Chapter 280

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the finals of the inter-school exchange competition!" The narrator declared, "As the game concludes, the two teams will face each other directly. Let us eagerly await the outcome!"

Cheren, the Gym Leader of Aspertia City, focuses on Normal Type Pokémon due to their minimal weaknesses. Additionally, he served as an assistant to Professor Aurea Juniper, earning him the titles of the "self-propelled Pokémon Pokédex" and the "truth-seeking man." Even Unova's former Champion, Alder, commended Cheren for his strategic command, setting him apart from Gym Leaders with broader styles like Lt. Surge. Cheren, a tactician known as a "wise general," relies on analysis and tactics for victory.

Unbuttoning his sleeve and rolling it to his elbow, Cheren's eyes took on a determined look. He vowed not to lose in the field where he excelled, even if slightly outmatched in strength. Luke, however, appeared nonchalant, suggesting that happiness in friendly games was paramount. Cheren found this reminiscent of his Master, Unova Champion Alder.

Cheren shook off the thought and declared solemnly, "I will spare no effort! Even with slightly lower strength, appropriate tactics can secure victory. This is the truth I have always pursued!"

Luke lightly coughed, seemingly indifferent to the intensity of the upcoming battle. Squirtle would take the stage, and the result, he believed, wouldn't be significantly worse. The referee signaled the start of the game, and the commentator exclaimed, "Cheren sends out Stoutland, and Contestant Luke… uh… sends out Squirtle!"

The audience engaged in spirited discussions. Some questioned the choice of using a Water-type, assuming Luke had recently dominated opponents. However, Luke's friends sensed something peculiar – perhaps Squirtle was Teacher Luke's trump card.

Listening to the buzz in the arena, Luke glanced at the Everstone hanging from Squirtle's chest, pondering why it hadn't evolved. Cheren, with no hint of contempt, commanded Stoutland, but before he could finish, Luke interjected, "Aura Sphere!"

"Squirt~!" Squirtle's eyes widened as it unleashed a dazzling light cannon. Alarmed, Cheren quickly changed his command to "Protect!" The front-row audience felt a thunderous roar as the Aura Sphere struck, creating a cloud of dust and rising gravel.

The protective shield cracked, leaving Stoutland gasping for breath, unable to completely withstand the damage. Cheren's complexion stiffened. The powerful Aura Sphere had left the audience in awe.

"What just happened?"

"Is that really a Squirtle?!"

"Protect blocked one shot, but can it endure the next one? Let's see!"

Normal-type Pokémon's only weakness is Fighting-type moves, making Squirtle's Aura Sphere a surprising advantage.

This is why Teacher Luke instinctively shouted 'Aura Sphere.'

It seems that Cheren is also a skilled and strategic player, as evident in his adept use of Protect.

Luke sighed, "Go on, Aura Sphere!"

As Squirtle gathered the luminous cluster in its palm, a strong sense of oppression filled the air.

Cheren looked solemn, acknowledging the small probability of failing protect and deciding to take a gamble.

Bang!

Seizing the opportunity, Cheren recalled Stoutland back into its Poké Ball as the Aura Sphere brightened.

Cheren threw out another Poké Ball, exclaiming, "Not bad!"

Lopunny emerged, bathed in the radiant white light of the Aura Sphere, emitting a painful cry. However, the Focus Sash strapped to Lopunny's waist fell off, bringing clarity back to its eyes. With only a sliver of health remaining, Lopunny charged at Squirtle, aiming to unleash the maximum Endeavor in its weakened state. Erika, watching from Celadon Academy, felt a glimmer of appreciation for Cheren's ability to keep a cool head in a critical moment.

However, she narrowed her eyes, realizing that competing in tactics with Teacher Luke was a bit too ambitious. Luke chuckled, finding the situation familiar – a combination of Focus Sash, Endeavor, and Quick Attack, commonly known as the "FEAR" tactic.

"Squirtle must remain uninjured," Luke murmured, secretly preparing to switch Pokémon. "Otherwise, I'll fall behind."

Cheren's heart raced, hoping for a successful comeback. Yet, in the next moment, he opened his eyes, realizing that Lopunny had lost its target.

"Jie jie~!" Gengar appeared, laughing mockingly. "Normal-type brute force doesn't affect Gengar."

Luke smiled, "I can switch Pokémon."

Cheren's breathing hitched; his Gengar switch had been anticipated. On the sidelines, Erika remarked, "Teacher Luke's battles are always a pleasure to watch." The three students, initially astonished by Luke's strategic prowess, now nodded in agreement.

Unfortunately, luck sometimes falters. Erika sighed, contemplating how different it might have been if Luke had gained recognition at the World Championship Tournament earlier.

The battle continued, with Gengar using Psychic to swiftly defeat Lopunny. Cheren, looking grim, recalled Lopunny. Luke glanced at him, saying, "Because you anticipate, you fall short."

"It's challenging to break through fixed ideas," Luke added, noting Cheren's silence.

Alder had mentioned something similar, Cheren thought, feeling a sense of powerlessness. The game must go on, though. Cheren raised his hand and sent out Porygon2, equipped with 'Eviolite' to enhance its defenses.

Seeing the familiar Trace ability in Porygon2, Luke instantly understood Cheren's strategy. "Trick Room!" he commanded. Simultaneously, Cheren ordered "Imprison!"

Gengar laughed, tapping its finger, and the spatial field shattered.

Even casual viewers recognized the strength of Luke's prediction. "This foresight is too solid!" they exclaimed. Cheren, despite being prepared, couldn't help feeling a chill down his spine.

In mere seconds, Luke seamlessly read, deduced, and executed his commands. Erika on the sidelines couldn't help but marvel. If she were on the court, the situation might have been the same. In a duel of similar strength, the oppression Teacher Luke exuded was overwhelmingly powerful. Furthermore, in terms of breeding and training, Luke was not far behind the Champions.

"This is the mark of The Tactician!!" Erika said with a slight smile.