Chapter 44: Two Levels Up in a Row, Red Gyarados vs. Ninetales
Lucario's level increased by two levels.
Althouh he had accumulated enough experience points yesterday, he didn't expect that defeating Blastoise would raise it by two levels in a row.
Fighting above his level is so satisfying!
A few more times like this, and he'll soon reach level 50.
Xia Mu could feel that Lucario's strength was significantly greater than before.
This wasn't just because of the level increase, but also because its superior performance in actual combat had allowed Lucario to better control its power.
This was the great difference between the real world and the game world.
The data from the cheat simulator was indeed what Xia Mu knew.
However, the true strength of an opponent sometimes couldn't be fully reflected by simple numerical values.
...
Relieved, Xia Mu shifted his gaze from Lucario to Xiao Tian.
Xiao Tian had already recalled Blastoise and given it some simple comfort.
It was just a normal loss of battle ability, not a near-death experience, so it was fine.
"You're really amazing," Xiao Tian said, sticking out her tongue a little sheepishly. "Ali told me. I was a bit skeptical at first, but now I clearly understand your strength."
"To be honest, I sent Blastoise in the first match with the intention of suppressing you, but it backfired and I ended up putting myself at a disadvantage."
Xiao Tian seemed a bit reckless, but she was actually quite clever and composed; she was just too aggressive in battle.
"Actually, if you knew Lucario well enough, I probably wouldn't have even had a chance to fight back. I only won because of Lucario's unique moves," Xia Mu said.
After a few polite exchanges and mutual compliments, Xiao Tian curiously pressed on, "Speaking of which, I was really surprised just now."
"Was that Lucario's own action, or was it a tactic you had planned beforehand? You didn't even need to give any commands."
Hearing this, Xia Mu smiled slightly, not intending to hide anything.
He already possessed the advantage of Aura, allowing him to communicate telepathically with his Pokémon.
He told Xiao Tian about his abilities, which made her extremely envious.
In short, she wished she had such an ability too.
After exchanging words for a while, Ali, though also surprised by Xia Mu's abilities, still interrupted their conversation: "Alright, the battle isn't over yet."
"You're not going to stop after just one match, are you?"
Xia Mu and Xiao Tian both looked at him, no longer lingering.
Some things could be discussed in depth after the battle.
"Actually, you didn't have to tell me. If I didn't know, I could have unleashed my full potential."
"Now that I know you can give commands telepathically, I have to be careful," Xiao Tian smiled wryly, then took out a Poké Ball.
As the Poké Ball left her hand, a Ninetales with glossy fur and a handsome appearance appeared on the battlefield.
A level 49 Ninetales.
While this level wasn't as high as the level 51 Blastoise, it was still quite high.
"Should we switch out Lucario? If not, then I won't hold back and will attack," Xiao Tian politely asked.
Xia Mu glanced at Lucario.
Their eyes met, confirming Lucario's fighting spirit, and Xia Mu shook his head at Xiao Tian.
"Lucario wants to continue fighting; that's its choice. As its trainer, how could I discourage my Pokémon?" Xia Mu smiled faintly, already calculating in his mind.
Lucario's stamina was indeed low, and its injuries were severe.
However, because it was still on the field, its Attack stat retained the level 4 boost from the two Swords Dances it had just used.
So even if it was at a type disadvantage, it could still fight as long as it didn't get hit.
It all depended on how fast this Ninetales was.
Xia Mu had trained Ninetales before, so he knew that Ninetales' speed was higher than Lucario's. Once this Ninetales' speed training reached a certain level, Lucario might have a hard time keeping up.
"Let's go then, you can go first this time," Xiao Tian said to Xia Mu.
It was a wise choice, and it showed that she didn't want to take advantage.
"Then you'd better be careful." Xia Mu nodded to Xiao Tian and looked at Lucario: "Aura Sphere!"
'Lucario~!' With a roar, Lucario formed an Aura Sphere and launched it.
It's a special attack move with a guaranteed hit. The power of Aura Sphere shouldn't be underestimated, especially since Lucario was now level 46.
"Dodge! Then use Flamethrower!" Xiao Tian said calmly.
The command was given, and Ninetales raised its head and roared. Just as the Aura Sphere was about to strike, it gracefully turned and leaped to dodge the attack. However, it was too confident, and Xiao Tian didn't fully understand Aura Sphere.
The Aura Sphere hit unexpectedly, injuring Ninetales, much to Xiao Tian's shock.
However, even so, Ninetales wasn't seriously injured, only momentarily stunned. After recovering, it was furious and unleashed a Flamethrower counterattack without hesitation.
The dense flames, like a fire dragon, swept towards Lucario.
This attack was incredibly powerful, reminding Xia Mu of the Magmar he encountered the previous night.
"Dodge it! Then use Rock Slide!"
Xia Mu remained calm under pressure, his commands flowing smoothly.
Most people would have lost their rhythm in Lucario's current situation.
Lucario dodged the Flamethrower's direct attack.
But just as it was about to use Rock Slide, Xiao Tian's command was given, and the situation changed dramatically.
"I won't give you another chance. Use Agility to get close, then unleash another Flamethrower."
Ninetales' speed shocked Xia Mu again, even with the boost from Agility.
It was indeed fast enough; even a Lucario at its peak, with 252 EVs, would probably be a little slower.
From this, it was clear that this Ninetales' EVs were at least between 100 and 200, and its Speed IVs were absolutely top-notch.
"Substitute!" With no other choice, Xia Mu could only try his luck.
But this time, Lady Luck was clearly not on his side.
Ninetales' Flamethrower hit Lucario head-on, and without a doubt, Lucario was unable to battle.
"Thank you for the favor, Xia Mu." Xiao Tian smiled, which was quite charming.
Xia Mu nodded to her, then recalled Lucario, and habitually said to the Poké Ball, "Well done."
"You not only defeated Blastoise, but also depleted Ninetales's stamina."
After saying that, Xia Mu put away the Poké Ball and took out the red Gyarados's Poké Ball.
To counter a Fire-type, a Water-type is the obvious choice. Looking at Ninetales' move list, it had no moves that could effectively counter Water- or Flying-types.
Even with its high speed and decent Special Attack, Red Gyarados had a clear advantage.
What did an 8-level difference matter? The pure type advantage made up for it.
'Roar!!!' The Red Gyarados appeared, shocking everyone present.
Everyone had seen Gyarados before, but no one had ever seen a red Gyarados.
**Need Support**
Read 50+ advanced chapters ahead on Patreon!
patreon.com/Horizons685
(End of Chapter)