Chapter 715: The Value of Second Place Continues to Rise!

Chapter 715: The Value of Second Place Continues to Rise!

Amidst the cheers of the audience,

The Four Champions of "Champion's Path" officially began their battle!

The four champions of Johto—Hangetsu, Bounshun, Bony, and Genji—made their debut, completing the formal introduction with Jinghe.

Three of the champions stepped back, while Hangetsu walked to the opposite side of the arena where Jinghe stood.

Bright lights illuminated the entire arena, and the Magnemite Cam and Rotom Drone were put away, replaced by the venue's built-in, all-angle cameras.

"Teacher Jinghe, I've been looking forward to this battle with you for a long time", Hangetsu said, his spiky hair and hands in his pockets giving him a rebellious look.

In fact,

Hangetsu was once a delinquent, into rock music, but he later found his path and worked hard, eventually becoming one of Johto's Four Champions!

His preferred tactics and style of play are all about full-on offense.

He believes that the best defense is a good offense.

"Come on, Champion Hangetsu!"

Jinghe is quite familiar with the Four Champions of Hoenn, so there was no need for unnecessary talk.

Let's battle!

For Pokémon trainers, battle is the best way to communicate!

Hangetsu smiled happily and approvingly.

This was the kind of battle he had been waiting for, and this was the kind of champion he believed should have the right attitude.

Fearless, facing everything head-on, respecting the opponent tactically but looking down on them strategically, exuding the confidence of a champion.

In the quiet first room of the "Elite Four Fortress", the bright lights heightened the tension.

A Rotom flew out of the room, holding a red and a blue flag, and announced loudly:

"The battle will be a one-on-one, four-Pokémon selection format. When one side has four Pokémon unable to battle, the match is over!"

Rotom technology has become increasingly popular lately.

Jinghe's Rotom Dex has, to some extent, promoted the spread of "Rotom technology."

The four-Pokémon selection format was slightly different from what Jinghe had expected, but it didn't matter much.

"First, please, Champion Hangetsu, send out your Pokémon!" the Rotom referee raised its flags.

As the "gatekeeper", Hangetsu wasted no time, throwing a Premier Ball, "Go, Thickbuild Troll!"

Red light flashed, and a Pokémon appeared on the field, its deep purple, thick fur contrasting with its bright green exposed skin, and its muscular, humanoid form was particularly imposing.

Thickbuild Troll?

Jinghe's eyebrows raised.

He wasn't unfamiliar with the Four Champions of Hoenn, but he didn't remember Hangetsu having a Thickbuild Troll.

It seems the Four Champions all have some hidden cards up their sleeves.

Looking at the somewhat "ugly" and distinctly muscular Thickbuild Troll, Jinghe's mind raced with information about this Pokémon.

Thickbuild Troll, also known as Bulk Up Pokémon, is a Dark and Fairy-type Pokémon that first appeared in the Galar region. It is male, while its female counterpart is Brimble.

Jinghe wasn't unfamiliar with this Pokémon.

Its traits and moves once made it a formidable opponent, perfectly suited to Jinghe's preferred tactics.

After a moment's thought, Jinghe threw his Poké Ball.

"Go, Thicklipuku!"

"Roozzz"

With a roar, Thicklipuku, also covered in thick fur, appeared on the field.

In terms of presence, Thicklipuku far surpassed Thickbuild Troll.

The muscular Thickbuild Troll felt the pressure from the equally muscular Thicklipuku.

"Is this the level of a champion?" Hangetsu immediately felt the intense pressure.

"The battle begins!" the Rotom referee's flags dropped.

"Thickbuild Troll, Sucker Punch!" Hangetsu took the initiative.

With the priority move Sucker Punch, Thickbuild Troll moved incredibly fast, a peculiar energy bursting from its body as it quickly appeared beside Thicklipuku, landing a swift strike.

Smack!

Sucker Punch can make the opponent flinch briefly.

"Thickbuild Troll, Thunder Wave!"

Seeing Sucker Punch work, Hangetsu immediately followed up.

Zzzt—

A web-like golden current quickly formed in Thickbuild Troll's hands and shot toward Thicklipuku.

