Chương 18: Chapter 18: Smokescreen Move
Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel.
Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
Lian found a comfortable patch of grass, perfectly sunlit, and leisurely lay down while watching Kalia prepare to command Treecko against a Ledyba.
Ledybas are naturally timid, with some even possessing the Rattled Ability. Without companions nearby, they tend to curl up and tremble fearfully.
Lian felt slightly regretful for not considering battles with Ledybas earlier; targeting solitary ones could have been quite effortless victories.
"Treecko, use Pound on that Ledyba," Kalia commanded.
Treecko's tail serves as its most potent weapon, making the Pound move exceptionally powerful. However, since Treeckos aren't specialized in attack moves, occasional usage is enough to improve proficiency.
The Ledyba was small, resting on a tree, completely oblivious to the impending danger. No apparent companions were around either.
Upon hearing the command, Treecko sprinted towards the Ledyba, leaped, spun mid-air, and swung its sturdy green tail forcefully at the unsuspecting bug.
With a loud smack, Treecko successfully hit the Ledyba, sending it crashing to the ground. Despite the impact, it was clear that the Ledyba hadn't lost its ability to fight yet; upon landing, it curled up tightly, remaining motionless.
Simultaneously, a transparent wall gradually formed around Treecko, enveloping it - clearly indicating the Reflect move.
Lian felt somewhat disappointed, as a Ledyba capable of learning Reflect must have been at least level 10 or higher. Such a timid bug-type Pokemon ended up being easily exploited by Treecko.
"Treecko, use Quick Attack." Kalia, unfazed by the appearance of the transparent wall, continued commanding Treecko to attack.
Despite the Reflect reducing Quick Attack's potency, this was precisely her intention, allowing for multiple uses and practice purposes.
After all, this was just a warm-up session. Once breakfast was finished, she planned to conduct further practical training with both Pokemon.
As Lian watched Treecko relentlessly assault Ledyba, he nearly dozed off from boredom. Eventually, Ledyba began counterattacking, but unfortunately, as a dual-bug and flying-type Pokemon, it had minimal access to bug or flying-type moves before evolving into a Ledian.
Its only viable option was Swift, a normal-type move, which could still pack some punch. However, perhaps due to fear, Ledyba haphazardly used various moves without any strategy, resembling random button mashing.
In the end, after employing Quick Attack several times combined with a few Pound attacks, Treecko successfully defeated Ledyba.
After the battle concluded, Kalia retrieved a Potion spray from her backpack and treated both Treecko's Swift-inflicted wounds and Ledyba.
"Next, it's your turn, Charmander." Kalia turned to look at Lian resting near the tree roots.
Lian shook his head, indicating refusal. He knew Kalia would likely choose a Pokemon resistant or immune to Fire-type attacks. If their opponent was stronger, today's battle rating could be jeopardized.
He had already decided; to maximize daily ratings, he needed to pick easier opponents for effortless victories, even if they were of lower levels.
Kalia's planned battles seemed exhausting. Although Treecko didn't sustain significant injuries, it had used its moves over five times in just one fight.
Observing the lethargic Charmander, Kalia wondered for the first time if she might have made a mistake—training this Charmander felt arduous.
Taking a deep breath, Kalia approached Charmander, squatted down, and said, "My goal for you today is to learn Smokescreen. Without battling, you won't grasp this move."
"If you don't learn Smokescreen by today, I'll have no choice but to cancel your evening meal."
Kalia thought that with this ultimatum, using food as leverage, Charmander should finally comply, expecting it to work effectively.
Lian glanced at Kalia, thinking to himself, Cancel my dinner? No way!
He recalled activating the Smokescreen move last night, which meant he should have already mastered it. Now was the perfect time to give it a try.
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Lian felt something uncontrollably surging from his throat, building up rapidly. With a burst, he opened his mouth.
A dense cloud of smoke erupted forth, and before Kalia could react, being closest, she found herself engulfed by the Smokescreen.
