Chapter 28

Considering Garchomp's strength, it's likely that the opponent chose the Life Orb.

Since Gengar's Mega Evolution Stone isn't available in the game, Luke opted for the Focus Sash.

In the game, the Focus Sash effect allows a Pokémon to survive with 1 HP if it takes a fatal blow.

In reality, this reflects a last-ditch effort to cling to life.

With a pale expression, Gengar spat out a headband from its gaping mouth and shakily tied it around its forehead.

Battle flames blazed in its eyes, reinvigorating Gengar once more.

"Every time I see this animation, I can't help but complain," Luke sighed. "Is this operation even possible?"

In real battles, Trainers employ various tactics to keep their Pokémon's held items concealed, preventing opponents from predicting them.

For instance, hiding Life Orbs in a discreet spot or disguising a painted item as a Rowlet Cape...

Luke speculated that Pokémon like Gengar, which possess a four-dimensional stomach pouch, could probably bring along four or five Sitrus Berries to the field without issue.

Of course, such tactics could be considered unsportsmanlike, weighing down on Luke's conscience.

However, he couldn't help but wonder whether referees would actually inspect the number of held items on the field...

Maybe he should give it a try next time?

In the virtual scene, the countdown on Garchomp's forehead dwindled to less than a minute as the opponent launched a relentless flurry of powerful attacks.

Gengar darted about, holding on and stalling, dragging the match out until the final ten seconds.

10!

9!

"Garchomp, Dragon Claw!"

"Gengar, Double Team!"

A pale green Dragon Claw tore through the air, while Gengar utilized Double Team to deftly evade, sticking out its tongue mischievously.

5!

4!

Cynthia furrowed her brows, attempting to recall Garchomp while it was airborne.

However, at that precise moment, a dark shadow spread from beneath Gengar's feet and moved towards Garchomp.

An array of arms burst out from the shadow, seizing Garchomp in a grip so tight that Cynthia couldn't retract it!

The countdown reset to zero, and Garchomp, who had lost its fighting spirit, descended lethargically from the sky, letting out a yawn.

Simultaneously, the system declared Luke the victor.

"Seriously, Mean Look combined with Perish Song?"

"Why couldn't the opponent rotate Pokémon?"

"Who even knew this strategy existed!?"

"Teacher Luke, can this tactic be executed in real battles?"

Luke contemplated for a moment. "In theory, it's possible."

"Perish Song functions as a mental attack, causing the opponent to lose their will to fight, effectively constituting a victory in a regular battle."

"It's a different approach from standard battles. Just like using Charm or Attract, it's a crafty strategy."

"However, once successfully employed, the only thing left to do is to hold on and stall!"

With a barrage of comments flooding the chat, the popularity of the live broadcast room once again soared past the one million mark.

As spectators witnessed the birth of Teacher Luke's new tactics, popularity skyrocketed, exceeding 2 million!

"I get it now! Time to head to the Gym Leader!"

"Teacher Luke is incredible! Is this his third tactic?!"

For a Master Rank Trainer, mastering two different tactics is already quite impressive.

After all, changing tactical styles is challenging, and many Trainers stick to one team.

However, Teacher Luke surprised everyone by presenting three tactics consecutively over two months, offering them without reservation...

This goes beyond the realm of selflessness; Teacher Luke is the master of cunning strategies!

The special effects for refreshing the screen continued to increase, and Luke glanced at the system message.

[Live broadcast room popularity breaks 2 million, BP +1000!]

[…]

[Extraordinary command, BP +200]

[Remaining BP: 5780]

The increase of over 2,000 BP overnight exceeded Luke's expectations.

Upon reflection, this might be the first time the Perish Song Squad has been showcased in this manner.

While some Trainers do use the Perish Song Squad in real battles, the impact generated by Luke's live broadcast is undoubtedly more significant.

The current 2,000 BP increase is just an initial income.

When the video is edited and released, as the influence continues to grow, the exchange for the 'Protect' TM will be a matter of time!

Luke glanced at Gastly, who was fixated on the Gengar displaying its prowess on the screen, even drooling from the corner of its mouth.

Luke playfully nudged Gastly.

"Don't worry, you'll also be able to be this cunning someday!"

"Jie jie~!"

Luke turned back to the camera and cleared his throat. "Alright, let's wrap up today's broadcast."

"If you haven't subscribed yet, see you tomorrow!"

With a swift and skillful motion, he signed off from the live broadcast, leaving a trail of question marks and a host of loyal fans in the barrage.

"Salute!"

"Tears!"

"Goodbye, Teacher Luke!"

—

Cynthia stared at the word "failure" on the screen, her expression one of astonishment.

Removing the hairband, Cynthia lay back on the white bed, tossing the controller aside and allowing her blonde hair to spread out.

"Um..."

In an actual battle, Cynthia's Garchomp would have made short work of this Gengar using the Perish Song tactic.

However, even in reality, there is a certain merit to the Perish Song strategy.

Morty, the Ghost Type Gym Leader from Ecruteak City in Johto Region, is a staunch advocate of the Perish Song Squad.

And Lorelei, the Ice Type Elite from the Sevii Islands, employs Perish Song tactics with her Lapras and Dewgong, making them integral to her team.

It can be said that, as a game, "Pokemon: Battle" is inherently distinct from real-life battles.

Nevertheless, Cynthia couldn't help but feel a bit displeased after losing the game.

Letting out a sigh, Cynthia reached for her phone, intending to vent her frustration to Diantha, but just as she did, Professor Rowan's call came in.

"We've uncovered a batch of ancient inscriptions in Eterna City. If you have the time, do come over to the Eterna City Museum."

"Is your trip in the Orient Region already finished?"

"Yes... with quite a fruitful outcome!"

Professor Rowan's voice carried a hint of emotion, "The scholars from the Orient Region have made significant contributions in various fields, and the academic environment there is quite vibrant."

"By the way, I invited a student to be my assistant this time, but he turned me down."

Cynthia was taken aback, "Aren't you not recruiting assistants anymore?"

As a prominent figure in the field of Pokémon research, countless individuals clamored to be accepted as Professor Rowan's assistants.

In fact, Professor Rowan himself announced that he would no longer be taking on assistants due to the overwhelming demand.

Yet here he was, actively extending an invitation... and getting turned down?

Professor Rowan sighed, "He specializes in the study of Sinnoh mythology. I thought he could offer valuable assistance to you."

"But he lacks interest in pursuing a career in research, and he's not even enthusiastic about becoming a Trainer."

Cynthia offered a smile, "People have their own aspirations."

Back when Cynthia set out on her own journey to the Sinnoh Alliance, despite her grandmother's objections, it was driven by her love for Pokémon and her passion for battles.

Everyone possesses the capacity to chase after their own dreams. Cynthia understood this well.

"Perhaps," Professor Rowan replied, shaking his head, "What are your plans for the upcoming days?"

"There's an Attribute Expert Cup taking place in Eterna City this December. I've been invited to serve as a judge."

Professor Rowan nodded, then suddenly realized, "Are you planning to take a three-month vacation?"

Cynthia responded vaguely, "I'm sorry, Professor, but my phone battery is running out. I'll need to hang up now."

After ending the call, Cynthia returned to the game interface she had been using earlier, clicking on the avatar of the Gengar Trainer.

Staring at the list of previous battles, Cynthia's lips curled into a smile as she clicked on the "fight again next time" button.

[A challenge message from player [100 kinds Ice Cream] has been received. Please check it out.]