If hit by Thunder Wave, Thicklipuku would be paralyzed, potentially losing control of its body in certain situations.

However,

Jinghe narrowed his eyes and suddenly shouted, "Wake up!"

Thicklipuku, which had its eyes closed, suddenly opened them, a powerful aura surging through its body, its fur fluttering, and its demeanor changing dramatically in an instant.

If the closed-eyed Thicklipuku was a towering wave, ready to crash down like a tidal wave, one after another,

Then the open-eyed Thicklipuku was a volcano in eruption, with no unnecessary movements, bursting forth with raw power.

"Evade the attack!"

Thicklipuku took a step forward, a dark glow enveloping its body. It dodged the web-like golden current just as Thunder Wave was about to hit.

Hangetsu's eyes narrowed in surprise.

To break free from the flinching state so quickly?

And to actually dodge Thunder Wave?

It's important to note that his Thickbuild Troll has the Prankster ability!

When using status moves, it gains priority, making the moves faster, like the earlier Sucker Punch.

But this isn't a game.

Priority doesn't guarantee absolute speed, and the distance between them provided some room for error.

Most importantly,

Thicklipuku is stronger, and much stronger!

"Close in!"

Having evaded Thunder Wave, Thicklipuku, following Jinghe's command, swiftly advanced and closed the gap with Thickbuild Troll.

The audience, witnessing this, began to murmur.

"Wow! With a Prankster Thickbuild Troll, I see a bit of Teacher Jinghe in Champion Hangetsu."

"Indeed, I see a bit of Champion Hangetsu in Teacher Jinghe!"

"Are they swapping tactics?"

Everyone knows that Teacher Jinghe is famous for his "dirty" tactics, which make people's skin crawl.

And Hangetsu?

His battle philosophy is "offense is the best defense."

But look at them now.

Champion Hangetsu is using some dirty tactics, while Teacher Jinghe and Thicklipuku are on the offensive. It's like they've switched roles!

As the audience chatted, the battle continued without pause.

"Thickbuild Troll, Reflect!" Hangetsu's expression was serious. Although he was surprised by the missed Thunder Wave, his strategy remained unchanged.

But what was shocking was that

Jinghe's voice had already been heard before Hangetsu's.

"Brick Break!"

To the audience, it sounded like Brick Break was called before Reflect.

"Here it comes! Teacher Jinghe's signature read-ahead!"

"He read ahead that Hangetsu would have Thickbuild Troll use Reflect?"

"Too familiar, Teacher Jinghe is just too familiar with these tactics!"

"Using dirty tactics against the 'dirty one'—isn't that just asking for a read-ahead?"

The audience erupted in excitement.

Read-ahead, read-swap—these kinds of predictive commands are a testament to tactical skill and the thrilling moments in a battle.

It's true,

But reading a Four Champion is quite a feat.

For Jinghe, however, it wasn't difficult.

A Prankster Thickbuild Troll is unlikely to be a main attacker and is more likely to be a support or disruption Pokémon.

As proven, the combination of Sucker Punch and Thunder Wave is a disruption and support strategy.

Crack—

The Reflect that Thickbuild Troll had just set up was shattered by Thicklipuku's Brick Break.

The palm continued its downward motion,

Striking Thickbuild Troll.

Bang!!

The brute force sent Thickbuild Troll flying.

At that moment, Hangetsu truly felt the pressure of facing Teacher Jinghe.

It was a completely different experience from just watching.

But the Four Champions are the Four Champions, and Hangetsu's abilities are undeniable. He immediately changed his tactics.

"Tangle Wrap, Play Rough!"

As Thickbuild Troll flew backward, its fur rapidly grew, wrapping around Thicklipuku. The force of the backward flight was halted by the grip of the fur, and the momentum even made Thicklipuku lose its balance while Thickbuild Troll used the pull to launch a counterattack.

Play Rough!

A Fairy-type move.

This move would have four times the effectiveness against Thicklipuku at this moment!

Even with a gap in raw strength, Play Rough was not something Thicklipuku could easily withstand. It would certainly come at a significant cost.

But at that moment,

Thicklipuku closed its eyes.

