When Solrock and Lunatone were defeated, Mossdeep City's Tate and Liza could hardly believe it.
"Whoa… We actually lost!"
"Yeah, we really failed!"
The two children exchanged a glance and gave each other a small nod. In the instant the battle had unfolded, they had also tried to read Hikaru and his Pokémon's actions.
They had not been able to read the Store Manager's thoughts. He was a Psychic too, after all, so it was no surprise that he could shield himself from telepathy. But even the thoughts inside those two Pokémon's minds…
Tate said, "I read one of them. It's a Pokémon called Flutter Mane, but its head was completely full of smugness."
Liza said, "I couldn't read the other one. It's a Pokémon called Chi-Yu, and it didn't seem to be thinking anything at all."
Then the two spoke in perfect unison again.
"And even though we read what moves they were going to use, we still lost when it came to who got to act first!"
Losing a speed contest was nothing unusual. Lunatone and Solrock could use their psychic powers to strike from range, and everyone knew that moves like Confusion, Psychic, Extrasensory, and even Cosmic Power were god-tier moves in the anime.
With all-purpose telekinesis, they could even bend the trajectory of an opponent's beam attack—or send it right back.
Light could be countered.
But "sound" and "wind" could not be reflected.
Flutter Mane went, "Hmph~"
My ancient voice, the high notes from a bygone age, and this glittering gemstone—are they not worthy of pride?
This is the first time my Trainer has Terastallized me. That means he has me in his heart!
Chi-Yu went, "Fwoo…"
There is no need for that Terastallization transformation. With my current self alone, relying on harsh sunlight and same-type power, I can already produce overwhelming output and results.
As for why I am not thinking about anything…
Because that is not my specialty. Before unleashing my full power, I still need to "warm up."
But as the saying went, overwhelming power could break through ten thousand techniques.
A little calamity. Massive firepower. Specs Overheat burns heaven and earth.
Wait. Let me put on my Choice Specs!
Brendan said, "An invisible heat wave became Heat Wave, and Hyper Voice rose within that fiery wind… Even tough Rock-type Pokémon collapsed the moment they were touched."
"Rock should have resisted fire, yet it was melted by flames. Combined with what Mr. Hikaru said about that red goldfish's ecology… it actually fits perfectly! But this is Inverse Battle, huh? This is really interesting!"
Steven said, "A Fire-type fish… How rare. No, rather, it should be completely impossible."
"Is a sea of fire also… an ocean?"
"Speaking of which, reversing type matchups is very similar to the Terastallization the Store Manager uses. Terastallization changes a Pokémon's type, so its type matchups change as well. Inverse Battle doesn't change the type itself, only the matchups. But in a sense, it can also be seen as the type itself changing."
"Most importantly, even a Pokémon's own immunities get shifted. Exactly. For example, Normal-type Pokémon normally cannot hit Ghost-type Pokémon. But once an Inverse Battle begins, Ghost is instead hit for double damage by Normal, while Normal also resists Fighting."
Perhaps this could be promoted as a specialty battle format of the Hoenn region, Steven thought.
Although Hoenn already had places like the Battle Frontier and Battle Tents, if this was a challenge attraction, then Inverse Battle was currently a unique industry found only in Hoenn, was it not?
"The Battle Frontier was originally built to diversify the forms of battling, attract guests, let them enjoy battles, and immerse them in challenges… Still, if someone plays too many Inverse Battles, will they forget the original type chart?"
Steven could only smile at that.
It seemed that novel battle formats were wonderful, but if ordinary Trainers played them too much, their memories might get scrambled.
And next came…
Store Manager versus Store Manager!
Two Trainers of the same type!
Inver closed his eyes. Psychic power surged around him, lifting three Poké Balls into the air.
"Although I am a Psychic, the type I specialize in… is many types."
"Therefore, I will send out three Pokémon of completely different types to battle."
"First, my first one… Shedinja!"
The first Pokémon Inver sent out was actually the famous little suicide expert.
"Haba?"
"Fwoo?"
Even Flutter Mane and Chi-Yu were stunned.
