Sunlight shone brightly.

The audience in the home stadium’s four-sided stands roared in unison, deafening.

On the large screen standing tall, Lu Ye and Lucian each lit up four Poké Balls.

The Champion League used a 6-select-4 singles format, also limiting the number of moves, making tactical choices crucial.

Lucian’s wine-red suit gleamed under the sun. He held a book in his left hand while crossing his arms, and with his right hand adjusted his pale purple rimless glasses, struggling to calm his rising blood pressure.

Stay calm, stay calm!

This must be a trash talk tactic.

I can’t let Teacher Lu distract me!

The deafening cheers around seemed to vanish. Lucian adjusted his breathing, a faint smile gradually appearing.

Is this the trainer called the “Tactician” by Professor Oak?

Sorry.

I’ve already seen through this tactic!

Lu Ye tentatively asked, “So, when you go back… do you still have to work overtime?”

Lucian’s smile stiffened: “…”

“What are Teacher Lu and Champion Lucian talking about?”

In the noisy spectator seats, A-Jin scratched his head curiously.

“Probably just small talk,” Xiao Yin answered.

“Is it just me…”

Bruno crossed his muscular arms, eyes slightly narrowed.

As a Fighting-type specialist, Bruno was extremely sensitive to the elusive “qi.”

For Psychics, this “qi” referred to mental energy. According to Aura Guardians, it was the “Aura” existing in all things.

Bruno sharply sensed Lucian’s deteriorating state.

But what was the real reason?

Bruno whispered, “Could it be that Teacher Lu’s psychological warfare has succeeded…”

Teacher Lu was merely exchanging polite greetings, the kind of small talk like “Have you eaten?”

The “trash talk” tactic automatically took effect… this must be an inherent ability of the “Tactician”!

Cheers from the stands surged toward the battlefield.

Fans waved leek-shaped cheering sticks, while Lucian’s supporters waved banners.

“Go Teacher Lu, meow!”

The trio stood by the railing at the spectator seats, using their hands as makeshift microphones to cheer.

Under the astonished gazes of the audience, Wobbuffet suddenly popped out of its Poké Ball with a ‘boom’ and saluted:

“Sou~~nasi!”

The referee looked back and forth between Lucian and Lu Ye, silently asking if they were ready.

Lu Ye nodded lightly.

“Gengar~” Haunter didn’t start first. It happily jumped from the shadows to stand beside Teacher Lu, baring its teeth in a grin.

Who’s ready?

I’m ready!

Lucian gazed steadily at Lu Ye. His purple rimless glasses reflected a gleam as he regained his composure and confidence.

As Sinnoh’s strongest champion, he had appeared in Hunter J’s capture operations and the wild Pokémon riot on Mt. Coronet.

He was well-read and knowledgeable, holding great respect for Teacher Lu’s tactical skills.

But even scholars must fight fiercely when it comes to Pokémon battles, their fighting spirit ignited!

Lucian elegantly stood firm and nodded lightly.

“Please prepare for battle—”

The referee raised the flag high, then swiftly waved it down.

“Battle start!”

Lucian pushed up his rimless glasses and deftly threw a Poké Ball. The ball’s lid opened with a ‘pop’ and shot out a beam of white light.

“Go, Bronzong!”

The white light flew to the battlefield, revealing an intricately patterned Bronzong. The bell shimmered with an ancient bronze luster, its crossbeam-like arms spread wide, floating above the field with faint red glowing eyes.

One of Lucian’s signature Pokémon, Bronzong.

His Bronzong excelled at “Trick Room.” Since “Trick Room” altered the flow of time within the area, slower Pokémon could move faster.

For the heavy-bodied Bronzong, “Trick Room” was undoubtedly the best control tool.

Lucian’s mastery of gravity control was also exceptional. Under gravity manipulation, Pokémon found it difficult to dodge Hypnosis beams, and Bronzong could easily put them to sleep.

Lucian had won every battle at the Champion Cup using this move.

In other words, Lucian’s tactical style was very similar to Teacher Lu’s—both specialized in “field control and annoying the opponent”!

A stream of comments flew across the live broadcast chat.

“The real quality is showing now!”

“Lucian’s an old dirty trick player too.” For original chapters go to NoveI★Fire.net

“What dirty tricks? This is clearly a showdown between battle strategists! (laughs)”

Bronzong floated in the arena.

At the same time, Teacher Lu threw out a Poké Ball, and the battlefield glittered suddenly.

“Chajidu yi~ (oﾟ▽ﾟ)o ”

Togepi lightly landed and spread its tiny hands.

A-Jin was about to say something when Togebro appeared beside him.

