There's Something Off About My Pokémon. [14]
"It's okay, but I'm worried its stamina might not keep up, so I haven't put it through any actual battle training yet," Lu Cheng said, scratching his head. With the system's assistance and the nourishment of berries, Vulpix had developed exceptionally well, and its tails, which symbolized its Fire-type energy, glimmered with a dark red glow. Meanwhile, Vulpix's eyes were gradually evolving into a pupil-less form. Once the transformation was complete, Vulpix's psychic power would be further enhanced.
"The Pokémon Care Manual says that young Pokémon need a lot of rest, so that part is fine," the senior said with a smile. "However, as a Pokémon belonging to a Trainer, practical combat training shouldn't be neglected."
Lu Cheng glanced at Vulpix, who was lazily sprawled out on the carpet, licking its tails like a cat. Combat training?
Vulpix had been born about half a month ago, and apart from practicing Psychic moves, it hadn't engaged in any actual combat. It was indeed time to put battle training on the agenda. For both Pokémon and Trainers, extensive skill training and battle practice were the keys to improvement. The former enhances a Pokémon's proficiency with its moves, while the latter hones battle instincts and technique. As the system would put it, one increases skill proficiency, while the other gains experience points.
Although Lu Cheng had the system, he still needed diligent training to unlock the full potential of his Pokémon.
"I want to train in real battles, too, but there aren't many people in my class who are pursuing the Trainer program," Lu Cheng said, looking troubled.
"This is a rare opportunity—why not have a Pokémon battle right now?" the senior suggested, adjusting her hair.
"Right now?" Lu Cheng asked, surprised. "Isn't that a bit sudden?"
"When Trainers lock eyes, they have to battle—that's just common knowledge," she replied with a grin. "Though I don't battle often, I suppose I'll reluctantly help you with some practical training, just to be nice to my junior."
Practical training? You just want to crush me! Lu Cheng could see right through her, but before he could react, the senior grabbed him and pulled him towards the courtyard downstairs, leaving him scrambling to recall Vulpix.
Wow, her hand is so soft!
"The battle rules are simple: 1v1, and whoever's Pokémon loses the ability to fight first is defeated. Sound good?" The senior suddenly seemed very enthusiastic. Lu Cheng, unsure of why she was so energetic today, could only nod helplessly.
Despite her playful demeanor, Lu Cheng knew he had to be serious. This would be his and Vulpix's first real battle. His expression turned focused, and he shouted toward the senior, "Senior, I'm not going to hold back!"
The senior smiled and said, "That's fine. Even if I beat you to tears, I won't tell your parents!"
Today's senior was so assertive! Watching her with a high ponytail, as if she'd flipped some kind of switch, radiating a strong aura, Lu Cheng dared not be careless. He raised his hand and tossed out a Pokéball: "Go, Vulpix!"
"Marveil, it's your turn!" she called out.
That familiar line—this was no time for jokes. Lu Cheng shook his head and activated the system's magnifying glass, focusing on the senior's Mawile. Under the lens, Mawile's eyes were filled with bloodshot veins, making it even more unsettling.
Mawile
Nature: Bashful
Ability: Sheer Force
Moves: Bite, Play Rough, Growl, Taunt
Evaluation: Its jaws possess immense destructive power. Avoid at all costs.
Lu Cheng's expression turned serious. Senior's Mawile was exceptionally well-trained and even had the hidden ability "Sheer Force," which boosts the power of moves that have additional effects by 30%. Lu Cheng had no doubt that if Vulpix got caught by those jaws, it would be heading straight for the Pokémon Center. This was going to be a tough battle, no doubt about it.
Ding—Task Discovered: "First Battle!"
Objective: Win your first battle against Mawile.
Rewards: TM "Return," 3 points in Defense, and ¥10,000 cash.
