Chapter 48 "False Accusation" and "One More Time" and the Various Impacts of Turn-Based Realism
As for the Ice type, which can compete with Bug type for the weakest type, it's like this:
Ice type is resisted by Fire, Water, Ice, and Steel, and is weak to Fighting, Fire, Rock, and Steel.
The most notable point is that any random Pokémon can have a 2x or even 4x weakness to Ice type (when it has a secondary type), causing the not-so-durable Ice type to be instantly defeated.
However, since Ice type is strong against Flying, Ground, Grass, and Dragon, which are all relatively popular types,
everyone wants Ice type moves, but nobody wants the Ice type itself.
In a sense, the Psychic type is similar, but the Psychic type's move pool does compensate for this weakness…
"It's okay, Snover, you did very well!"
Although it only used weather, Candice was still full of confidence, continuing the battle as if she had eliminated the opponent herself: "Next, it's up to you, Sneasel!"
Generally speaking, the first Pokémon a Gym Leader sends out is mostly used to test the opponent's level.
After confirming that Link's Litten was strong enough, Candice immediately sent out a matching Sneasel.
A Dark/Ice type with the ability Pickpocket, its Speed and Attack are unmatched among Ice-types, making it effective in any environment.
"Sneasel, 'Icy Wind'!"
"'Taunt'!"
Upon entering the field, Sneasel chose a similar strategy to Link, first using the cold energy of the field to unleash a chilling wind, damaging the opponent while reducing its agility.
Litten, amidst the biting wind, roared and released intense Dark-type energy, weakening the opponent's spirit and offensive capabilities.
Furthermore, it proactively activated its natural ability to shrink when in danger, transforming into a red light and flying into the Poké Ball in the trainer's hand.
Seeing this, Link seemed to understand; the key to "Taunt" wasn't the words, but rather the mental disruption caused by Dark-type energy.
Just like its offensive version of "Roar," many sound-based moves actually possess the properties of penetration, enhancement, and weakening...
"Take a short rest to warm up; you'll be making your appearance next."
Without a moment's hesitation, Link dispatched another Pokémon: "Primarina, use 'Charm'."
A dolphin-like Pokémon landed on the snow from its Poké Ball. Although it wasn't rocky ground, it wasn't exactly comfortable either.
As soon as it appeared, it unleashed its powerful voice, showcasing Primarina's vast vocal range.
However, to Sneasel, it sounded like a demonic chant, causing immense physical and mental damage.
Seeing this, Candice frowned: "This move's effect on Sneasel..."
Before the Fairy type was officially revealed, moves like "Sweet Kiss" and "Charm" were mostly considered Normal-type.
How could a Normal-type move be so effective?
Even from a distance, it caused Sneasel immense pain?
Because Fairy-type moves are super effective against Dark-type, and Water-type Pokémon are resistant to Ice-type attacks.
Link, a trainer with 20 years of experience, shouldn't make such a simple mistake in a defensive strategy.
"Just keep using 'Charm,' and when it gets close, use 'Aqua Jet' to create distance."
Hearing this, Candice's face darkened, unable to remain as calm as her opponent: "Don't be afraid! We'll use 'Encore'!"
"Encore," a move that forces the opponent to repeat the same move, disrupts the opponent's rhythm and limits their options.
Hearing this, Sneasel immediately seized the opportunity, releasing Dark-type energy to disrupt its opponent while suffering a Psychic attack.
Unfortunately, at the same time, Primarina and Link, having learned from each other in several battles, chose the same move—
"Encore."
Candice was shocked, but it was too late to back down!
Caught off guard, Sneasel immediately fell for the trick. Thinking that to ensure that its opponent was truly affected by the move, it repeated the same action again.
Meanwhile, Primarina pressed its advantage and continued to torment its opponent from a distance with its "Disarming Voice."
"Wake up!"
Candice, unable to switch out during the Gym Battle, was frantic. Her clenched fists seemed to connect her mind with Sneasel's, transmitting her own momentum to the Pokémon trapped in "Encore."
As it turned out, the power of the mind often played a crucial role in Pokémon battles.
"Encore," which in the game could at least control the opponent for three turns, only interfered with Sneasel for less than three seconds.
In that instant, the trainer and Pokémon were of one mind, forcibly removing and becoming immune to the interference from Primarina.
"Charge! Throat Chop!"
Ignoring the interference, Sneasel mustered its strength and charged forward toward Primarina at the far end of Link's side of the arena.
If this move hit, the opponent would be unable to use any more sound-based moves.
"Come back, Primarina."
However, just as it was about to reach its opponent, Link calmly exercised his power as a trainer—switching out.
And now, the one being substituted in was naturally Litten, who had warmed up in its Poké Ball.
"Meow!"
Sneasel, unable to return to its own half of the field, was startled to find its Fire-type opponent suddenly appearing in front of it.
"What's there to be afraid of?" Candice shouted fearlessly, "Get ready—Surf!"
Link frowned slightly, wondering why his opponent kept using moves that didn't seem to fit Sneasel's usual style.
Just as he was feeling confused, Candice standing opposite him felt immense pressure. The intimidation and repeated threats had already affected Sneasel's mental state, and the inability to switch Pokémon was making her extremely uncomfortable.
"Dolphin, 'Encore.'"
The same Pokémon and the same move appeared again, this time bluntly targeting Sneasel's prepared "Surf."
Sneasel, already weakened, produced far smaller waves than before, while the water-resistant Primarina moved through the water with ease.
But the more anxious Sneasel became, the greater the mental opening became, and it was forced to summon another wave with all its might once again.
"'Charm'," Link repeated calmly.
[Type: Fennekin]
[Nickname: Focus]
[Trainer: Link]
[Gender: Female]
[Type: Fire]
[Level: 5]
[Ability: Blaze]
[HP/Energy: Poor]
[Attack/Power: Poor]
[Defense/Guard: Average]
[Special Attack/Knowledge: Excellent]
[Special Defense/Psychic: Outstanding]
[Speed/Agility: Very Good]
[Moves: Scratch / Tail Whip / Ember / Psychic / Hypnosis / Miracle Eye / Nature Power / Safeguard / Swift / Mimic / Foul Play / Rain Dance]
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(End of Chapter)