“Togebro really takes care of his little sister,” Ami said, sitting elegantly in a white dress, smiling gently.

“Boke~ (*^▽^*)” Togebro scratched its head with a short wing.

A-Jin: “I…”

“Togebro? (〝▼皿▼)” Togebro turned its head.

A-Jin: (⊙x⊙;

)

The stadium echoed with a uniform “awsl” sound.

Lucian frowned ever so slightly when he saw Togepi appear.

Togepi’s speed was even slower than Bronzong… effectively shutting down the viability of “Trick Room.”

Also, Teacher Lu might be trying to use Togepi’s short-range “relay” tactics to strengthen other attacking Pokémon!

“… That’s seriously underestimating me.”

Lucian smiled faintly, stretching out his arm. “Bronzong, Earthquake!”

The live broadcast chat instantly erupted.

“You’re a Psychic-type champion, starting with Earthquake?!”

“Expanding attack coverage… that’s reasonable!”

Boom!

Bronzong crashed down like a heavy iron bell.

The ground cracked and collapsed immediately, shockwaves roaring like a furious beast, sending dust and stones flying everywhere toward Togepi’s position!

“Togepi, Protect!” Lu Ye commanded.

“Duyi~”

The Earthquake rolled in. Togepi stood on the trembling ground like a leaf on a boat. It closed its eyes and clasped its tiny hands. A bright green barrier shimmered around its eggshell.

Rumble rumble!

Dust filled the air, and the stadium trembled.

The audience held their breath, watching the shaking battlefield.

The ground was cracked like a spiderweb. Togepi stood safely at the center after the dust settled, waving its tiny hands.

“Chajidu yi~ヾ(^▽^*)”

“Toge…” Togebro released A-Jin’s wing grip and let out a long breath.

A-Jin turned to Xiao Yin and said, “If Togepi loses, I might die.”

Xiao Yin nodded in agreement: “You definitely will.”

As the dust drifted away, Lu Ye was slightly stunned but couldn’t hide his curiosity as he called out to Lucian from afar:

“Field repairs, you’ll have to handle that later?”

Upon hearing this, Lucian silently blocked Teacher Lu’s voice with psychic power.

If there were a battle report, glaring red letters would appear.

[Lucian has left the chatroom!]

Seeing Lucian’s expression, Teacher Lu felt a bit emotional.

Lucian was a man with stories, just like him!

Bronzong floated up again, its eyes glowing faint red. Its strong psychic will spread as a pale pink light, enveloping Togepi.

Togepi shrank toward a corner, rubbing its sleepy eyes.

“Duyi… (*･ω-q)”

This was the command Lu Ye had just transmitted through “Power of Transcendence.”

‘Togepi, use Yawn.’

“Yawn” caused a delayed sleep effect and guaranteed 100% success!

This move was very subtle, escaping the attention of all spectators.

The commentators were completely unaware, passionately announcing, “Bronzong’s psychic will is enveloping Togepi!”

“Duyi…” Togepi bathed in the pink light cluster, tightly holding the Eviolite, a drop of sweat rolling down its small face.

Fortunately, it only lasted briefly. Togepi transformed into a red light, breaking free from the psychic control and returned directly to the Poké Ball!

Lu Ye: “Relay!”

There was no chance to strengthen the next move, but the “Yawn” had successfully planted a trap.

A-Jin proudly crossed his arms and said, “This tactic Teacher Lu uses, I taught him!”

Xiao Yin: “…”

The girl: “…”

Ami smiled faintly: “A-Jin has his own tactical specialties.”

Lucian hesitated between pursuing the attack and meditating to strengthen, then suddenly paused, sensing an unusual energy fluctuation on Bronzong.

Hypnosis?

When did Bronzong get hit?

Thinking back to the Earthquake’s dust-raising moment, a chill ran down Lucian’s spine.

This was Togepi’s “Yawn” move!

Togepi had already transformed into red light and flown back into its Poké Ball at the moment Lu Ye threw out his Poké Ball.

Lucian stared at Bronzong, deeply frowning.

Is there time to switch out now?

Or should I gamble on the wider attack coverage of Earthquake to predict Teacher Lu’s switch?

Opportunity vanished in an instant as drowsiness crept up on Bronzong.

Lucian held his glasses with one hand and said sharply, “Bronzong, Hypnosis!!”

Buzz—

Bronzong clung to its last shred of consciousness. The intricate patterns on its body faintly glowed. Its eyes surged with sapphire light, transforming into a beam flying out.

The beam flew predictively toward the Poké Ball’s landing point.

The white light gradually faded, and Teacher Lu’s switching Pokémon was about to appear!

