Kapitel 28: Shadow Hypnosis
Although they failed for the second time, it was already a significant improvement compared to the first attempt.
That being said, Cain's strategy was still viable; it was now all about improving their own strength.
After leaving the Brass Tower, Cain and Raikou went to train separately.
The two didn't communicate about their training at all. As for the joint challenge of the Brass Tower, they had arranged their tasks beforehand, and it was up to their individual abilities to perform well.
Gastly's recent battle had given Cain some inspiration, and training was urgent.
The location was still the Bell Tower, an excellent training ground inhabited by a large number of wild Ghost-type Pokémon.
"Ditto, your training mission remains the same."
Cain said, and Ditto transformed into Haunter, looking for opponents to challenge.
For a Pokémon like Ditto, training was always the same, meaning basic ability training. Its own limitations prevented it from reaching a higher stage.
Transforming into different Pokémon to face various battles, Ditto relied on the trainer's command and its own ability to perform its unique moves. When encountering a truly skilled Pokémon, their moves would be masterful and versatile.
In the short time of a battle, it was uncertain whether Ditto could even understand the opponent's moves, let alone cooperate tactically. So, against a true expert, Ditto was like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.
Of course, Cain didn't train Ditto as a main force. It had its own unique value, something that no other Pokémon could replace.
Now, the only main force he could train was Gastly.
"Perform all of your moves once again."
Cain said to the somewhat bewildered Gastly.
Under Cain's watchful eye, Gastly completed its current moves: Hypnosis, Lick, Mean Look, Curse, and Night Shade.
"The time it takes to focus for Hypnosis is too long, and the range of illusions created by Night Shade is too small."
After saying this, Cain began his next plan.
"In the Brass Tower battle earlier, you could use Night Shade as a defensive measure and then absorb life energy. It's a good idea, but absorbing life energy is limited and can't be relied on entirely. So, we need to dig deeper."
Gastly couldn't understand Cain's words, but of course, a strategy isn't formed by talking. It requires countless training battles to refine.
Not understanding was okay.
"Gastly, use Lick on those five Shuppets over there."
Provoking battles and pushing the limits was Cain's usual training method.
Gastly's long tongue lashed out, whipping the five Shuppet who were playing in the corner.
Shuppets, being embodiment of resentment, were even more resentful when attacked without reason.
The sharp horn on its head was wrapped in a wisp of dark energy, aimed at Gastly.
The Dark-type signature move fell, empowered by resentment, making it even more powerful.
The Shuppet family was one of the few Ghost-type Pokémon known for their physical attacks. The Dark-type signature move was particularly effective against Gastly, and just one such attack would be enough to render Gastly unable to battle.
Facing the menacing Shuppet, with its terrifying Dark-type energy, Gastly's first instinct was to run.
However, Cain wanted to train its speed now.
"Don't run, use Night Shade to protect yourself."
Cain's sudden shout prevented Gastly from retreating, gritting its teeth and using Night Shade, cloaking itself in a mass of dark shadows.
Shuppet's resentment would not disappear just because Gastly hid within a Night Shade.
The sharp horn, infused with Dark-type energy, relentlessly pierced the Night Shade.
The illusory dark clouds created by Night Shade were gradually eroded under the onslaught of the signature move.
"Use Hypnosis."
Cain shouted to Gastly, who was hiding within Night Shade.
Inspired by the tactic of Gastly hiding in Night Shade and draining the life energy of three Brass Tower Gastlys earlier.
Cain came up with this tactic, using the cover of Night Shade's illusion to facilitate the use of Hypnosis and catch the opponent off guard.
If Hypnosis were to spread from within Night Shade while the group of attackers were focused on breaking Night Shade's defense, Hypnosis would surely be effective.
As long as Hypnosis was successful, they would seize the initiative in battle.
Night Shade combined with Hypnosis could be called "Shadow Hypnosis."
Cain was full of confidence, but the result was not as satisfactory.
Some time after Cain issued the command, Gastly still did not use Hypnosis.
Faced with Shuppet's attacks, Gastly was already struggling to maintain Night Shade's defense and had no extra energy to use Hypnosis.
"Still not strong enough?" Cain sighed.
Cain did not continue commanding Gastly afterward, only letting it barely support Night Shade on its own.
The primary reason why "Shadow Hypnosis" couldn't be successfully executed was that Gastly's own ability had not yet reached that level.
Firstly, the Night Shade used had to be strong enough to last until Hypnosis was successfully executed. Of course, the speed of using Hypnosis also needed to be faster, as being one second slower would increase the danger significantly.
The most important thing was to achieve multitasking, ensuring that the use of Hypnosis could be executed successfully while maintaining Night Shade.
The fusion of these two seemingly simple moves was not something that could be accomplished overnight.
It was quite normal for Gastly to be unable to complete it, as the growth journey of any strong Pokémon took years of effort.
Cain simply watched Gastly quietly.
Being able to persist with Night Shade's illusion was also a test of Gastly's perseverance, and the continuous output of energy would enhance Gastly's sensitivity to energy.
The five Shuppet were about to break through Night Shade, but they stopped. Their long attack had caused their stamina to drain continuously, so they were preparing to rest for a moment before organizing their final assault.
In this state, Gastly would definitely not be able to withstand Shuppet's next round of attack.
However, Cain had no intention of recalling Gastly, as only through life and death could one bloom and get stronger.
Suddenly, from the small remaining cluster of Night Shade, red light waves began to ripple.
It was Hypnosis.
Cain was overjoyed, as it seemed that Gastly had not given up and seized the opportunity to counterattack while Shuppet was resting.
The Shuppet, which had already let down their guard, were quickly affected by the light waves of Hypnosis, losing their focus and all falling down.
The five Shuppet lay on the ground, fast asleep.
Gastly's stamina had also reached its limit, and Night Shade disappeared with it.
"Well done."
Cain took out the Poké Ball and recalled Gastly.
This time, Gastly had only used Hypnosis sneakily while barely maintaining Night Shade, which was far from the true meaning of "Shadow Hypnosis."
However, it could be seen that Gastly had already grasped the essence of this move, and now had a direction for future training. The self-reflective spirit world struggled to survive in the crevice.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein