socalfunplaces Chapter 400 Victini: What is a Star of Victory?
Chapter 400 Victini: What is a Star of Victory?
Chapter 400 Victini: What is a Victory Star? (Leans back tactically)
The roar of the sandstorm finally subsided completely, leaving only the soft rustling of dust slowly settling.
In the center of the shattered battlefield, the figures of two Pokémon, still in their fighting stances, slowly emerged.
perish together.
The battle between Tyranitar and the Martial Arts Master ended with an outcome that no one had anticipated.
A brief silence enveloped the champions and stars on the sidelines.
Even those who were used to seeing top-level battles were shocked by the power displayed by these two elves.
After a brief pause in the live stream, an even more surging wave of comments erupted.
Holy crap, it's a tie!
[Fist to fist, real combat—this is the kind of fight a man should watch!]
To be fair, while the first two matches were indeed stronger in terms of strategy and tactics, the most exhilarating battle was definitely the one between Master Xiong and Prison Guard!
[It seems like Primal is still stronger. Mega Evolution didn't help; it even managed to force a draw against Urshifu despite being four times weaker.]
"If that's the case, then I'd say Tyranitar was only able to defeat them because of that lightning fang."
What's wrong? Isn't luck part of ability?
[What's there to argue about? Master Xiong and Prisoner's skills are definitely top-notch. Does winning or losing one match really matter that much?]
What I'm more concerned about is... if it's a draw, who advances to the next round?
[...]
The last question raised in the comment is exactly what Xia Chi is struggling with.
He hadn't really considered the possibility of mutual destruction before the match.
Should the two Pokémon race again?
He rejected the idea as soon as it came to mind.
Regardless of the fact that the two Pokémon had just experienced such an intense battle and were exhausted both physically and mentally, even if they recovered their strength quickly through the best treatment, the mental and physical exhaustion they had suffered from being on the verge of their limits could not be replenished in a short period of time.
Even if Martial Arts Bear Master and Tyranitar wanted to do this, Xia Chi would not agree.
Rock-paper-scissors to decide?
Let's not even talk about whether this approach is too frivolous.
Even if he could, Tyranitar could only gesture with his hand to make a stone... there was no way he could advance.
Or... should we just let Bictini advance to the finals?
The idea popped into Xia Chi's mind, and the more she thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed.
The "Xia Chi Cup" is a informal family event, so there's no need to make the rules too strict.
Furthermore, given the current state of Urshifu and Tyranitar, even if they advance, it would be difficult for them to battle in a short period of time.
Let's just let the winner between them advance directly to the final.
Tyranitar and Martial Arts Kuma are receiving treatment there.
Upon hearing this news, it felt like the sky had fallen.
Xia Chi patiently explained the pros and cons to them, and after a long time of persuasion, the martial arts bear masters slowly calmed down their fighting spirit.
It looked at its still slightly trembling fist, and then at the not-yet-fully-healed, hideous wounds on the opposite Tyranitar's body.
Finally, it nodded slightly to Bangiras and let out a low growl.
Bangilas remained silent for a moment, then let out a low growl, which was considered an acceptance of the arrangement.
Although it's a pity they can't continue fighting, Xia Chi was right; their battle has already proven itself.
Exhaustion washed over them like a tide, and the two giant beasts almost simultaneously relaxed their tense bodies, letting out comfortable groans in the healing light, as if they were appreciating each other and lying down together.
For Victini on the other side, this result was a complete stroke of good luck.
"Tini...?!"
It blinked its big eyes in disbelief, pointed to itself with its tiny fingers, and after Xia Chi nodded in affirmation, it was overwhelmed with joy.
"Tini—"
'
It cheered and soared into the sky, spinning excitedly several times in the air.
Victini instinctively wanted to find someone to share her joy with, so she flew to Zhenyifa's side first and affectionately rubbed her cheek against her usual playmate.
However, Zhenyi was still immersed in the frustration of losing to Magic Masked Cat, and a faint low pressure surrounded him.