Lucian’s gaze was deep. As the Psychic-type champion, he was equally skilled in Hypnosis tactics.

When facing magic, fight back with magic!

The chat instantly flooded with question marks.

“Bare Hypnosis is so bold!!”

“Low accuracy, but the opponent is Teacher Lu, so it’s not low.”

Lu Ye raised his eyebrows. Lucian really understands Pokémon!

The essence of battle was rock-paper-scissors. Hypnosis either hit or missed.

The audience held their breath, watching like a spinning coin thrown into the air—

Commentator: “Teacher Lu switches in his type-advantage Arcanine!!”

“Awwooo!” Arcanine’s mane fluttered, it raised its head and bared teeth, instantly shrouded by deep blue Hypnosis light.

In full view of everyone, Arcanine’s big head drooped and it quickly fell asleep.

Lucian’s Hypnosis had landed successfully!

“Bare Hypnosis can hit?!”

“Even Togepi can’t save this unlucky guy…”

“It’s not Arcanine’s fault, the real traitor is Teacher Lu!”

Bang!

While Arcanine bowed its head asleep, Bronzong also crashed heavily to the ground.

The arena fell into an eerie silence;

the audience quieted as well.

Cynthia stared at Lu Ye on the battlefield, recalling his tactical research from last night.

“Is Lucian very good at moves that change the battle?” Lu Ye asked.

“Yes. His Bronzong and Girafarig with Hypnosis are very troublesome,” Cynthia answered.

She had once battled Lucian in the Champion League, only succeeding by sacrificing her teammate Garchomp and pushing through.

Without absolute confidence, Cynthia wouldn’t have recklessly sent out Garchomp.

Lu Ye: “Oh… then I’ll try to bring more Sleep Talk.”

The scene froze on his cautious expression.

Cynthia shook her head silently, her gray eyes watching the tense, silent field as a flicker of insight passed through.

“Arcanine, Sleep Talk!” Lu Ye shouted.

Lucian was startled: ???

[Sleep Talk: Only works while asleep, randomly selects and uses another move!]

“Awwooo!!”

Sleeping Arcanine bared its teeth fiercely, as if trapped in a blazing volcano. In its dream, Heatran was spewing steam, slowly descending a magma path.

The high temperature rose, fighting spirit blazing.

Arcanine’s nimble limbs moved, mane swept back, its body engulfed in orange flames, charging forward like a war chariot crushing foes, roaring furiously.

Flare Blitz!

Bang!!

Bronzong, caught off guard in sleep, braced for the charge. White steam hissed from its metal body as it deeply dented inward, slammed away by Arcanine’s fierce impact!

Clang!

Bronzong hit the ground again, barely conscious. Its patterns dimmed, body covered in scorch marks and ashes.

The stands were silent, the audience stunned by this attack-defense exchange.

Once they understood the situation, the stadium trembled and erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

“You dared to put my Arcanine to sleep?!”

“Smart match! Sleep Talk Arcanine came out too!”

“Teacher Lu knows he’s got bad luck;

taking precautions makes sense, right?”

Standing in the spectator seats, Darkrai pulled back its gray hair from beneath its cloak, a mysterious smile gradually forming on its lips.

“I knew it.”

Darkrai spoke excitedly to the shadowy-faced Darkrai beside him:

“Teacher Lu definitely brought this move!!”

Darkrai: “…”

“I suddenly feel that your choice to pursue card games is very reasonable,” Darkrai said solemnly.

Lucian pushed up his glasses, recalling the exhausted Bronzong, expression calm as usual.

Moves used through “Sleep Talk” always lacked precision, and missing was common.

Therefore, Lucian also prepared countermeasures for “Sleep Talk.”

But Bronzong had been limited by Togepi earlier, severely restricting Lucian’s tactical options.

“Troublesome…”

Lucian murmured softly, a faint smile appearing on his face.

That was why battling Teacher Lu always made his blood boil!

Lucian’s eyes flickered as he shouted, “Go, Espeon!”

The white light faded. The graceful and noble Espeon walked with a cat-like step, the forked tip of its tail swaying gently. The ruby on its forehead shone with crystal-clear brilliance.

Lucian’s Espeon had the ability “Synchronize,” which could copy the opponent’s abnormal status, including sleep and poison.

Additionally, Espeon’s speed was extremely agile, able to evade while using the ruby on its forehead to release psychic power in counterattacks!

Lucian’s own psychic power synchronized with Espeon, further amplifying its state.

“Eee~” Espeon’s cry was ethereal;

the ruby on its forehead glowed brightly!

The next moment, Espeon lightly leapt, gathering abundant psychic energy, which transformed into two sharp psychic blades swung out.

