To put it simply, a Pokémon's move pool is like a reservoir. In battle, knowing how to probe the opponent, how to select moves to counter their lineup, how to cleverly chain combos, and how to force the opponent into using suboptimal moves—these are all part of a trainer's expertise. This is where the true strategic depth of a battle lies.
Otherwise, every Pokémon would just use Substitute, Protect, Endure, Light Screen, Reflect, and other such moves. Battles would become long-winded and dull to watch.
If you really want a comparison, this is somewhat similar to esports in Ather's previous life.
Trainers are like coaches arranging their lineup, while the Pokémon they command are like players controlling heroes—each with their preferred heroes and skills, corresponding to the Pokémon's learned and mastered moves.
The role of a trainer is to ensure daily training so their Pokémon can master their skills and expand their move pool, while also building a strong bond. This, in turn, allows for even more impressive coordination and performance during matches.
It's just like how coaches in esports help players broaden their hero pool and foster trust—so that, come game time, the player can fully trust their coach and execute tactics efficiently and precisely.
After understanding this concept, Ather began to rediscover that thrill of tactical dueling and intelligent maneuvering from his gaming days. Predicting opponent's moves, rotating defense, counterplay—all of it was an intellectual clash. This is what top-tier trainers must truly be good at.
Otherwise, if it was just about having strong Pokémon, wouldn't anyone with a Champion-level Pokémon instantly become an Elite Four member?
This is exactly where a trainer's level becomes crucial. In the hands of a truly powerful trainer, any Pokémon would willingly follow their lead.
Because they know—the trainer can lead them to victory.
On the other hand, a foolish trainer will only earn resistance and disobedience from their Pokémon.
With that realization, Ather started strategizing.
He had already reviewed the move sets of the two Pokémon—so many densely listed moves that it gave him a headache.
(Not writing them all down—otherwise you'd say I'm padding the word count~)
Which meant that in actual battle, he had to pick the right ones to respond to or suppress the opponent.
"You can make the first move," said Norman confidently, arms crossed.
"..." Ather was silent for a while before finally speaking. "Miltank, use Defense Curl!"
At his command, Miltank curled into a tight pink ball. A defensive aura shimmered around her as her defense stat rose.
The proficiency of the move was already at an extraordinary level—Miltank completed the buff almost instantly.
"Planning to go with her best combo, huh..." Norman raised an eyebrow. "Encore!"
Encore: By clapping to cheer on the opponent, it forces them to repeat the last move they used three times. A type of indirect control move.
Norman's strategy was simple. Faced with Miltank's most skilled combo—Defense Curl + Rollout—he just needed to wait for the right moment to break it, then keep pressing the attack.
Vigoroth clapped gleefully, and Miltank, also looking pleased, continued to use Defense Curl, curling into a tighter ball and staying motionless.
Norman seized the opportunity and ordered, "Charge in! Bulk Up, then use Focus Punch at max power!!"
Bulk Up: Striking a bodybuilding pose to raise both attack and defense.
Focus Punch: A powerful Fighting-type physical move with 150 base power, requiring a charge-up before unleashing a full-force blow using the user's entire strength.
Focus Punch is a very strong move, but its downside is obvious—it's easily interrupted during the charge-up.
But Norman had used Encore as a form of control, giving himself a window to first buff up, then charge up and unleash the finishing blow!
Fighting-type moves are doubly effective against Normal-types like Miltank—this strike would be devastating!
Standing to the side, Mitsuko shot Norman a mild look of reproach. "He's just a kid without any real experience—going all out like this might be too much for him."
"Rawr—!"
Vigoroth charged forward with its muscular arms, body rippling from Bulk Up. Though dust kicked up in its path, nothing could hide the fierce glow building on its fist.
"Miltank, continue using Defense Curl!"
Though shaken by the overwhelming pressure, Ather remained unusually calm, eyes fixed on Miltank.
Muttering to himself so only he could hear:
"Miltank: Base HP 95, Defense 105, Speed 100.
Vigoroth: Base Attack 80, Speed 90.
Under equal conditions, my side is slightly faster...
Three Defense Curls increase Defense to 2.5x.
Opponent's Attack is 1.5x. With double-type advantage, that's 3x damage...
Final calculation: should be... enough to tank the hit!"
Having worked it out, Ather's face regained that confident, calculating smile. He ordered resolutely:
"Miltank, take that Focus Punch head-on!"
Boom—!
Before his words even finished, the fully charged Focus Punch struck like a meteor!
Bang!
Miltank, now a tightly curled ball, was flung high and smashed into the edge of the battlefield, embedding itself deep in the wall.
Tiny cracks spiderwebbed out like shattered glass until the whole wall collapsed with a deafening crash.
Dust and debris clouded the area, hiding Miltank's form. Meanwhile, Vigoroth stood panting—the powerful move had taken a toll on it as well.
"Use Milk Drink!"
Ather's voice rang out suddenly from within the smoke.
Milk Drink: Miltank recovers HP by drinking its own milk. Heals 50% of max HP—or a similar portion of stamina depending on proficiency.
"What?!" Norman was stunned. "Is she still standing after that?!"
"Vigoroth, Bulk Up again!" His reaction was swift. If even a Focus Punch couldn't KO Miltank, his only choice was to keep stacking buffs to increase damage output.
The smoke finally cleared—Miltank stood, battered but not defeated, exactly as Ather had calculated.
Ather grinned. "Nicely done, Miltank! Keep rolling while using Body Slam!"
At last, Ather revealed his third move—and his true trump card!
Body Slam: A Fighting-type physical move with 80 power. Its strength scales with the user's defense stat. The higher the defense, the more powerful the move!
In his previous life, the "Iron Defense + Body Slam" combo was extremely popular.
Though Miltank couldn't learn Iron Defense, Ather used Defense Curl as a substitute.
"So it's Body Slam!!"
Norman had expected him to go with Miltank's classic Rollout combo, but after four stacked Defense Curls, Body Slam's power was now something even Vigoroth would struggle to endure!
"No choice! Vigoroth, show your resolve—use Focus Punch again!!"
The brilliant light ignited once more on Vigoroth's fist as Ather calmly watched Miltank roll forward with incredible speed.
There was no smugness in his gaze, only sharp, calculating intelligence.
"He's still holding one last move... which will he use to turn the tables?"
"Moo!" Miltank stretched out from her curled-up ball mid-roll and lunged at Vigoroth like a falling mountain.
At the same time, Vigoroth's Focus Punch completed its charge and clashed head-on with Miltank's attack.
Boom—!!
Both were sent flying in opposite directions, skidding across the ground and leaving deep grooves behind them before regaining their footing.
And at that moment, Norman revealed his final trump card:
"Now! Use Counter!!"
.....
[300PS= 1Bonus chapter]
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