It merely swayed its magnificent wings slightly in response, without joining in the celebration.
Undeterred, Victini immediately changed targets, leaping into Qishu's arms and rubbing her little head against him, her V-shaped ears bobbing happily.
"Tini~"
[Wow, I've made it to the finals! Aren't you amazing?!]
Seeing Bictini come to share her joy, Kisuke felt a little amused but still praised her, saying, "Bictini is great, good luck in the finals too!"
The viewers in the live chat, however, didn't care about Victini's feelings and started making sarcastic comments.
[Hahaha, a bye in the first round, and a walkover in the second round—this is the first time I've ever seen a final where someone advances without even playing a match.]
[Victini: What is a Victory Star?! (Tactical lean back)]
Subduing the enemy without fighting—that is the ultimate secret of warfare. I understand now, Master Victini!
Oh no, did Bictini really win?
[That's really possible! Regardless of whether Meowha or Dragonite advances to the finals, they'll be facing a fully-fledged Victini in a short period of time, having played two matches in quick succession. How are they supposed to compete?]
[It's all a cover-up! A complete cover-up! (Just kidding)]
What's wrong with letting our lovely Victini win a championship!
[Custom-made champion!]
Since it was just an entertainment match, the live stream chat didn't seem to have any complaints about this situation.
Furthermore, since the Pokémon that was guaranteed a spot in the finals is Victini, a beloved mascot, there's even less room for objection.
As a result, the first player to advance to the finals appeared right after the first round of the "Xia Chi Cup" competition ended.
Victini's opponent in the finals will be either Meowth or Dragonite.
Since both Pokémon have ways to recover their health, they were actually in pretty good condition when the last battle ended.
With such a long buffer period, they have all recovered.
While he might not be at his peak, he could easily fight another battle.
After a quick cleanup, Magic Masked Meow and Dragonite stood once again on what could no longer be called a battlefield.
In fact, there are other battlefields on Qiming Island.
But it's obvious that even if we replace it with a new one, it will be ruined just like that, so we might as well just keep playing in this spot.
To avoid having to build another battlefield the next day.
Neither Meowth nor Dragonite had any opinion on the quality of the battle arena.
At this moment, their warlike eyes were fixed on each other.
"Same as always, if you need super evolution or star crystallization, just tell me."
Before the battle officially began, Xia Chi gave these instructions.
"Meow!"
"Phew!"
The two elves nodded in unison.
To ensure absolute fairness, Xia Chi deliberately recalled both Pokémon into their Poké Balls briefly before the battle began.
This is the most direct way to reset the battle status.
This means that all the ability upgrades and status bonuses they accumulated through bonds, equipment, or skills in the previous battle will be reset to zero.
The two elves will return to the same starting line and begin a brand new competition.
However, there is one advantage.
The "Tailwind" effect brought by the Dragonite [Flying] synergy has been refreshed.
"So."
Xia Chi swung his arm down: "The battle begins!"
The moment the command was given, Dragonite moved.
Instead of using probing ranged attacks or attempting to close the distance for melee combat, it immediately began spinning and dancing at high speed in place.
A dazzling golden-orange light burst forth from its body as it danced, enveloping it like burning dragon flames and scorching the air, causing it to distort slightly.
Dragon Dance!
This bold choice made Alice, who was watching from the sidelines, instinctively hold her breath.
"So greedy? Facing the Magical Masked Cat, you just go for Dragon Dance?"
She couldn't help but gasp softly, her delicate eyebrows furrowing.
As a trainer who owns Dragonite, she knows that Dragonite with the [Multiscale] ability is incredibly tanky, but that's mostly against regular attacks.
Facing the Magic Masked Cat, starting with a dragon dance is tantamount to exposing a huge weakness to the opponent's sharpest fangs.
"On the contrary."
Beside him, Shaka's deep, resonant voice rang out, tinged with approval: "This is the only correct starting choice."
"?"