Bang! Bang!

“Awwooo!” The sleeping Arcanine spewed a flame, which Espeon nimbly dodged, firmly enduring the psychic attack.

In just a short moment, two fresh wounds appeared on Arcanine’s back!

Lu Ye frowned slightly.

Arcanine’s Sleep Talk didn’t produce “Howl,” or else it could have waited out the sleep.

It was a disadvantage.

But since this was an Eevee family internal battle, the boss lady had to come out!

Lu Ye took out a luxury Poké Ball, recalled Arcanine, and immediately threw out the Poké Ball again.

“Go, Sylveon!”

Pop!

The ball opened, and Sylveon leapt high, its slender limbs drawing attention.

The audience’s eyes were all drawn to it.

Sylveon landed, shaking its ribbons and bows arrogantly, eyes full of disdain.

“Bupi!”

“Eee~”

Espeon swayed its forked tail, walking with cat-like steps, its crystal-clear eyes wary.

Lucian adjusted his rimless glasses cautiously.

“Espeon, Calm Mind!”

I remember Teacher Lu’s Sylveon uses dual blades and has amazing special defense.

Anyway, first let Espeon strengthen itself!

“Eee!” Espeon raised its head and called. Sunlight gathered into the ruby on its forehead, its whole body shimmering with a faint glow.

Suddenly, a pure white figure leapt out.

Sylveon’s ribbons on both sides looked like two sharp swords, flashing lightning as they darted toward Espeon!

Lucian was shocked.

Close combat was not Espeon’s strength!

“Double Team.” Lucian said sharply. “Use Shadow Ball!”

Swish!

In an instant, Espeon created faint afterimages, surrounding the whole field.

“Bupi!” Sylveon’s lightning flash tore through one afterimage and abruptly stopped.

Each Espeon gathered sunlight, their forehead rubies sparkling crystal-clear as shadow balls of pitch-black formed.

“Bupi… (〝▼皿▼)”

Sylveon glanced around, baring its sharp little fangs.

If you can’t tell which is the real one, then attack them all!

“Sylveon, Hyper Voice!” Lu Ye commanded.

“Bupi!!” Sylveon raised its head and howled.

The “Fairy Aura” enhanced Hyper Voice, the shimmering light and sound waves spread out, sweeping away all shadow clones on the screen!

The shockwave reached the real Sylveon.

“Eee…” Espeon grimaced in pain, the shadow balls formed by the ruby on its forehead still surged out.

Boom!!

The shadow balls hit Sylveon, exploding deafeningly as the stadium filled with dust!

One of the Psychic-type champion’s ace Pokémon, Sylveon’s Shadow Ball was incredibly powerful.

The audience’s lips dried up.

“There’s beer and chilled Gengar Juice, meow~~” The trio passed by just then.

“Second cup half price~”

Business boomed instantly.

The girl rested her chin on her hand, casting an envious look.

“No need to envy.”

A-Jin pulled out a sports drink bottle.

“I brought my own Gengar Juice, but only enough for one, haha!”

As the smoke cleared, Lucian furrowed his brows tightly, a strong sense of crisis rising in his heart.

He could sense the two Pokémon were evenly matched in strength.

But Sylveon had the advantage in special defense…

Either switch out or finish quickly!

Lu Ye also realized this.

“Sylveon, Shadow Ball!”

Sylveon stood at the center of the explosion, its pure white body covered in scorch marks, its condition not optimistic.

But its gaze was sharp.

In front of the bow, a powerful Shadow Ball gathered.

The Shadow Ball spiraled, carrying surrounding airflow, charging fiercely toward Espeon!

“Espeon, block it with psychic power!” Lucian ordered immediately.

“Eee!” Espeon tried to imprison the Shadow Ball with its psychic power.

Bang!!

A violent explosion occurred. Due to type advantage, the Shadow Ball continued flying out.

The ruby on Espeon’s forehead shone with crystal clarity, its psychic power cancelling the weakened Shadow Ball.

At the same time, Sylveon burst out from the rising black smoke!

“Bupi!!”

Sylveon’s body radiated the brilliant glow of “Flare Blitz,” its sharp charge like a drill breaking through the sky!

Lucian’s expression stalled, he pressed his lips.

Teacher Lu… your move pairing is unreasonable!

Espeon’s pupils contracted.

Reflecting the charging Sylveon’s elegant figure.

Boom!!

A collision rang out. Espeon was knocked back awkwardly.

Sylveon stopped and raised its head, its sapphire eyes full of pride.

The arena was silent.

Thud!

The referee looked at the fallen Espeon and waved the flag.

“Espeon is unable to battle!”

…