Huh? That thing looks so much like Ghost Cicada… No, it is the same kind of thing!
A cicada shell! A cicada shell!
But although Miss Mane and Bubbles were not exactly bright, even they understood that Shedinja had as many as five weaknesses even when type matchups were not reversed. So Terastallization plus a held item was practically mandatory. And with type matchups reversed…
Even Tate and Liza, who were watching from the side, tilted their heads.
"Huh? Isn't that thing basically covered in weaknesses from head to toe?"
"Yeah! Shedinja's HP is extremely low!"
Inver said, "You can say it's covered in weaknesses from head to toe, but in reality, it only gains one additional weakness. After all, under the effect of its Ability, Wonder Guard, any damage that does not become super effective is treated as zero."
Inver kept his eyes shut and observed his surroundings through psychic power, revealing a subtle smile.
"And there is also a move that can avoid all of its own weaknesses."
"Now then. Which one will you send out first?"
Hikaru snapped his fingers. Beside them, a dark shadow quietly surfaced.
Shedinja!
Brendan said, "Whew! That startled me. Another Shedinja! When did it appear there?!"
Tate said, "I know. It appeared just now!"
Liza said, "And it showed itself at a specially chosen angle! It was watching from the shadows!"
Steven said, "Another substitute of the same type… Surprisingly silent."
"Ooh~" Inver drew out his voice a little. "Interesting. Shedinja versus Shedinja. It seems your Shedinja also has plenty of confidence that it will not be defeated. What type of move will decide this duel between Wonder Guards?"
"Come! In the first round, no move will do anything!"
"Dig!"
Inver's Shedinja charged straight into the ground.
"Shedinja burrowed underground!"
Brendan said, "It actually rushed into the ground?!"
Steven said, "After the matchups are reversed, if I calculated correctly, Shedinja is now weak to Ground. Under Wonder Guard's protection, what was originally an immunity becomes super effective."
"Come to think of it, that is also very similar to the ecological traits it had as a Nincada. If it uses Dig, there is no telling where the attack will come from. Right. Since they are both Shedinja, neither has a move that can damage a Pokémon underground."
Inver said, "Exactly. Shedinja is the shed shell of Nincada. Long ago, people generally believed it was born when a soul possessed an empty husk, making it a very frightening Pokémon. Before Poké Balls existed, Shedinja was nothing more than a legend."
"And its pre-evolutionary form… Nincada. This Pokémon nests beneath the roots of large trees and can sometimes live underground for more than ten years."
"It lives for a long time in the pitch-black earth, unsuited to dazzling sunlight. It uses its whisker-like antennae in place of nearly useless eyes to sense its surroundings."
"It carves through tree roots with sharp claws and absorbs their water and nutrients, remaining motionless…"
"Waiting for the final moment to arrive!"
Thud!
Dust and a hole suddenly appeared in the ground. A strange sound pierced out from within.
Was that the sound of Dig?
Pokémon underground could not hear outside commands. Therefore, a Trainer could not issue commands to a Pokémon that was charging a two-turn move.
But Shedinja was a ghost. It was not a normal Pokémon, and its childhood had been spent living in the soil.
The ground split apart.
Sound.
"Wait, don't listen!"
The same thought shot through Steven's and Brendan's minds.
A sound-based move. Was it Round, or…
Perhaps it had only burrowed underground and never activated Dig's attack effect. Or perhaps it had already activated it.
It was simply still underground.
"Bug Buzz!"
Inver said, "After type reversal, Bug gains as many as eight offensive matchups, and one of them is Ghost!"
"Once your Shedinja is hit by a sound-based move, it will lose immediately."
"And my Shedinja, remaining deep in the soil, cannot hear any sound or movement from the outside. It waits silently in the earth. It waits…"
"For the moment of victory to arrive!"
Bug Buzz. A powerful Bug-type move with 90 power and 100 accuracy.
It attacked by producing sound waves through vibration. Sometimes it lowered the target's Special Defense.
It had no effect on Pokémon with the Soundproof Ability.
This move ignored the target's Substitute.