Cough cough!
Caught off guard by the sudden Smokescreen, Kalia's face turned pitch-black, with only her bewildered eyes shining brightly amidst the darkness.
Smokescreen! Kalia was stunned. When did Charmander learn Smokescreen? She clearly remembered that yesterday, it couldn't use this move, yet today it had unexpectedly mastered it.
Kalia wiped away the black soot from her face, unsure what to say. While mastering Smokescreen was commendable for Charmander, it also disrupted her planned training session.
The practical combat exercises needed revision now, but first, they both required a thorough cleaning to remove the soot covering their heads.
Observing Kalia's coal-covered face, Lian couldn't help but chuckle uncharacteristically. Although unintentional, he simply couldn't resist laughing.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and smudged Lian's face, revealing Kalia's palm covered in black soot.
Lian froze, momentarily speechless.
***
After some time...
Lian and Kalia cleaned themselves of the soot before returning to Kana Forest. However, Lian appeared quite uncomfortable.
Fire-type Pokémon dread water, and Lian was no exception. Feeling uneasy after washing off, he sought out a spot with ample sunlight to dry his skin by evaporating any residual moisture.
Following this ordeal, it was finally breakfast time.
Kalia retrieved energy cubes and various Pokemon food from her backpack. They couldn't rely solely on hotel meals, as even she would find it unsustainable if they ate out too often.
These Pokemon foods were the primary sustenance for most Pokemon and essential items for many Trainers.
The Pokemon food Kalia purchased came in various flavors, including ones favored by Charmander. She took out a piece resembling beef jerky.
Eagerly waiting, Lian wasted no time, taking a bite immediately. Finding the taste pleasant, he finished the entire piece and surprisingly felt satiated.
Not bad, not bad at all.
Lian patted his stomach; although it didn't bulge this time, he was no longer hungry, marking a satisfying end to their breakfast.
After Treecko finished eating, Kalia also completed her breakfast and stood up with a clap of her hands.
Since Charmander had mastered Smokescreen, it was time to shift focus to practical combat training. However, considering Charmander's proficiency with Ember and now Smokescreen, there didn't seem to be any other moves immediately available for improvement.
Mastering Dragon Breath or Dragon Rage would take considerable time, and at this early stage, Charmander did not possess many strong moves, with Dragon Breath being its most notable ability.
"Charmander, I'll select some opponents for you next. It might be challenging, but I believe you're eager to grow stronger quickly," Kalia said.
So far, Kalia hadn't directed Charmander in battle yet. She felt that engaging in a wilderness combat session would help build trust and cohesion between them.
Lian didn't refuse; today, they were bound to have a battle anyway, as he couldn't afford to waste the daily battle rating opportunity.
As time passed, more Trainers entered Kana Forest, clearly drawn by the ongoing Pokemon competition. The tournament, which started yesterday, had yet to determine the ultimate winner, likely extending for several more days.
Kalia observed the Trainers gathering at the western edge of Kana Forest but paid them no heed. Her level was already far superior to these novice Trainers.
Changing direction, she ventured deeper into Kana Forest, seeking a suitable opponent for her Charmander's first battle.
As this would be their debut match, the adversary couldn't be too weak; ideally, it should challenge Charmander to unleash its full potential. However, finding such an opponent was challenging due to most Pokemon in the forest being vulnerable to Fire-types.
After considerable time, Kalia finally identified her target. Undeniably, luck was on her side as she discovered a river with a group of Lotads and some Lombres nearby.
A Lotad would make an excellent opponent for Charmander, being both Grass- and Water-type, typically residing in water. The effectiveness of Fire-type moves against it would be neutralized, ensuring that Charmander's Ember wouldn't instantly defeat it. This gave Kalia room to strategize.
Her only concern was Lotad's Water-type moves, but with her guidance, Charmander defeating a Lotad shouldn't pose much difficulty.
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực