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In fast-paced Pokémon battles, it is crucial to rely on highly refined, low-vulnerability moves for offense. This enables trainers to gradually compress their opponent's space while probing for weaknesses with each attack.
Opponents commonly employ this strategy when facing Luther's Darkrai.
Consequently, Luther found Atsuya's tactics utterly baffling. From the moment the match began, Atsuya unleashed a barrage of powerful Rock-type attacks, leaving himself wide open to attack. It made no sense.
Luther hadn't seen Atsuya's previous matches, but based on his performance in this battle, he could only marvel at the power of money.
Atsuya had simply thrown money at the problem, assembling a few capable Pokémon and securing a place in the final stages of the preliminary rounds.
Unfortunately, money alone couldn't secure a place in the main tournament.
Rhyperior was furious. He had been entrusted to the Day Care Centre by Atsuya's father.
Although it was called a Day Care, the facility actually offered comprehensive services, including battle training.
Pokémon battles were a common social activity among the wealthy elite. A Pokémon's strength and charisma naturally sparked conversation and expanded social networks.
As Atsuya's father lacked skill in Pokémon breeding, he rarely brought Rhyperior home, instead relying entirely on the Day Care's services.
Consequently, Rhyperior was unfamiliar with Atsuya. He only obeyed Atsuya due to his status.
During the battle, Rhyperior twice attempted to use Hammer Arm to deliver a decisive strike against Darkrai, but Atsuya's commands stopped him both times. In truth, Rhyperior had been confident both times that he could land a hit.
Initially, Rhyperior had assumed that Atsuya had some special insight, so he hesitated and chose to trust him.
However, Atsuya gave him no explanation, insisting on Rock-type attacks even when Darkrai exploited the openings, leaving Rhyperior vulnerable to a relentless barrage.
'I get it now. I finally understand. There's no grand strategy here. He's just incompetent.'
At least Atsuya's father took meticulous care of Rhyperior, even if he did bring him home to flaunt him in social circles and arrange battles.
But Atsuya...
'So utterly useless. I'm done serving this pampered young master. Going into battle just to get beaten up? My head may be as hard as a rock, but even I can see the obvious.'
Rhyperior stomped the Battle Arena with such force that a crack snaked all the way to Atsuya's feet. Aegislash materialized beside him nervously, shielding Atsuya with its blade.
The commentator was bewildered. "What's going on here? Did Rhyperior use Heavy Slam?"
"Why would it target its own trainer? Is there some deeper meaning behind this?"
The stomp had startled even Darkrai. Mistaking it for an unusual tactic, he looked around warily, on the alert for a potential attack.
Seeing Rhyperior lumber towards the arena's edge, Atsuya grew frantic, sweat beading on his forehead. 'What are you doing? The battle isn't over yet!'
Rhyperior glared back at Atsuya, stepped squarely on the marked boundary line, and crossed over without hesitation.
"This is truly astonishing! Rhyperior is refusing to obey Atsuya's commands and has left the Battle Arena of its own accord."
"According to the Lily of the Valley Conference rules, if a Pokémon voluntarily abandons the battle, the trainer is immediately disqualified."
After explaining the rule, the referee turned to Atsuya. "However, you still have a chance. If you can persuade Rhyperior to return to the arena within three minutes, the match can continue."
This rule exists to ensure that trainers use Pokémon that they have personally raised and trained, rather than relying on external forces beyond their control. It was the first time Atsuya had ever heard of such a rule. He stared at the referee in stunned silence.
"Shouldn't this just count as losing one Pokémon?"
The referee shook his head. "I'm explaining the rules to you, not haggling over prices in a shop. There's no room for negotiation here."
"This rule is utterly unreasonable!" Atsuya exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration.
"Atsuya, if I were you, I wouldn't waste time arguing about the tournament rules," The referee countered. "Neither of us has the authority to change them. And let me remind you, you have only two and a half minutes remaining."
The referee flashed his electronic watch.
A wave of boos erupted from the stands. The commentator repeatedly attempted to smooth things over, ostensibly siding with Atsuya, but his remarks only served to clarify the situation for the audience.
Luther couldn't help but suspect that Lucian might be in the commentary booth. The man's masterful ability to fan the flames of controversy and his subtle provocations that went unnoticed...
The referee's words left Atsuya in an impossible position.
Being forced to persuade Rhyperior to return to the battlefield under the scrutiny of the entire stadium would be utterly humiliating.
The thought of being exposed to the full gaze of the crowd and being reduced to a laughing stock made him deeply uncomfortable.
Atsuya stood frozen, forcing himself to maintain a calm façade. He cleared his throat twice and commanded, "Rhyperior, get back to the battlefield."
Rhyperior had assumed that Atsuya was about to make a grand pronouncement. However, when Atsuya started ordering him around, Rhyperior chuckled and lay down on his back to bask in the sun.
Had Atsuya approached him earnestly, expressing his desire to continue the battle and properly explaining his Command strategy, Rhyperior might have wavered.
"Since you lack sincerity, forget it."
And there they remained, locked in a stalemate: Atsuya was motionless and Rhyperior was unmoving.
Luther glanced at his phone, saw that the final minute was approaching, and cleared his throat.
Sensing Luther was about to speak, the commentator immediately switched the broadcast to his channel.
"A few years ago, during the Indigo Plateau Conference, a trainer was forced to use a Pokémon he hadn't yet mastered. That Pokémon was Charizard."
In the stands, Ash, who had just finished his own match and was now watching the spectacle, suddenly perked up.
Brock paused, then turned to look at Ash.
"That person's name is Ash. Yes, he's also participating in this tournament."
The audience seemed intrigued by this "dark history," falling silent.
"Back then, a trio of troublemakers disrupted the competition, causing Ash's originally scheduled Pokémon's stamina to be completely depleted. He was forced to use Charizard."
"Naturally, Charizard refused to obey him. But guess what Ash did?"
"Without hesitation, he tried to persuade Charizard. That's what he did."
"Atsuya, in your heart, it seems that 'pride' matters more than anything else. For the sake of saving your pride, you're willing to set aside your sense of honor and even victory, as long as you don't lose your so called pride."
Ash was only ten years old when he made his debut. How could a ten-year-old understand a principle that a seventeen or eighteen-year-old Atsuya couldn't grasp?
To advance, you'd resort to any means necessary, even trying to buy points through Luther.
Now, convincing Rhyperior to listen would have secured Atsuya's chance to continue the match. Yet, his pride held him rooted to the spot, motionless, feigning composure and indifference.
'As a Pokémon Trainer, this man is truly beyond redemption.'
The Referee's electronic timer reached zero the moment Luther finished speaking.
"Because Trainer Atsuya's Rhyperior disobeyed commands, left the Battle, and exited the Battle Arena without permission, in accordance with the Lily of the Valley Conference tournament rules, Trainer Luther is declared the winner of this match."
No applause greeted the players. Until Luther reached the Competitor's Passage, he was met with a chorus of boos.
(End of Chapter)