Of course, Ghost Cicada could not possibly set up a Substitute anyway. As a pale green barrier spread, Hikaru's Ghost Cicada blocked the first hit exactly as expected.
"…~"
Ghost Cicada was in a very good mood. It could even see one of its own kind.
A substitute like me!
Come out and play?
For once, Ghost Cicada extended an invitation to the other Shedinja, even in the middle of battle. It was always cheerful and happy. Though that did not show on the outside, its inner emotions had truly changed.
However, the Shedinja hidden in the soil simply remained there, quiet and silent, giving no response. It was very good at patience.
Since it was deep in darkness, it had to conceal its presence and erase every trace of itself. Only by doing so could it avoid the attacks of birds and natural enemies.
In the dark forest, light could not pierce through. Thus, only the most patient lives could survive a long and cruel childhood.
Even after becoming a shed shell, it inherited the original Nincada's temperament. Cheerful, happy feelings had nothing to do with cicada husks like them.
Endure the darkness. Know the darkness. Melt into the darkness.
Inver said, "It blocked it. As expected."
"Then, a second Bug Buzz!"
Inver was not surprised that Protect had appeared. But his Shedinja held the absolute advantage. A Shedinja that entered the underground first had the advantage. Not only could it continuously create empty holes in the ground like a Diglett to confuse the opponent and set up a favorable situation for a one-hit knockout, it could also suddenly leap out and attack the instant the opponent prepared to use Dig as well.
What did Shedinja fear when it possessed such an incredibly powerful Ability?
What was the price?
Naturally, it was the life that flickered like a candle in the wind the moment it entered battle.
Hikaru said, "A tiny life that may vanish at any moment. That is Shedinja."
"But was waiting for ten years not all for the sake of escaping the darkness? Even if it is only a cicada husk, it is something left beneath the sunlight."
"The world of darkness has already vanished!"
The second Bug Buzz was not unleashed. Store Manager Inver sensed something wrong with Shedinja's condition and abruptly turned his head.
Rumble… Rumble!
Huge cracks appeared across the ground, and a powerful psychic force began to take effect.
The Shedinja hidden in the soil had been found by Hikaru's Ghost Cicada.
Hikaru said, "I grant you a brand-new life!"
"Use Trick!"
Inver suddenly foresaw something. "Shedinja, stop your attack!"
Shining psychic light rushed into the hole, illuminating the deep underground from within the darkness.
Trick. The user catches the target off guard and swaps held items with it.
"What I received on my side is Safety Goggles!"
This item had originally been developed in the Hoenn region to guard against sandstorms in the northern desert. In truth, it had been made by adapting equipment used by human ruin explorers so Pokémon could use it.
Therefore, Hikaru was not surprised to see this special item appear in the Hoenn region.
Rather, the Ghost Cicada in front of him had likely carried this item precisely to guard against certain special weather damage.
"Then, what I received is…" Store Manager Inver wore an embarrassed expression, even gritting his teeth. "A Life Orb!"
The advantage of acting second revealed itself at this moment.
Although the first player had the initiative in a guessing game, the second player often gave their Pokémon some baffling item. If they successfully predicted the opponent, that was equivalent to completely suppressing the first player.
It was like playing cards.
Who would put such a meaningless card in their deck?
Did you print that thing on the spot?!
Hikaru said, "A Pokémon using Life Orb raises the power of its moves, but cuts into its own life."
"Your Shedinja can no longer battle!"
Life Orb Ghost Cicada throwing moves around was also one of the little suicide combos. Even if, for one reason or another, the Life Orb's recoil was reduced, it would still remove at least 1 HP.
Therefore, Inver's Shedinja's life dropped to zero.
Ghost Cicada went, "…~"
Inver said, "What? Why hasn't that Shedinja fallen? Even if it used Life Orb and reduced its own HP to zero, Bug Buzz definitely hit."
Hikaru said, "Even with only a tiny life, Shedinja can learn the move Endure. With Endure, even a frail life can withstand any degree of impact!"
