Chapter 99

"Gabite, use Dragon Breath!"

Boom.

The Gabite that was trampling the ground opened its mouth and spat out a Dragon Breath.

The Larvesta was affected by the trampling and could not avoid it. It was blown away by the Dragon Breath attack.

But when Hu Tao saw the effect of the hit, her face darkened.

Damage...

Unexpectedly low!

Seeing the Larvesta quickly crawling up from the ground, Hu Tao would probably have seen the "not effective" message if this were a game. No, the Dragon-type move hit the Larvesta, and since there was no type resistance, it dealt full damage.

But the actual damage was a bit lower...

Hu Tao suddenly thought of the Struggle Bug move that Xiangling had used first. The damage was tickling her Gabite, but if it also came with the effect of reducing the attack, this skill was used correctly with no problem at all.

"It's our turn, Larvesta!"

"String Shot!"

Whoosh, a net of silk covered the Gabite. The silk spun by a level 24 Larvesta was obviously stronger than that of a baby.

As strong as Gabite was, it was clearly affected immediately.

"Bug Bite!"

The Larvesta sneered and bit Gabite. At this time, Gabite quickly broke free from the entanglement of the silk and roared, sending Larvesta flying.

Hu Tao, however, was not pleased:

"Sand Tomb!"

She decided to trap Larvesta first.

The blue-gray fins on Gabite's body glowed faintly, and a sandstorm rose out of thin air, covering Larvesta.

Takumi, the referee, looked around with a confused expression. After all, it was still the early days of the Pokémon Era, and the Pokémon being cultivated were still relatively limited in types.

So, mastering and understanding moves with different types was very important!

Bug-type moves...

Dragon-type moves...

If they didn't understand the effect of each skill in the transition between offense and defense, they would only think the fight was lively without realizing how strategic it was.

Takumi decided to provide commentary:

"Struggle Bug is actually a very good auxiliary Bug-type move. The damage is low, but it acts as an area of effect (AOE) and also has a damage reduction effect."

"Player Xiangling used this move to start the battle, effectively reducing Gabite's output. If it were normal damage, Larvesta would have been exhausted and on the verge of collapse."

Hu Tao's aggressive fighting style didn't need much explanation.

Tackle + stomp + Dragon Breath.

Plus Sand Tomb, which trapped and dealt damage over time.

A set of combo punches.

Larvesta managed to endure thanks to the damage reduction effect from Struggle Bug.

"What an eye-opener!"

This was the first time Yoimiya had seen the offensive and defensive strategies between Pokémon. The rhythm was suffocating, and the intensity made her eyes widen in amazement!

It was wonderful!

Ningguang thoughtfully said, "Xiangling has avoided using the fire-type moves of Larvesta. Well, come to think of it, the Fire type is resisted by the Dragon type, right?"

Takumi heard this and gave Ningguang an appreciative look:

"That's right. If fire-type moves are used against Dragon-type Pokémon, the damage will only be half. In a high-intensity, tight-paced battle, moves that only deal half damage are basically a waste of an attack round."

Hearing this, Ye Lan, Signora, Tartaglia, and others all nodded.

They could all see it.

In Pokémon battles, accuracy of skill hits was crucial.

For example, Xiangling used String Shot to restrain Gabite before using Bug Bite, ensuring it would hit.

When every move is sure to hit, it's almost like exchanging blows!

High attack, high speed, high defense, and high HP, along with various restriction and control moves...

Pokémon formation and competition—the depth of strategy was immense!

Ye Lan saw the battle between Pokémon for the first time and couldn't help but think with surprise.

On the podium.

Xiangling saw that Larvesta, enveloped by the Sand Tomb, was unable to break free and eventually collapsed due to exhaustion. She bit her lip in frustration:

"Darn it!"

"If it had learned Protect, it would have driven you mad!"

Hu Tao snorted, "When Gible evolves into Garchomp, its attacks will be as fierce as the tides. How will you stop it then?!"

Xiangling recalled Larvesta and threw out another Pokéball:

"It's your turn, Scyther!"

Everyone watching took a look at their Pokédex.

My goodness, it had only been a few days.

Xiangling's Scyther was already level 16!

"Double Team!"

Whoosh, the Scyther that had just entered the battle burst out with astonishing speed and created a real clone in another place.

"Quick Attack!"

Whoosh.

The two clones flashed simultaneously, forming a pincer attack.

"Hey, Player Xiangling's actual combat skill combination is very good. Gabite may not be able to identify where the real attack comes from instantly..." Takumi's commentary continued.

Gabite was indeed a little confused, looking around.

"Sand Attack!"

Hu Tao shouted hurriedly, but a real attack had already struck Gabite.

Clang! Clang!

The Scyther's scythe blade struck Gabite's skin, emitting dazzling sparks.

However.

Gabite was very tenacious.

In response, it used Slash, hitting Scyther.

Smack!

The impact was strong and forceful.

Scyther was smashed to the ground and left struggling to get up.

"Wow! Almost taken out by a basic move?"

Xiangling was stunned and a little desperate. The scythe barely broke through Gabite's defenses... leaving just two conspicuous cuts, with a bit of blood oozing out.

Hu Tao was surprised and happy; her little guy, Gabite, had a good sense of combat.

Her commands were still a bit stiff, but Gabite clearly knew how to counterattack effectively using its experience!

Hu Tao was about to command the next move.

Xiangling simply raised her hand: "I surrender!"

"I give up!"

She quickly recalled Scyther with the Pokéball, afraid that Gabite would come up and hit it again.

Takumi explained:

"The level difference is nearly ten levels, so it's normal for the attacks to be ineffective. The lower the training stage, the more obvious the level suppression becomes. Conversely, once Pokémon reach level 50 or 60, and have evolved and mastered most skills, they could potentially challenge Champion-level Pokémon."

Xiangling stepped down from the podium and said to the arrogant Hu Tao:

"That's it. Did you hear what Club Manager Takumi said?"

"When my Larvesta evolves into Volcarona, around level 60, with moves like Heat Wave + Quiver Dance + Rage Powder and Struggle Bug, it'll give your main attacker a hard time!"

Hu Tao laughed, "Bring it on! I still say the same thing—my pseudo-legendary Garchomp won't fear your Volcarona!"

"Hahaha! My Dragon type is the strongest!"

Seeing these two still arguing, everyone, including Takumi, just watched in amusement. The banter and rivalry between friends were always entertaining.

Takumi didn't clear the arena; the projected audience special effects remained active, and the audience continued cheering.

Takumi decided to strike while the iron was hot:

"Hu Tao, Xiangling, take your Pokéballs to the healing device for recovery."

"Next, which other contestants are interested in taking the stage?"

Tartaglia's Alolan Vulpix let out a determined and eager cry at the right time.

"Vulpix!"

Hearing this, Tartaglia wasn't surprised. During this period, he had been completely moved by the perseverance and determination of his own Vulpix.

He squatted down and stroked the soft, cool fur on Vulpix's body, an affectionate smile on his face.

His voice was extremely gentle:

"Ready to prove your hard work and effort, right?"

"Vulpix!"

Alolan Vulpix nodded seriously.

Tartaglia and Vulpix looked at each other, and both human and Pokémon found trust in each other's eyes.