The next second,

A powerful surge of water erupted around it!

Aqua Jet!

The water's force broke free of Thickbuild Troll's hair, freeing it from its restraints.

Seeing this, hangetsu's heart skipped a beat. He knew that Thickbuild Troll and his strategy had been completely seen through. Without hesitation, he issued the command.

"Thickbuild Troll, Menacing Speech!"

Play Rough was interrupted, and the distance between them was temporarily widened. Thickbuild Troll unleashed a torrent of Pokémon language at Thicklipuku, which made Thicklipuku laugh in spite of itself. Then, it returned to its Poké Ball in a flash of black light.

[Menacing Speech: Reduces the opponent's Attack and Special Attack, then switches with the user!]

With the Prankster ability, Thickbuild Troll's Menacing Speech was just as fast as moves like "Bug Bite" and "Water Gun."

This was the final move in the Prankster Thickbuild Troll strategy.

Unfortunately,

hangetsu's tactical planning, apart from the initial Sucker Punch and the final Menacing Speech, had been dismantled step by step by Teacher Jinghe.

"Indeed, challenging a 'tactical master' in tactics feels a bit like showing off one's skills in front of Laozi", hangetsu said with a self-deprecating smile as he held the Premier Ball.

Immediately, he rallied his spirits.

He would use what he was best at!

He threw the Premier Ball.

"Houndoom!"

"Roar—!!!"

A red light enveloped the vicious Houndoom, which appeared and let out a formidable roar.

Intimidate!

If Thickbuild Troll's Menacing Speech and Houndoom's Intimidate ability both took effect, Thicklipuku's Attack would drop by two stages!

Equivalent to halving its Attack.

But,

the Pokémon of the Jing family were not afraid of such psychological and morale-based attacks.

In terms of morale and psychology, none of the Jing family were cowards!

"Roar—!!!"

Thicklipuku's eyes opened again, and it met Houndoom's roar without a hint of retreat, roaring back with a faint blue Aura Power swirling around its body.

"Thicklipuku, Bulk Up!"

Without switching, it gained the initiative.

Thicklipuku's entire body tensed, and the agitation caused by Thickbuild Troll's Menacing Speech quickly subsided, allowing its momentum to recover.

This time, hangetsu remained unaffected, his will and attitude resolute.

"Houndoom, Play Rough!"

What Thicklipuku feared most were Fairy-type moves.

"Roar!!"

Houndoom's limbs strained, its fangs bared, and it lunged directly at Thicklipuku.

Anyone with eyes could see that hangetsu's tactics and approach had changed.

They now suited him better.

This was the true Dark-type Champion, hangetsu!

A direct confrontation?

Jinghe's lips curled into a smile.

Direct confrontation was something they enjoyed too!

"Thicklipuku, Close Combat!"

Thicklipuku might fear Fairy-types, but Houndoom was also weak against Fighting-type moves.

Let's see who will give in first!

"Roar!"

Thicklipuku's eyes were sharp. It did not retreat or dodge, but instead charged forward to meet the oncoming Houndoom.

Bang!!

The two clashed instantly.

Sharp fangs tore and powerful claws struck.

Fists, knees, elbows—every part of Thicklipuku's body was a weapon, and it ignored Houndoom's attacks, unleashing a relentless torrent of power through Close Combat on Houndoom!

Martial Arts - Chain Strikes!

Bang bang bang—

The intense collision and dazzling movements ended with Thicklipuku's final punch, sending Houndoom flying backward and rolling several times before barely coming to a stop.

"Roar"

Houndoom swayed, struggling to stand.

But in the end,

its eyes rolled back, and it fell to the ground with a thud.

Wow—!!

The audience, seated in their chairs and watching live on screens, rose to their feet, mouths agape.

"Instantly defeated?"

"Thickbuild Troll seemed to be holding its own earlier, even though it was at a disadvantage, but—"

Behind them, Genji and the others were also watching the live stream.

"Hangetsu has returned to himself."

Genji's attitude was completely different from the audience's, full of praise as he nodded repeatedly.

Bony also nodded. "Given that the opponent is Jinghe, it's better to stick to what he's good at rather than try something he's not as skilled in."