"When a Pokémon using Life Orb's power hits a target that used Endure, regardless of whether it deals actual damage, the Pokémon holding the Orb will lose life."
Inver drew in a deep breath. "Wonder Guard cannot block status moves, and that is why Trick hit. Still, this outcome is completely different from what I expected."
"So you used an item to complete the counterattack. I see. Even when type matchups change, these situations still exist."
"Return, Shedinja." Inver recalled Shedinja and returned the Life Orb. Then, the second Poké Ball floating beside him opened.
"My second Pokémon, Kecleon!"
One of the first very unique Pokémon discovered in the Hoenn region. It possessed the ability to freely hide its body. Two years ago, Devon Corporation used special Devon Scopes to observe the existence of this Pokémon.
Although Trainers had been carrying and raising Kecleon before that, it was the first time anyone had observed its color-changing and invisibility process—and the principle behind it—so clearly.
That was because Kecleon had two extremely rare Abilities.
Hikaru said, "It changes its body color to match the surrounding scenery and approaches prey without anyone noticing. It can stretch its tongue out long and catch prey in a flash."
"However, the zigzag pattern on its belly does not change."
"This Kecleon's Ability is Protean!"
A rather astonishing Ability. As a unique Ability introduced in the sixth generation, it was, without question, far more practical than Color Change, which only triggered after taking a hit.
Of course, the moment Hikaru saw Kecleon, he could not help thinking of those two Kecleon from the Mystery Dungeon world—the ones who ran shops.
Kecleon—the great sucker Pokémon!
The Kecleon brothers of the Mystery Dungeon world opened shops and were occasionally robbed by the protagonists. Whenever their shop goods were stolen, Kecleon received a massive buff surpassing Mega Evolution, its combat power leaping beyond the creator god's as it beat the protagonists into the ground.
Warning!
Robbing a Kecleon stall would cause Kecleon to summon a large number of companions to attack the protagonist's exploration team. At the same time, Kecleon could not be hit by attacks from the protagonist's party. If the damage source was a wild Pokémon, they would follow the protagonist's team and actively go berserk, attacking all wild Pokémon.
The true god of the Mystery Dungeon world had arrived!
Therefore, someone had once spoken on Kecleon's behalf and asked when the forgotten self would finally receive a buff.
A player answered: There is one, there is one. Go to the Mystery Dungeon world and find that protagonist over there. Have her bring people to rob you, and you'll become invincible.
What Ultra Necrozma? What Eternatus? What Arceus? Nothing but withered bones in a tomb!
Brendan pondered aloud, "Protean? Not Color Change?"
Steven smiled and spread his hands as he explained, "It seems to be Kecleon's rare Ability. So far, it seems…"
"Only one new case has been discovered in the Kalos region. There is a certain Pokémon, including its evolutionary line, that added three more Pokémon possessing this Ability."
Hikaru said, "That is not quite correct. There is actually another Pokémon that has this Ability. In addition, there is a new Ability similar to it."
"The user's type becomes the type of the move it is about to use before the move is used. The changed type remains until it leaves the field."
"Each time it enters battle, it can only change type once. It must switch out and return before it can change again!"
Inver said, "You understand this Pokémon's ecology very well. Then, under type reversal, a Pokémon that can freely change the type of its moves is very rare, is it not?"
He saw Hikaru also let the other Shedinja return to the watching group, which made him begin to think.
Flutter Mane, Chi-Yu, Shedinja. There were clearly three Pokémon present, yet he would not let any of them fight?
Then who was the new opponent?
"A Pokémon that can freely change its type to battle… naturally needs to be answered with a Pokémon of the same kind."
This was when one should say, "Don't call me despicable!"
Masks were also part of Pokémon ecology.
"Poni!"
"As expected, it's Ogerpon!" Steven had seen this Pokémon's performance at the Embedded Tower before, so he began explaining to Brendan, Tate, and Liza. "This Pokémon, called Ogerpon, seems to come from a distant place. It can change its own type depending on the mask it uses."
"But I am not sure how many type combinations that Pokémon has!"