The system had timely issued a new task, clearly recognizing the difficulty of this battle and offering an upgraded reward. "Return" was a physical move that became stronger the more a Pokémon bonded with its Trainer, much more powerful than Vulpix's current Tackle. The additional 3 points in Defense were also very tempting, especially at this early stage, where most Pokémon were still in their juvenile forms, relying primarily on physical attacks.
However, all of this depended on winning the battle first!
Lu Cheng made the first move, shouting, "Vulpix, use Growl!" Knowing that Mawile, being a Steel and Fairy-type, primarily relied on physical attacks, he decided to lower its damage output. Following his command, Vulpix let out a cry at a special frequency. Mawile furrowed its brow, clearly uncomfortable.
"Marveil, use Taunt!" The senior quickly countered, ordering Mawile to use Taunt to prevent Vulpix from applying any more debuffs. Taunt forces the target to only use attacking moves for a period, disabling status-altering moves like Growl. Mawile leaned forward, its giant mouth on its head opening wide and letting out a mocking laugh. It then used its bony fingers to pull down its bloody eyelid, making a grotesque face at Vulpix.
Suddenly, Vulpix, no longer listening to commands, charged straight at Mawile with Tackle.
"What?!" Lu Cheng was shocked. Clearly, his lack of battle experience had cost him. He hadn't expected Taunt to cause such confusion to Vulpix. In fact, when battling hot-blooded Pokémon like Primeape or Mankey, Taunt often produced these kinds of chaotic effects.
"Don't underestimate Marveil," the senior said with a smile. "Marveil, use Bite when Vulpix gets close!"
As Vulpix rushed toward Mawile, the senior gave a decisive order for Mawile to bite. Its massive jaws readied for the attack. Lu Cheng knew this wasn't the time to be stunned. Gritting his teeth, he commanded, "Vulpix, charge at Mawile and use Ember on its head!"
The giant jaws on Mawile's head were both its weapon and its weak point. Lu Cheng decided to turn the situation around, ordering Vulpix to get close and use Ember at point-blank range to deal damage. This was a strategy of trading blows!
"Rushing in so recklessly isn't a good thing, you know." The senior was slightly surprised but quickly composed herself. A hint of danger flickered in her eyes.
"Marveil, switch to Play Rough! Dodge the Tackle!"
Seeing Vulpix charge toward Mawile, with fiery embers ready to burst onto Mawile's face, the mischievous grin on Mawile's face remained. Mawile reached out with its short arms, grabbed Vulpix, and with a swift movement, sidestepped, slowing Vulpix down instantly! Then, Mawile slammed Vulpix to the ground, causing it to let out a painful cry. The combination of Mawile's Sheer Force ability, boosting damage by 30%, and Play Rough's 90 base power resulted in a devastating attack that nearly knocked Vulpix out.
"How's that? My Marveil's training isn't bad, right?" The senior smiled, about to recall her Mawile, when she suddenly heard Lu Cheng calmly say, "Senior, the battle isn't over yet."
"What?" Just then, Mawile's body convulsed in pain as a purple glow enveloped Vulpix. Extrasensory! Earlier, Vulpix had used Extrasensory to protect itself, mitigating most of Play Rough's damage. Then, seizing the moment when Mawile let its guard down, Vulpix used Extrasensory to hold Mawile in place! And all of this had happened without any verbal commands between Vulpix and Lu Cheng!
"It knows Extrasensory?!" The senior looked at Vulpix in disbelief.
But this was no time to be stunned. Quickly regaining her composure, the senior ordered, "Marveil, use Bite, now!"
"Too late! Vulpix, hold Mawile in place and finish this with Ember!"
Vulpix let out a loud cry as the blue light in its eyes intensified. Under the control of Extrasensory, Mawile's movements became sluggish, and with Vulpix's superior speed, there was no chance for a counterattack. Mawile couldn't escape. Struggling against Confusion and enduring the incoming Ember, Mawile let out a pained wail.
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T/N: Vulpix cannot learn Growl, however since this is a more "realistic" take on Pokémon, assume some moves that aren't in the move pool can be learned.
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