In the dark environment, it was the perfect battleground for Atuo, who excelled at lurking in the shadows.
Gengar also fought more comfortably in the dark.
Although Yujira could extend its psychic perception and track Zangoose and Atuo, it was less effective against Gengar.
The reason lies in Ghost Type's restraint over Psychic Type.
Yujira could track Gengar's movements when it revealed itself, but it was tricky when Gengar hid in its shadow.
Even though Yujira reacts quickly, able to defend at the moment of Gengar's attack, the current strength gap requires it to be extraordinarily cautious and focused in its defenses, or it might be defeated by Gengar's strikes.
Actually, the surrounding darkness doesn't really matter anymore, because the key to victory is not in the light or dark, but whether one can find Gengar's ghostly shadow and seize the opportunity for a counterattack during its attack.
"Jie Jie——"
Gengar's sinister laughter echoed throughout the cavern, sending shivers down the spine of anyone who heard it.
This unseen enemy is the real trouble.
Meanwhile, Zangoose, having likewise undergone a power enhancement, was forced to retreat in the face of Beedrill and Doublade's combined assault, looking like it wouldn't hold out much longer.
Its strength had increased, but this brought about an unstable state. Even though the previous Zangoose lacked sparkle in its eyes, it had some strategy in battles; now, apart from its ever-exuding poison mist and seemingly powerful aura, it posed little threat to Beedrill and Doublade.
This confirmed that the temporary power increase obtained through external means not only came at a great cost, but also did not grant the enhanced Pokémon proportional combat power.
It's more of energy enhancement driving a change in strength rather than direct strength enhancement.
In terms of battle power, the actual increase is not as significant as it seems.
This is undoubtedly good news.
Natsuhiko placed his hand on Yujira's back; their psychic powers had completely merged, making their vision almost entirely unified.
'Yujira, as you can see, the enemy isn't as strong as we thought.'
Natsuhiko's voice resonated in Yujira's mind.
Though he hadn't mastered telepathy, he could barely achieve it with Yujira's power.
Yujira didn't respond, contemplating Natsuhiko's words and staying alert for Gengar's sudden appearances, too focused to convey any other meaning.
Natsuhiko didn't ask Yujira to say anything, continuing to speak to himself.
'Think about what we've been focusing on in our training recently. Don't be swayed by the enemy's seemingly fierce exterior. Strip away this external strength, and it's... vulnerable.'
Training focus?
The answer surfaced in Yujira's mind without needing to think.
Technique, Future Sight!
Yes!
Future Sight!
As "Future Sight" flashed through its mind along with its special effects, Yujira's eyes lit up.
It was only after Natsuhiko's hint that Yujira realized.
Previously, Yujira's "Future Sight" was mostly used in transit or exploring areas, serving as a warning.
Rarely did it use it in actual combat to predict opponent movements or counteract enemies.
But now, against the elusive and ghostly Gengar, it seemed like an effective countermeasure for Yujira.
The actual effect can only be seen after attempting.
"Yongji."
Yujira whispered, the blue glow in its eyes flickered, raising its Spoon and activated "Future Sight."
However, as Yujira infused Psychic power into the Spoon, trying to amplify the perception from "Future Sight" with the Curved Spoon's power, some unexpected changes occurred.
It seemed to have activated a dormant force within the Spoon, suddenly flooding Yujira's mind with sporadic images.
And the protagonist in these images was an Alakazam!
The original owner of this Spoon, the Alakazam upon whom Psychic-type Pokémon placed their highest hopes!
In the images, Alakazam seemed to be teaching, demonstrating something to Yujira.
Outside, with his hand still on Yujira's back, Natsuhiko noticed Yujira's changes.
"Hmm? The Psychic power infused into the Spoon received feedback?"
This phenomenon was peculiar.
Whether it's Yujira's Psychic power triggering the Spoon is correct, but not entirely accurate.
Because the Buddha Beads in its other hand were also emitting a faint orange-yellow glow, amidst Yujira's deep blue Psychic power, an elusive trace of light pink flickered—
Additionally, Yujira's body also mixed with tiny white light dots.
Due to some special reason, the latent contents within Yujira seemed to be triggered, causing a chain reaction.
Such as the Psychic power from fusion of Superpower Stone Plate fragments, the wood scorched by Holy Fire, the Life Crystal Yujira absorbed, the countless years of Psychic power carried inside the Spoon, and the Psychic imprint left from Alakazam, the former owner of this Spoon, over the long years...
"Yongji!"
Suddenly.
Yujira abruptly opened its eyes, and a dark red eye slowly emerged on its forehead.
"Eye of Miracles?"
Seeing this "eye," Natsuhiko was somewhat surprised.
Yujira learned a new technique?
The teaching from Alakazam's imprint left within the Spoon?
Following that, a round, deep dark sphere appeared in front of Yujira, which unhesitatingly launched towards an empty spot within the cave.
Strong Mental Will!
Another new technique!
And whether it was the earlier "Eye of Miracles" or this "Strong Mental Will," Yujira showed a remarkable proficiency as if it was quite "skilled."
Derived from ancient Alakazam's legacy!
Boom!!
Almost the moment Strong Mental Will struck, a shadow leaped out from the floor's shadows; its smug smile didn't last long before Strong Mental Will slammed down heavily upon it.
Gengar, whose path was foreseen by Yujira, was hit by Strong Mental Will and hurled from the shadows.
Momentarily, the dense poison mist around Gengar dissipated significantly, and its seemingly formidable aura was greatly diminished.
External power remains external power.
As Gengar was knocked back, it gritted its teeth attempting to dive back into the shadows.
But the "Eye of Miracles" atop Yujira remained locked onto it.
Once caught, don't think about hiding again.
The Spoon in hand is curved.
The true combat effectiveness of "Future Sight" finally manifested.
Future Sight: Infuse Psychic power into the enemy to lock the target, and load damage after some time.
Surging Psychic power shot from Yujira's Spoon, striking the backward-flying Gengar fiercely, completely dispersing the poison mist on its body.
——————
Third update~~ A bit of a situation today~~ Luckily managed the daily three updates as promised, tomorrow expecting to return to five updates unless something unforeseen occurs~~