"Poni!" Ogerpon made a little "uh-uh-uh" sound, blinked with starry eyes, pulled out its club, drew an area on the ground, then hopped back to its original position.
With a thud, it planted its Ivy Cudgel into the ground with the air of a great general. An unbelievable aura radiated from its body.
From here to here.
Within this interval.
Within ten steps.
I will defeat you!
"Oger! Pon!"
Ogerpon took out a ghostly mask.
Kagome Mask. Kamen Rider Ghost. Transform!
Mask change!
"That Pokémon is extremely dangerous!" As a Psychic, Inver activated his danger premonition.
Kecleon suddenly became nervous. It felt as though it could no longer leave freely. When it looked carefully at its feet, it finally noticed.
Its shadow had been branded onto the ground.
Inver said, "I see. It seems this will be a grueling battle of type calculations!"
"Ghost and Grass… Its Ability must be…"
Hikaru said, "Kagome Song. A child who hears this song must become the scapegoat inside the cage."
"Just as you thought. It is Shadow Tag!"
"It places all opposing Pokémon that do not have Shadow Tag and are not Ghost type into a state where they cannot escape!"
The people of the Hoenn region were no strangers to Shadow Tag, because Wynaut, the pre-evolved form of Wobbuffet, had been discovered in Hoenn.
Inver said, "However, after type reversal, Normal-type moves are super effective against Ghost. In addition, Ghost and Grass have more weaknesses than stars in the sky, so becoming Ghost to fight is not advantageous!"
"Types that were once mutually immune now strike each other super effectively, and Kecleon is a Normal-type Pokémon. Pour the power of reversal into this battle and release the power of miracles to your heart's content!"
"Feint!"
The first step!
Kecleon approached Ogerpon with unbelievable movements. Feint was a very strange attacking move that could break through Protect. Against an opponent trying to guard against an attack, the user drew back one fist, swiftly moved to one side in front of the opponent, slipped around the opponent's frontal guard, then punched from the side.
Although quite a few Pokémon could learn this move, it had no TM.
With same-type attack bonus, its power went from 30 to 45. Under "double super-effective" conditions, its power reached 90.
And it was a +2 priority move.
"Poni!"
Ogerpon kept its polite smile, its two little oni fangs glittering brightly.
Hoho! So you are not turning to run, but approaching me instead!
That courage deserves praise!
The Ghost-type cudgel swung up fiercely and smashed toward the charging Kecleon.
Your speed is not fast enough!
Your fist is not hard enough!
And my club is both fast and accurate!
That single blow nearly shattered Kecleon's claws, sending it flying backward.
Ogerpon whooshed its club through the air, looking slightly surprised.
This guy actually didn't get defeated by one swing? He's supposed to be at a disadvantage, right?
"Kecleon Detected the attack!"
The second step!
Detect. It completely blocked one attack from the opponent. If used repeatedly, it would fail.
Inver focused his mind. Kecleon climbed up from the ground and looked at Ogerpon, who was waving its huge club. Its heart was filled with shock.
It had only been a probing attack, but the thing in front of it was far too strong. If it took even one direct hit, would it not die on the spot?
What kind of joke is this? Are you messing with me, bastard?
"Gah!"
Kecleon looked back, its mind linked with Inver's.
Exactly! It was time to use that!
Against such a powerful opponent, they had to use it!
"Correct. Then open it—Trick Room!"
Inver swung his palm down. Kecleon furrowed its brow and activated the magic of Trick Room.
At the same time, its Ability triggered.
"Protean. Its type became Psychic!"
Tate and Liza, watching the battle, spoke in unison.
"A pure Psychic type!"
"A type normally weak to Ghost!"
"Which becomes a double resistance!"
Steven said, "And inside Trick Room, slower Pokémon act first!"
Kecleon's speed became extremely swift.
It began dashing around Ogerpon at high speed. With the momentum of sharp claws that seemed ready to cleave through everything, it slashed over in a flash.
Ogerpon swung its Ivy Cudgel, but this strike actually ended in a draw against the opponent.
The Ghost-type club struck a Pokémon that had become Psychic-type, and it became not very effective.
