to its Poke Ball and whispered softly, "It's okay, we'll keep trying. One day, we'll get there."
Putting away the Poke Ball containing Rhyhorn, Cynthia was not discouraged. Instead, she took out her second Poke Ball.
Cynthia regrouped and threw the Poke Ball once more.
"Go, Nosepass!"
Nosepass, the Compass Pokemon, is a pure Rock-type. Despite being a Rock-type, it is also adept at using Electric-type moves due to its magnetic properties.
From what Jing He knew, Nosepass was likely Cynthia's main Pokemon.
The battle resumed.
"Nosepass, Sandstorm!"
Cynthia commanded swiftly.
As a faint yellow glow enveloped Nosepass, a sandstorm swept across the battlefield, gradually shrouding the entire area.
At the same time, Jing He's vision displayed the Pokedex entry for Nosepass.
Nosepass
Type: Rock
Ability: Sturdy
Moves: Tackle, Harden, Block, Rock Throw, Thunder Wave, Rest, Swift, Rock Slide.
Mood:
Looking at the moves Nosepass knew, Jing He thought, "The Sandstorm system, or the 'Sandstorm Team,' relies heavily on the weather 'Sandstorm.'"
However, to build a 'Sandstorm Team,' it's best to have a Pokemon with the 'Sand Stream' ability, which can change the weather to 'Sandstorm' as soon as it enters the battle.
For example, Jing He's Glalie has the 'Snow Warning' ability, which changes the weather to 'Snow' upon entering the battle.
This gives an early advantage.
But for Pokemon like Cynthia's Nosepass, using the 'Sandstorm' move to initiate the 'Sandstorm' weather, they gain the weather but lose a lot of initiative.
Jing He smiled slightly.
"Gengar, Shadow Sneak!"
The moment Nosepass had just used 'Sandstorm,' it felt as if someone had tapped it on the back. It turned around sharply, but found nothing.
However, when it turned back in confusion, it saw a terrifying ghost face with a metallic Gengar-like shell!
"Haah!"
Nosepass shuddered, feeling as if its heart had skipped a beat.
"Shadow Sneak" is all about catching the opponent off guard—fear is the key.
But Jing He made a small adjustment to this principle.
"Shadow Sneak" not only needs to catch the opponent off guard but should also target the opponent's deepest fears—fear is the key (revised).
Cynthia frowned, seeing this.
When did Gengar get so close to Nosepass?
And how does Teacher Jing He know so much about Pokemon?
Even knowing that Nosepass is most afraid of Magnemite?
Wild Nosepass are known to fear Magnemite because Magnemite are attracted to the magnetic minerals on Nosepass's body, making them almost a natural enemy.
Moreover, Gengar's transformation ability is quite impressive.
One might even mistake it for a Ditto!
"Gastro Acid."
Taking advantage of Nosepass's 'flinched' state, Gengar immediately formed a small ball of strange light.
As the light ball entered Nosepass's body, it fell into a 'confused' state.
To gain a 'Sandstorm' weather, Nosepass, already slow, lost a lot of initiative. In the current situation, it seemed like a poor trade-off.
Cynthia's expression was very serious, but she remained calm as she gave her next command.
"Nosepass, Thunder Wave!"
"Confusion" doesn't prevent a Pokemon from using moves; it just means there's about a one-third chance that it will attack itself due to confusion.
Perhaps because of Cynthia's calmness, or perhaps due to luck, Nosepass was not affected by 'confusion' this time.
Zzzz—
Golden arcs of electricity danced around Nosepass's body.
If the 'Thunder Wave' could paralyze Gengar, the tide of the battle would turn.
However, Jing He, who already knew the moves Nosepass knew, wasn't surprised by Cynthia's next move.
"Gastly, dive into Crobat's shadow."
As the words from Dujuan's voice echoed, Jing He's command followed immediately.
"Keh keh keh~"
Numerous golden arcs of light erupted, but Gastly had already slipped into Crobat's shadow, remaining unscathed.
Not everyone would choose to attack their own shadow, after all.
"Is this pre-emptive reading? Using the shadow to avoid 'Thunder Wave,' this puts Dujuan and Crobat in a tough spot."
"How can a Pokemon psychology mentor be so strong?"
"Be confident, remove the 'feeling.' He is indeed strong. Didn't you see Dujuan's expression?"
"..."
As the audience buzzed with discussion, Jing He, quicker than Dujuan, commanded:
"Lick."
Gastly cackled and emerged from Crobat's shadow, licking its back as the golden arcs dissipated.
Crobat was immediately paralyzed.
"Poison Fang."
"Will-O-Wisp."
"Double Trouble."
The audience fell into an eerie silence.
Suddenly, someone shuddered and vigorously rubbed their goosebump-covered arms.
"Damn! Flinch, confusion, paralysis, burn, poison... This Gastly is way too 'dirty.'"
"Not just that! Didn't you notice how Gastly uses 'startle' and precise pre-emptive reading? Is this the power of psychology?"
"Poor Crobat... A double blow to both body and mind."
"But why doesn't Crobat use 'Rest'?"
"Wait, she didn't switch Pokemon. Could she be aiming for a three-for-one chain?!"
"..."
Even the referee couldn't help but pat his arm, sternly announcing:
"Crobat has lost its ability to battle!"
With so many negative effects, even Crobat's formidable strength couldn't withstand the onslaught. Its 'Sturdy' ability was rendered useless in this battle.
"Using 'Rest' would be a complete disaster. Jing He would definitely have Gastly stack 'Trick,' making the next match pointless."
Cynthia smiled softly, muttering quietly so only she and Clair could hear.
Clair also smiled.
"Given all those negative effects, Gastly didn't use 'Hypnosis' or continue 'Trick.' It must be worried about Crobat's 'Snore.' If it randomly uses 'Self-Destruct,' the rocks and debris from the explosion would be hard for Gastly to avoid."
"Truly... an unexpectedly cautious move."
Their insight was far beyond that of the average audience, allowing them to deduce some of the details of Jing He and Dujuan's strategy.
Cynthia added:
"However, Dujuan is willing to risk losing Crobat to use 'Sandstorm.' She must be very confident in her last Pokemon."
A hint of concern crept into her eyes.
Clair glanced at Cynthia, her lips curling slightly.
Meanwhile.
On the field, Jing He called Gastly over.
"Dujuan's next Pokemon is likely her father's Pokemon. She's willing to risk Crobat to use 'Sandstorm,' so it's probably a 'Sand Veil' Pokemon."
"Either Diglett or Gligar, we—"
"Keheh?" Gastly blinked in confusion.
Gligar?
What's that?
Its mind conjured the image of a Gyarados with a Rattata's head.
"Ah, sorry, I meant Gligar. But I think it's more likely to be Diglett. Our strategy will depend on the situation."
On the other side.
Dujuan's expression was complex.
Relying on her father's Pokemon?
This wasn't what she wanted.
But as a Gym Leader, providing a thorough test to challengers is her duty!—
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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