Bounshun looked at the two seniors, still a bit confused.

Genji smiled and explained, "It's normal for Houndoom to lose. The gap in raw strength can't be ignored, especially with the type disadvantage."

One is at the Four Champions level, the other at the Champion level, plus the type disadvantage—getting instantly defeated is quite normal.

"The key is that hangetsu's direct confrontation wasn't ineffective", Bony added, pointing to the screen where Thicklipuku was panting.

Though it wasn't of the same type, Play Rough still caused damage to Thicklipuku.

Bounshun understood.

That's right.

This is Teacher Jinghe, the challenger of the "Champion's Path." Their goal has never been to defeat Teacher Jinghe, but to weaken and consume him as much as possible.

To push him to his limits and elicit a higher, stronger burst of power.

To help the Four Champions better understand their "Champion's" strength.

In terms of consumption, hangetsu and Houndoom did a pretty good job.

Bounshun looked at Genji again.

She had heard that Champion hangetsu was once a delinquent, who strayed from the right path, but was brought back by Genji and, through his encouragement, gradually rose to his current position as one of the Four Champions.

Though he is no longer a delinquent, some of his old traits remain.

And what are the traits of a delinquent?

Persistent and relentless!

You can win, but I'll make sure to take a piece of you in the process!

This description might not fit Champion hangetsu now, but it certainly fits the current situation.

"You did well, Houndoom." hangetsu returned Houndoom and, without hesitation, threw another Poké Ball.

"Roar—!!!"

A deep blue shark appeared in the arena.

Sharpedo!

Hangetsu's third Pokémon, a Water and Dark-type Sharpedo, was immediately surrounded by water, granting it the agility to move freely in the arena.

"Glare!"

Its fierce eyes glared, sending a chilling gaze.

"Attack, Thicklipuku!"

Jinghe was now fully immersed in the battle, his mind in sync with Thicklipuku.

"Dark Surge Strike!"

"Roar!"

Thicklipuku's eyes turned crimson, and it roared, stepping forward with a determined attitude, its body like a cannonball charging forward.

The intensity of its attack was intimidating.

Martial Arts - Single Strike!

But this did not include hangetsu and Sharpedo.

"Sharpedo, Tackle!"

Sharpedo, surrounded by water, was also fast, charging forward like a tsunami.

Another direct clash!

The audience clenched their fists.

Bang!!

Fist and head collided head-on.

The impact made Sharpedo wince in pain.

Thicklipuku also instinctively frowned.

Several cuts appeared on its fist.

These were caused by Sharpedo's Rough Skin.

Rough Skin causes the attacker to receive damage from the skin when hit by a contact move.

Jinghe had already seen through hangetsu's shift in mindset, tactics, and approach.

So he had some guesses about Sharpedo's ability.

With Rough Skin, every attack on Sharpedo would result in damage from the skin.

The more attacks, the more damage.

This was why Jinghe did not have Thicklipuku use Close Combat to overwhelm Sharpedo.

Otherwise, a single Close Combat might have instantly defeated Sharpedo, but Thicklipuku would also have taken significant damage from the Rough Skin.

Now,

his guess was confirmed.

So—

"Grab it, Thicklipuku!" Jinghe's eyes narrowed.

Hangetsu was taken aback.

Now he wants to grab Sharpedo?

"Roar!"

Thicklipuku grabbed Sharpedo's fin as it flew backward and slammed it into the ground.

"Sharpedo, Aqua Jet!" hangetsu called out urgently.

The water surrounding Sharpedo became sharp.

But Thicklipuku seemed to ignore the pain from Rough Skin, refusing to let go.

"Exactly, Blast Punch!" Jinghe shouted.

Thicklipuku roared, gripping the fin tightly, and a terrifying energy surged from its palm, slamming Sharpedo into the ground.

Boom!

In an instant.

The entire arena's ground let out a mournful groan, violently shaking before suddenly collapsing. Cracks like spider webs spread out, raising a cloud of dust.

Grrr!

Thicklipuku released his grip, the air currents from his swinging arm dispersing the dust.