That was the astonishing part of Inverse Battle.
Kecleon stuck out its tongue and made a face.
Defeat me within ten steps? Who do you think I am?
Bring that Ivy Cudgel over here!
This was the third step!
Brendan said, "Wait, that's actually the HM move Cut!"
Kecleon's gaze grew resolute. "Gah!"
Cut. A move almost useless in battle, something that could only cut tree branches and grass. But after Kecleon's same-type attack bonus and reversed matchups, its power had risen to an astonishing level.
50 power became 100 under double super-effective damage.
What Ghost-type Pokémon? What immunity matchup? Fall before my boiling-hot combo of Protean plus Trick Room plus the power of reversal!
I, who possess Psychic power, am now invincible!
And I, who possess the power of Normal, can actually deal double super-effective damage to you!
Take this blow from me, the fourth step!
One-Sword Style, Great Shock!
"Ogerpon, mask change!"
Hikaru snapped his fingers, and Ogerpon also struck a transformation pose. It covered its mask with its little cloak-like hands, then swept them aside with a flash.
Kamen Rider Water!
"Poni! Oh!"
Blue water currents covered my entire body. Born in the future, dead in the past!
Wellspring Mask. Transform!
Inver said, "Its type changed! Water plus Grass?"
Changing masks in the middle of battle was normally not an allowed operation. But Hikaru could say that this was not a "manual disc swap" like Silvally. Ogerpon had its own little cloak for storage. It could use as many masks as it wanted.
This form change was like Deoxys's regional form-changing. It could be freely switched in actual combat.
As for Silvally being unable to switch automatically and needing its Trainer to manually swap discs… that could only be blamed on the fact that it had not been designed with two extra hands.
Ogerpon swung its huge club with a whoosh.
Thunder Bagua!
"Gah, gah!" Kecleon's eyes flashed, and it dodged the Ivy Cudgel's attack in terror.
The fifth step!
So dangerous, so dangerous! Detect, with +4 priority, could block any attack. But it could not be used in succession, or it would fail.
If that hit, it would be over!
That said, the one now in a candle-in-the-wind state was me and no one else!
Trick Room still had a little time left!
"Correct. A type that resists Water and Grass… Under the power of reversal, what would it be?"
"The answer is Rock! Use Rock Tomb!"
Kecleon used Trick Room's priority advantage to unleash Rock Tomb.
It lowered the opponent's Speed, but under Trick Room, lowering Speed was equivalent to increasing the opponent's speed. However… the Room was about to end!
The sixth step!
"Next, please enjoy the display of miracle power. Having battled this far, you must have felt it as well, yes? Your understanding and use of the power of reversal…"
"Psychic power is seeping into your hearts bit by bit."
"Depending on the location, such as near water, in grass, or inside a cave, it can change its own type. Use Camouflage!"
Kecleon pressed itself against the rocks, and its type changed.
Tate said, "Its type changed again!"
Liza said, "Based on the battlefield's environment!"
"On rocky ground!"
"It's Rock type!"
Rock, which would originally be doubly weak to Grass and Water, instead resisted Grass and Water after reversal. Kecleon's aura suddenly rose as it drew circles at Ogerpon.
And its movements were extremely swift.
Brendan said, "Trick Room is already over! It's still moving that fast. Could it be…"
Hikaru said, "Mm. A Salac Berry with +0.5 priority."
"When move priority is the same, if the Pokémon's HP is below one-fourth of its maximum, it activates and lets the move be used first."
"And the move it is using is—"
Inver said, "Water Pulse!"
"Water-Grass typing. Under reversal, what was fourfold resistance to Water becomes fourfold weakness to Water!"
"Then I will take victory in this round!"
The seventh step!
Kecleon's Water Pulse struck Ogerpon. The color-changing lizard croaked and slammed both fists together.
"Gah!"
The eighth step!
Inver spread both arms. "Recycle!"
"The last consumed item will return to Kecleon's hands. Salac Berry, revive!"
Hikaru said, "Reviving a Berry or whatever is way too strange. But have you heard that those who eat the fruit are cursed by the sea? This time, that thing is a Devil Fruit."
