Chapter 222: In progress
Next, the eight Pokémon took turns using their moves to distract Regirock. However, Regirock was unexpectedly clever and didn't fall for Terrance and others' tricks, leaving them feeling quite helpless.
"It won't budge..." Albert said, speechless.
The other three also looked grim. As the several Pokémon unleashed more powerful moves, Regirock suffered even greater injuries. But for Regirock, who could heal its wounds and regain its stamina by picking up nearby rocks, this was nothing.
"If this drags on, it's our Pokémon who will end up exhausted."
Each of them had sent out their strongest Pokémon, and every one of them was definitely formidable. Yet even with the successive attacks, they couldn't completely incapacitate Regirock.
"Its attacks are too strong, it's too much of a hindrance," Arvin said. "We need to block its attacks so that our moves can be fully effective."
The three nodded. This Regirock not only had formidable defense and bug-like recovery but also possessed destructive power that no single Pokémon could match. Terrance estimated that Regirock's Hyper Beam was at least much stronger than Altaria's current Dragon Rush... Such terrifying power.
Being hit even once, with the defense of their Pokémon in this environment, would basically mean they were out of the battle.
However, their advantage was in their numbers. With their Pokémon spread out, even Regirock couldn't attack all of them at once. But if it targeted one, it would immediately be met with resistance and counter attacks from multiple Pokémon, forcing it to dodge. So, for now, Regirock was at a disadvantage. But as the battle progressed, Regirock accumulated no significant injuries, while their Pokémon were tiring out from repeatedly using their powerful moves.
"It's too shameless," Albert grumbled. The feeling was unbearable—despite their moves causing significant damage to Regirock, it would just consume a few rocks to recover, making their efforts seem futile.
"We can't keep attacking head-on," Terrance said, calming down and thinking. Regirock's abilities were beyond their expectations. If this were a normal battle arena, Regirock's power would be greatly reduced. But here, in an environment advantageous to it, this Legendary Pokémon's power was greatly enhanced.
"Unless it's an Elite Four or a Champion's ace or main Pokémon attacking, we won't be able to harm Regirock with just the few of us."
"So what do we do? Send out more Pokémon?" Murasakibara stared blankly.
"That won't work, it'll just be a burden to us."
Commanding two Pokémon already took up almost all of Trainer's mental capacity. Trying to command three simultaneously without making mistakes would be a tough task.
"Just call them out to attack," Albert suggested.
"Forget it," Arvin shook his head. "Our strongest Pokémon are already here. At least, I don't think my other Pokémon can deal any decisive damage to Regirock."
"Right... and having more targets makes it easier for Regirock to hit. The number of Pokémon we have out right now is just right for this environment," Terrance said. He imagined releasing Growlithe and having it charge at Regirock, only to shiver with fear, realizing Growlithe might not make it back.
"So what now? Do we think of another plan?" Murasakibara asked.
"No...we still rely on other Pokémon….but we have to call them out at the right moment. Too early, and we'll waste their energy and stamina, which will limit our tactical options..." As he spoke, Terrance realized something, and with a delighted reaction, said, "Don't stop attacking."
"This is also an opportunity!"
Despite their confusion, the others followed Terrance's instructions.
They continued their previous battle strategy for about three more minutes until Terrance's eyes lit up, and he shouted, "Everyone, call out your Pokémon that can use Water-type moves...now's our chance!"
The three looked over and were pleased. During the process, they understood what Terrance meant. Although there were many rocks here, they were widely scattered. To consume more rocks, Regirock had no choice but to move, and if they could seize this opportunity, it would be a chance to restrain Regirock.
"Castform, another Rain Dance, focus it over there!"
"Swampert, Muddy Water!"
"Use Hydro Pump!"
"We'll use Water Pulse!"
With a series of attacks, Regirock, in an effort to recover its injuries, consumed all the rocks around it and had to move to find more. This gap allowed Terrance and his team to seize the opportunity. They called out their Pokémon and used Water-type moves to block Regirock's path!
Pfff!
The attacks weren't aimed directly at Regirock but at the ground beneath its feet. Its heavy body stepped into the affected area, and with a dull thud, Regirock seemed to sink into a quagmire, its legs unable to support its massive body.
Thud!
As Regirock stepped forward and continued to face the onslaught of Water-type moves, the area beneath it began to collapse, forming a large depression.
"When sand meets water, the small particles get washed away or settle into the gaps between larger grains of sand, causing the sand to sink," Terrance thought. Just as he anticipated, the rocks around Regirock were completely consumed, leaving only sand. To find more rocks to consume, Regirock had to move.
However, under a barrage of Water-type moves, the small patch of sandy ground, combined with Regirock's weight, was directly pressed down, forming a depression that isolated Regirock from the ground, leaving only its upper body exposed!
"Now's our chance—" the three shouted.
Arvin nodded, and six flashes of light streaked across the sky as six Swellow soared with bags in their claws. Meanwhile, Terrance and the others' Pokémon launched a new wave of suppression into the depression.
"Even if we attack simultaneously, the damage we deal to Regirock won't be fatal. Even two rounds of powerful attacks wouldn't be able to incapacitate it."
"Right now, we must seize this opportunity and ensure it can't get any more rocks!"
Regirock was unable to move from its spot and could only consume the rocks at its current location. Thanks to Terrance and others relentless attacks, Regirock had no chance to react. Their original plan was to delay and use attacks to control Regirock's movements and drive it out of the ruins, but Regirock wouldn't budge.
However, as they continued their attacks, Terrance realized that they were creating a favorable condition for themselves. With Regirock unable to move, the surrounding rocks were being depleted, indirectly creating a "rock-free zone."
Boom!!