In the ruins, Thicklipuku stood tall, his eyes disdainfully surveying the Sharpedo on the ground, ignoring the savage cuts on his palms and back of his hand.

Drip, drip—

Blood dripped into the water, rippling and reflecting Thicklipuku's silhouette.

Clenching his fist tightly, he raised his arms and roared!

Roar—Grrr!

His aura and fighting spirit had reached their peak.

Hangetsu's Sharpedo, though not at the Champion level, was at the pinnacle of the Elite Four level!

The strength of a typical Elite Four's ace Pokémon!

Just one step away from the Champion level.

Stronger than the previous Thickbuild Troll and Houndoom.

But—

It was still a one-shot kill!

A dominant one-shot kill!

Since your "Rough Skin" increases the damage rebound with each hit, then—let's end this in one move!

In just a few dozen minutes.

Thicklipuku had taken on three Pokémon in a row, growing stronger with each battle!

Huff—

Even Hangetsu couldn't help but be affected by Thicklipuku's aura, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

"Jinghe, Teacher's strength has already reached this level?"

Just one Pokémon, and it almost swept through three.

But he quickly rallied his spirits.

If a trainer of this caliber becomes the Hoenn League Champion, it would be a blessing for the Hoenn League and its people!

What he needed to do—

Was to showcase the true strength of the Elite Four.

And present Jinghe, Teacher's power to everyone!

"It's up to you, Absol!"

In the arena, the "Disaster Pokémon" Absol moved gracefully, its fluffy fur like wings as it landed in the field.

Seeing Absol, Jinghe immediately understood.

He had thought Sharpedo would be Hangetsu's Mega Pokémon, so he had Thicklipuku take it down quickly.

Partly because of "Rough Skin", and partly due to the suspicion of Mega Evolution.

Now it seemed—

"Absol—"

Hangetsu regained his composure, lifting his eyelids and shifting the electric guitar on his back to his chest. His fingertips swept across the strings.

Bang!

The electric sound exploded.

The embedded Keystone glowed with a brilliant rainbow light.

"Mega Evolution!!"

"Shaa—"

In a long howl, the rainbow light of evolution dissipated, the Mega Evolution symbol flashing briefly.

The inverted white fur, like wings, unfolded—Mega Absol!

Champion level!

Mega Absol possessed the strength of a true Champion-level Pokémon!

Just this one Mega Absol alone was enough to show that the Hoenn League's Elite Four were indeed quite powerful.

Jinghe looked at Thicklipuku.

Grrr!

Thicklipuku's aura remained undiminished, his desire to fight even stronger.

This told Jinghe that Thicklipuku's will was clear.

He wanted to keep fighting!

Jinghe smiled.

If Thicklipuku won again, he might have pulled off a one-shot sweep of the Elite Four, but it was clear that the bear was now hooked.

As a trainer, what else could he do?

Naturally, he had to comply.

"Absol!" Hangetsu called out, "Ominous Dirge!"

"Shaa—"

The "Disaster Pokémon" issued its final "ultimatum", declaring the arrival of "disaster"!

A gentle, haunting melody rang out, making it seem as if the world had become dreamlike.

This song would gradually erode the will to fight of any Pokémon who heard it, ultimately leading to their defeat.

Jinghe raised an eyebrow.

To start with a song that directly suppresses the will to fight?

Lose the will to fight—

Thicklipuku?

"Ha." Jinghe grinned, then sternly commanded, "Thicklipuku, crush it, Close Combat!"

We'll see who loses the will to fight first, or who falls first!

Grrr!

Bang!

The ground exploded.

Thicklipuku charged forward, swinging his fist!

"Absol, Shadow Clone!"

Hum—

Shadows separated from Absol, creating perfect illusions that made it hard to distinguish the real from the fake.

"Thicklipuku, focus!" Jinghe called out.

Thicklipuku's eyes closed and then opened, a faint blue light flashing in them.

Waveguide!

The invisible Waveguide power swept over all the clones.

Found it!

Mega Absol's heart skipped a beat.

The "Disaster Pokémon's" instincts told it that it might have been "seen through" by Thicklipuku!

Sure enough.