Inver said, "The sea's curse?"
Just as he was wondering what Hikaru meant, he suddenly saw a streak of light rush out from within the water waves.
It swung a huge club, carrying lightning-like momentum.
Inver said, "Impossible! No damage?!"
Hikaru said, "The Ability Water Absorb. When hit by a Water-type move, it takes no damage and instead recovers."
"Some Pokémon can change their own type through their Ability."
"And some Pokémon, when their type changes, have their Ability change as well!"
"Right now, Ogerpon is in perfect condition! Under the power of reversal, Rock-type goes from resisting Normal by half to being weak to Normal for double damage!"
"Wandering one, you are frail as grass!"
Ogerpon flashed forward with Quick Attack. Alongside the Ivy Cudgel it raised, the aura of flowing water surged.
The seabed falls!
One swing sent Kecleon spinning into the air. With a boom, it smashed through the wall behind it, kicking up a large cloud of dust.
The ninth step!
How could this happen? The transformation I was so proud of was beaten by an even stronger transformation…
Within ten steps, unconscious here…
Must apply this to the next time!
Inside Kecleon's now-fainted mind, only one word remained.
Croak!
"Oger! Pon!"
Ogerpon planted its huge club into the ground with a thud, showing its oni fangs and a confident smile.
Whew! That was dangerous!
But didn't I already say it?
Within ten steps, you would fall before me!
I will smash your throat!
Inver said, "That Pokémon… Its astonishing battle power and aura are like a Legendary's battle style. Naturally, the final strike was super effective!"
"I never expected that Protean, combined with Camouflage for consecutive type changes, would be forced to this point. Excellent! Truly, truly excellent! You understand Inverse Battle perfectly!"
"Let this teaching battle draw to its final, perfect close! My third Pokémon."
The second Poké Ball beside Inver released red light and recalled the fainted Kecleon. Then he opened the third Poké Ball. At the same time, seeing Hikaru's substitution, Inver could not help saying,
"You are a Trainer who does not let your Pokémon accumulate too much fatigue. Every battle uses a new companion. Quite interesting!"
"You care for every Pokémon's desire to battle. That is exactly the quality a Champion possesses."
His third Pokémon was Marowak!
Of course, it was Marowak's original form, a pure Ground type.
Store Manager Inver spread both arms.
"The power of reversal… the final dance!"
"My Marowak's Ability is Lightning Rod! Therefore, after the type reversal, it has only two weaknesses!"
"The item it carries is Thick Club! You can tell at a glance, yes? Of course, this is an ecological item for this species of Pokémon, not a battle item. Therefore, apart from such natural 'body-born' items, there are also special items…!"
Hikaru said, "Marowak's Attack power doubles after obtaining its bone!"
Its base Attack looked like only 80, extremely underwhelming.
However, after holding Thick Club, its Attack soared to 160.
The Pokémon whose power reached that range were the king of swords and the king of shields.
Therefore, calling a Marowak with Thick Club the Bone King was hardly excessive.
Interestingly, Marowak was also an important NPC in the Mystery Dungeon world, operating the Marowak Dojo. Inside the dojo were ten dungeons, just like the dungeon Hikaru had once created inside his cabin.
That was precisely the technique from Marowak Dojo.
"The bone is its important weapon. It skillfully uses the bone it has held since birth, bravely clashing with enemies. It can throw the bone like a boomerang!"
"Then, my final Pokémon is…"
"No, it is a legion!"
As the saying went, no matter how high your Attack is, if we swarm you, you cannot kill us all.
"Taita, taita! Waaaaaagh!"
Six Pokémon that looked like Kirby appeared on the battlefield. Under Marowak's wide-eyed stare, the "six Pokémon" surrounded it.
"Six?! Or one?!"
Even Store Manager Inver was confused. Meanwhile, the Roman Legion treated Marowak as prey to be hunted.
How could a legacy relic be shaped from the cheap bones of vermin? To serve the holy war of Nagash, the wielder of authority, it had to be as hard and unyielding as bone-rock armor!