Countless moves struck into the pit, targeting Regirock. However, they knew that Regirock had already endured several rounds of such attacks, and they would not have a significant effect. Unless Regirock did not fight back and let them attack for three or four rounds, Regirock would not lose its ability to fight.
But this round of attacks had an advantage—Regirock fell into the pit and didn't have time to react, suffering another round of bombardment.
"Great... this should stun Regirock for a moment!" Arvin said.
The combined attacks of their Pokémon were not necessarily stronger than Regirock's single attack. After all, the strength of their moves isn't additive.
When Altaria and the others attacked, Regirock's "Hyper Beam," "Zap Cannon," "Stone Edge," or "Ancient Power" often significantly reduced the destructive power of many attacks. This was the main reason why the attacks from eight Pokémon were ineffective.
"No... it still blocked them," Terrance said, his expression grim. Despite being physically restrained, Regirock still quickly swung its arms, using "brute force" to intercept several attacks, minimizing its damage.
Offense is the best defense, and Regirock demonstrated this perfectly. Moreover, Regirock's own defense is so robust that even without the ability to recover from injuries using rocks, it is still a formidable opponent.
"Maybe Steven's Metagross or Cynthia's Garchomp could contend against Regirock?" Terrance shook his head. He knew too little about Regirock, and his breeding knowledge was limited. He couldn't gauge Regirock's true strength, and many factors can influence battles, making it hard to predict the outcome of a fight between Regirock and Cynthia's or Steven's aces.
But at least, right now, the four trainers and their eight Pokémon felt immense pressure facing this Regirock.
Altaria's Dragon Pulse barely harmed Regirock, which was a blow to Terrance's confidence.
"Since it blocked the attack..it's up to them now," Unlike Terrance Arvin's attention wasn't on Regirock but on the six figures that flew out.
This was one of the strengths of their Adventure Team and their best helper against powerful Pokémon.
The Adventure Team had used this configuration to successfully capture a Flygon.
They were six Swellows, but what was confusing was that each Swellow was holding a bag.
"Swellow, Spore."
These six Pokémon were part of their strategy from the beginning. Although this situation wasn't the most ideal moment to release them, being too picky might mean losing the opportunity altogether.
"Shroomish's unique spore, 'Spore,' has a stronger sleep-inducing effect than 'Sleep Powder.' While Regirock, being a Rock-type, has a natural resistance to 'Sleep Powder,' the more potent 'Spore' should still affect it."
"And ours is an enhanced version!"
"If we can hit it, it'll definitely cause a lot of trouble for the opponent!"
Terrance recalled Maki and the others' words and was actually looking forward to it. As the six Swellows carrying the spores flew out at full speed, they quickly reached the sky above the pit. At this moment, Regirock was still fending off their Pokémon's attacks.
"Fwooosh~~~"
"Fwooosh~~~"
The bags filled with 'Spore' were dropped, quickly falling like bombs towards Regirock's head.
"Please, let it work!" Maki and Ishi prayed silently in the distance. The spores, freshly collected from their six Shroomish just before Terrance and the team set out, were potent and fresh.
This strategy had been tried many times by the three of them before, but they still weren't sure if it would be effective against Regirock.
"Flygon was knocked out instantly. Regirock should at least be affected to some extent, right?"
"Even if it doesn't fall asleep, it should at least be dazed for a few minutes, giving us more time to attack..."
The bags dropped down, and the Swellow continued to circle above. These Swellow were trained specifically for this moment as "fighter jets." The accuracy of their throw was perfect and the timing of the detonation impeccable. At the most opportune moment, several wind blades shot out, detonating the bags filled with Spores. Dust scattered and fell around Regirock...
"Did it work?" Terrance squinted, unsure.
"Whether it worked or not, keep attacking!" Arvin said in a serious voice.
Not wanting to waste the opportunity, they immediately ordered their Pokémon to launch a new wave of attacks. To their surprise, Regirock stood there foolishly, unmoving...
"Did the spores really affect it?!" they thought elatedly, but didn't dare to be careless. Without Regirock countering, the power of their Pokémon's moves grew more powerful. This might be the decisive moment, the round of attack that would determine victory.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
After three rounds of intense attacks, silence fell.
Terrance and the others were breathing heavily. Their surroundings were so murky that they couldn't see clearly, but at the same time, a thought rose in their minds.
"Could they have really defeated Regirock together?"
"Can we catch it!!" Arvin exclaimed excitedly.
"Catch it?" they were stunned. After all, in this situation, only a few wouldn't be tempted. But before they had time to think, a massive tremor shook the ground, sending sand flying into the air. They nearly fell over, and even Maki and the others, who were a bit further away, felt the shift in the ground.
Alarmed, the four trainers and their Pokémon retreated quickly, unsure of what was happening.
"Look over there—"
Arvin's eyes widened. "Regirock… it's digging out from the ground and heading into the ruins!!"
Terrance, Albert, and Murasakibara looked over, and as expected, Regirock was no longer in the pit. Instead, there was a large hole, indicating that Regirock had burrowed underground, causing the tremors that had shaken the ground.
"How is this possible… after such an attack, it could still escape?"
"No… it did sustain significant injuries, more than ever before. We're just one step away from victory," Arvin quickly picked up the binoculars and saw Regirock's injuries, gasping as he said, "But... because we didn't keep attacking, we've given it a chance to recover."
"What—" Murasakibara was nearly in tears at the thought of Regirock recovering. They were so close to victory, yet it slipped away.
"We had no choice… three continuous rounds of attacks drained our Pokémon' energy. If we didn't pause, the consequences could have been worse…" Terrance said helplessly.
"Oh…Wait, Maki and Ishi just sent a message saying we can retreat now!! We've recorded enough footage. With some 'editing,' we can turn this 'shameful' battle into a heart-pounding epic battle!!"
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