As soon as this thought came to mind—

Thicklipuku pounced.

And through Mega Evolution, Hangetsu and Absol's wills were connected, so Hangetsu already knew what Mega Absol perceived.

Impressed by Jinghe, Teacher and Thicklipuku's abilities, he quickly reacted.

If he couldn't dodge, then he would collide!

Defensive moves would be useless against Thicklipuku.

"Absol, Foul Play!"

"Shaa!"

The shadows of Mega Absol vanished, and it faced Thicklipuku head-on, lunging forward.

Bang!!

Claw met fist.

Boom!

A terrifying shockwave spread out, dispersing all the dust and dirt.

Mega Absol felt the immense power and overwhelming fighting spirit of Thicklipuku.

And Thicklipuku, feeling the strength of Mega Absol, realized this was the strongest opponent he had faced so far.

But—

Strong, just right!

The stronger the opponent, the greater the desire to win!

Grrr!

Thicklipuku let out a low growl, his power suddenly surging.

Martial Arts - Single Strike!

Under the surprised gaze of Mega Absol, Thicklipuku's fist swept away its claw.

The next second.

Instead of retreating, Thicklipuku advanced, closing the distance.

Secret Technique, Combo Flow!

The punches of Close Combat rained down like a storm.

Bang, bang, bang—

Grrr!!

Whoosh—

Water silently wrapped around his fist.

Martial Arts - Hybrid Flow!

The entire Close Combat combo was unleashed without reservation, ending with a powerful final punch.

Boom!!

Mega Absol, like a cannonball, flew past Hangetsu and crashed into the wall behind him.

In one move.

Both the live audience and those watching the stream fell silent.

Mega Absol remained on the wall for a second before sliding down and collapsing with a thud.

Crack—

Spider-web-like cracks spread from the dent made by Mega Absol.

If the walls and arena of the "Elite Four Fortress" weren't reinforced, they would have collapsed by now.

The energy of Mega Evolution dissipated.

Hangetsu stood there, stunned for a moment before slowly accepting the reality.

He sighed.

"Truly impressive, Jinghe, Teacher... I lost."

Although Thickbuild Troll still had some energy left, facing such a formidable Thicklipuku was meaningless.

He accepted his defeat with grace.

Looking at Thicklipuku, who was panting heavily and drenched in sweat, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

One Pokémon.

Just one Pokémon, and it had swept through all four of his Pokémon as an Elite Four member.

"Congratulations, Jinghe, Teacher."

Hangetsu recalled Absol and walked to the center of the arena, shaking hands with Jinghe.

"I hope you don't hold back in the subsequent battles, Jinghe, Teacher."

Jinghe smiled, seemingly seeing through Hangetsu's thoughts, and nodded.

"Of course, this is the 'Champion's Path'!"

"Ha." Hangetsu also smiled, showing a look of relief.

If this was the champion, he, Hangetsu, would be the first to acknowledge it.

Boom!

With the broken wall's mournful groan, the door to the second room opened.

"Jinghe, Teacher, you can rest a bit before entering", Hangetsu said.

"Sure."

Jinghe didn't refuse.

He simply tended to Thicklipuku's injuries.

Although Thicklipuku had swept through four Pokémon, the appearance of Mega Absol had made Jinghe wary of the Elite Four.

Jinghe, Teacher's victory through the "Elite Four Fortress" first stage caused a stir outside.

The focus wasn't on defeating Hangetsu, the Elite Four member.

After all, as someone expected to become the Hoenn Champion, failing to defeat the first Elite Four member would make the "Champion's Path" pointless.

The focus was on the fact that Jinghe, Teacher had only used one Pokémon, Thicklipuku, to sweep through Hangetsu's four Pokémon!

"A one-shot sweep?"

"I, I thought Jinghe, Teacher was into the 'Junior Cup,' but now—"

"Wow! Jinghe, Teacher is treating the 'Champion's Path' like a 'Junior Cup'?"

"I, Silver Conference Runner-Up, Guderian!"

"Damn! 'Guderian's Boomerang' is here, and the stakes are rising!"

—

PS: Double the rewards at the start of the month, please vote!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end