But that was you, not us!
For Rome! In high-level battles, the children of Rome could not participate. But in low-level matches…
We have waited for this moment. We have always waited for the sound of Rome's horns!
"No Retreat!"
The Falinks used No Retreat. They could no longer escape, and all of their stats rose.
"Unknown type. Use Bonemerang!"
Store Manager Inver had never been to Galar, so of course he had never seen the Falinks legion. However, something similar immediately made him think of Kanto's Exeggcute.
They were also a clustered-type Pokémon. In other words, it was not six Pokémon, but six equals one.
"Gah! Ra!"
The Bone King raised its bone club and unleashed all its strength.
It threw the bone in its hand at the opponent, striking twice in succession as it flew out and back.
Each hit had an equal chance to land a critical hit.
If the first hit triggered the target's Focus Sash, Focus Band, Sturdy Ability, or broke a Substitute, the move would continue attacking.
"The extra item it carries is Razor Claw! When held, its moves become more likely to land critical hits!"
The bone boomerang violently smashed into the Roman Legion, but those little warriors directly blocked it with their bodies.
Six Pokémon seized the bone boomerang all at once and pinned it down with their shields.
"They took Thick Club from Marowak's hand!"
"Gah?!"
Marowak was shocked.
Wait. That was right. Although the opponent counted as one Pokémon, it was actually six individual bodies. Most importantly…
Exeggcute, which were also clustered individuals, had no "hands"!
But they did!
Inver said, "The Thick Club was stolen. How can there be a battle style like this?!"
"They actually used the shields of six Pokémon—each Pokémon has two shields—to grab the bone!"
Hikaru said, "Throw the bone away. Use Barrage Formation!"
PTCG. The power of cards!
"Agile Poison Jab, six-shot barrage!"
The Falinks charged forward with unstoppable momentum.
Twelve hits in a single turn!
Beat it to death!
A Marowak without its bone was no longer the true Bone King.
"Battle Armor. Falinks cannot be struck by critical hits!"
"Marowak?!"
"Taita-taita-taita! Wawawa!"
The Roman Legion used Beat Up, their shields glowing with purple poisonous light.
They raised the bone and smashed wildly.
They swung their shields and attacked with rapid thuds.
They spun, jumped, and kicked with dong-dong-ta-ta impacts.
They were invincible, as though they had entered a furniture store.
With a crackling barrage, they beat Marowak into the ground.
"This… This ending is not perfect enough!"
Store Manager Inver was dumbstruck. But when he thought about it carefully, six of them attacking together was also part of the Pokémon's own ecology.
And in the end, they had also used the correct Poison-type move to defeat his Pokémon.
Therefore…
"Although it was not perfect enough, you have completely grown used to Inverse Battle."
"You are already an expert in Inverse Battle. I cannot beat you!"
Store Manager Inver held his head, glanced at the two Mossdeep Gym Leaders beside him with stars shining in their eyes, and could only smile helplessly.
"Forget it. The final result was super effective. As for your score, I will give you full marks."
"And you have already felt it, have you not? The essence and trick of reversed psychic power. Concentrate… and engrave this feeling into your heart!"
"At first, you can only use it once a day. Use it carefully!"
Hikaru had indeed felt the psychic power filling the entire battlefield.
The miracle power that completely inverted types, surpassing centuries and the basics of Pokémon knowledge!
Even Tate and Liza had grasped the trick to using this psychic power. After all, they were genius children to begin with. Compared to Hikaru, who had become a Psychic halfway through life, they learned much faster.
As long as they watched, then exchanged opinions and impressions in their hearts, they could achieve more than twice the learning speed.
Obtained: Power of Reversal!
New craftable item: Type Reverser!
Description: A miraculous machine developed by the Psychic Inver that transcends both the century and basic Pokémon knowledge. It can completely invert Pokémon types, as well as the type matchups of Pokémon currently battling on the battlefield, but its usable range is limited.
Note: This machine, which has a defined range of use, seems to share similarities with a certain machine that drives Pokémon berserk.
(End of Chapter)
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