Chapter 21: Strategy and Speculation

"It's over! The Sky Crown Team has sent out the Water and Flying-type Pelipper to battle!"

"Pelipper? While the Water-type Pelipper has an advantage against the airborne Charizard, let's not forget about the Aerial Artillery, Electabuzz!"

"That's right; Pelipper is heavily countered by Electabuzz. I wonder what the Sky Crown Team is planning!"

The two hosts frowned upon seeing the Sky Crown Team's final choice of Pelipper.

Meanwhile, Ryoma sighed, "What's the plan? I can say with 100% certainty that that Rhydon has the Lightning Rod ability!"

After confirming the Pokémon that would be battling from both sides, all five members from each team entered the Battle Arena, standing within the circles marked on the field.

"Huh? What's this? Are Trainers supposed to participate in the battle too?"

Ryoma, who was unfamiliar with the Pokémon Alliance competition rules, frowned slightly. Was it really necessary for Trainers to engage in battle?

Isn't that a bit outrageous?

How could fragile humans possibly compete against Pokémon?

With these doubts in mind, Ryoma quickly pulled out his phone to research the rules while the battle preparations were underway.

It turned out that the full name of the "Pokémon Alliance Professional League" was the "Pokémon Hunter Battle Alliance Professional League," which had entered the human spotlight three years ago along with Pokémon. Originally, this tournament was established as a selection event for Pokémon Hunters and later evolved into a formal competitive tournament.

Considering the background of the Pokémon Hunter selection, the rules of this competition simulated a wilderness survival environment. Since Pokémon Hunters typically operated as small teams, the Pokémon Alliance Professional League also adopted a 5v5 chaotic battle format, requiring Trainers to participate as well.

However, this participation did not mean direct engagement in combat; rather, they stood within a protective barrier in the arena while the Pokémon were responsible for ensuring the Trainers' safety.

After all, in dangerous wilderness scenarios, the safety of the Trainer is paramount; if a Trainer were to die, it wouldn't matter how strong the Pokémon were!

This setup was somewhat similar to tower defense games, where Pokémon needed to protect the safety barrier during a 5v5 battle.

This battle format resembled the popular esports game "Hero Alliance," which also featured 5v5 battles, and the barrier protecting the Trainers was similar to the crystals in "Hero Alliance."

If the safety barrier received damage, the energy within it would weaken, and if the energy reached an alert point, the instruments in the arena would give a warning.

Just like when the crystal in "Hero Alliance" explodes, it signifies the end of the match!

Of course, if this were in the wilderness, it would mean that the Trainer had died, and continuing the battle would be meaningless!

"So this is the Pokémon Alliance Professional League?"

After reviewing the rules of the tournament, a gleam appeared in Ryoma's eyes.

To be honest, this competition was incredibly interesting. From the initial selection of Pokémon for strategic targeting at the start of the battle, to the chaotic 5v5 encounters, and finally to the way the matches concluded, it felt like undergoing a true wilderness survival trial!

"Perhaps the rise of these battles is also to help Trainers adapt to combat in the wild?" Ryoma pondered.

Honestly, if Trainers frequently engaged in or witnessed such battles, their wilderness survival skills would significantly improve.

Maybe one day, the Secret Realm will fully merge with the world, and humans will be forced to participate in battles. At that time, the popularity of such competitions could help many people survive…

"Now the Pokémon selections for both sides have been finalized."

"The Devon Team's line-up consists of Flygon, Electabuzz, Feraligatr, Sneasel, and Charizard!"

"The Sky Crown Team's line-up consists of Walrein, Rhydon, Altaria, Heracross, and Pelipper!"

"Now, both teams should take their positions, and the safety barrier will be activated!"

As soon as the host finished speaking, the circles where the two sides stood suddenly glowed with white light. Then, a barrier rose up in the center of the arena, standing at one-quarter of the Battle Arena, facing each other.

The Pokémon from both sides stood guard in front of the safety barrier. Upon hearing the host call for readiness, the Flying-type Pokémon from both teams began to soar into the air, while those on the ground stood at the ready.

"The battle begins now, with the blue side, the Devon Team, attacking first!"

With the referee's command, the Pokémon from both sides assumed their battle stances.

"Well then, we won't hold back. Electabuzz rides Flygon and attacks Pelipper with Thunderbolt in the air!"

"Flygon, take Electabuzz along, then use Dragon Breath on Pelipper in coordination!"

"Sneasel, hide in the grass!"

"Charizard, use Flamethrower on Altaria!"

"Feraligatr, stay alert!"

The Devon Team quickly issued commands to their Pokémon. Based on their targets, they chose to first attack the two Flying-type Pokémon from the Sky Crown Team.

If they could secure aerial dominance, the battle would become much easier!

As a stealthy Pokémon, Sneasel quickly concealed itself in the dense grass, waiting for an opportunity to strike with a lethal blow.

Meanwhile, Feraligatr stood not far from the Safety Barrier, not launching an attack but vigilantly watching the opponents, ready to intercept any attacks directed at the Safety Barrier!

"Is this the strategy they're going for?"

"D plan!"

Upon hearing the commands from the opposing side, the captain of the Sky Crown Team couldn't help but smirk slightly. Then he issued a shocking command that took everyone by surprise.

After the captain of the Sky Crown Team gave the order, all the Pokémon sprang into action.

Pelipper was the first to strike, completely disregarding the Thunderbolt launched by Electabuzz. It opened its beak wide and fired a Hydro Pump directly at Charizard, intercepting its Flamethrower mid-air.

The two attacks collided, creating a sizzling sound as water and fire mingled, and a mist began to fill the air!

Following this, Altaria also made its move, releasing a Dragon Breath that perfectly intercepted the Dragon Breath from Flygon.

On the ground, Heracross also darted into the grass, disappearing quickly; its opponent was clearly the Sneasel on the other side.

Finally, Walrein and Rhydon attacked simultaneously. Walrein unleashed Ice Ball, while Rhydon used Rock Slide, both targeting the Devon Team's Safety Barrier!