Alice turned to look at her elder, who was both her teacher and her relative, in surprise.
Shaka crossed his arms, his eyes fixed intently on the field: "Because it's facing Magic Masked Cat in this match."
Alice, being a clever woman, immediately understood upon hearing this, her eyes widening slightly: "Ah! I understand!"
Yes, against Masked Meow, the "Dragon-type moves to gain Bond Point" tactic that Dragonite used in its previous match against Latias was almost ineffective.
Once it uses [Dragon Pulse] or [Dragon Claw], Masked Meow can use [Play Rough] simultaneously or even in advance, instantly switching its type to Fairy, thus becoming immune to all damage from Dragon-type moves.
At that time, Dragonite will not only be unable to deal damage, but will also give the opponent a chance to switch types without taking damage, and may even be able to counterattack using [Play Rough].
If you're only using Dragon-type moves as tools to trigger bonds and boost all stats, why not just use the more efficient [Dragon Dance]?
At least, [Dragon Dance] reliably increases physical attack and speed, so there's no need to worry about being immune to it, and it can also give you the upper hand.
Although the Magic Masked Meow on the field couldn't fully predict that Dragonite would so decisively start with Dragon Dance.
But she still managed to discern the opponent's tactical intentions the moment they began to dance.
The magical masked cat's eyes turned cold, and almost at the same time that Dragonite's body was radiating a golden-orange light, she made her move.
Instead of condensing energy, it emitted a sharp hiss from deep within its throat, carrying a strange magical fluctuation.
Immediately, a dark energy ripple, barely perceptible to the naked eye, shot out and aimed directly at Dragonite.
provocative!
Intended to interrupt or block Dragonite's variant moves.
This move is released incredibly quickly. If it were an ordinary Pokémon, even if Dragon Dance had already been activated, it would likely be forcibly interrupted.
However, the "tailwind" refreshed by the invisible airflow around Dragonite played a crucial role at this moment.
Its speed was significantly increased, and the rhythm of its dance suddenly accelerated considerably.
It was this slight difference that determined the outcome.
The dark [Taunt] ripples almost grazed the afterimage of Dragonite's accelerated dance, while the Dragon-type energy within Dragonite had completed its final cycle with the help of the tailwind.
"Ugh—!"
A golden-orange light burst forth from the Dragonite's body like an explosion, then quickly receded and merged into its muscles and bones.
Its eyes were sharper, and the wind howled as it flapped its wings, spreading out a noticeably more powerful aura.
Dragon Dance, complete!
However, while the energy of [Taunt] did not completely stop Dragon Dance, it struck the fully-enhanced Dragonite like a persistent affliction.
A strange sense of confinement instantly invaded Dragonite's body, forming an invisible shackle.
For a considerable period of time to come, it will be unable to use any variation moves such as Dragon Dance.
But Dragonite seemed completely unconcerned about this.
Or rather, it was already within its calculations.
One enhancement with Dragon Dance is enough!
The moment it completed the enhancement, it didn't pause. Taking advantage of the momentum from its dance, it raised its head high, and the blazing dragon energy gathered wildly in its mouth, transforming into a ball of golden-purple energy that kept twisting and expanding.
boom-
The energy ball shot out, leaving a dazzling golden-purple trail in mid-air. Inside, countless miniature dragon shadows seemed to roar and churn, carrying an annihilation-like fluctuation as it hurtled straight at the Magic Masked Cat.
Dragon Pulse!
The moment Dragonite completed its power-up and gained the [Taunt] buff, it launched an attack without hesitation.
Magic Masked Cat's pupils contracted slightly, and its brain raced in a split second.
She could immediately use [Play Rush] to not only become immune to the Dragon Pulse, but also deal massive damage to Dragonite.
but...
trap!
A clear judgment flashed through my mind.
If [Playful] is used at this moment, it can certainly neutralize this attack and allow for a counterattack, but her attribute will immediately change to Fairy.
That's exactly what Dragonite wants.
Once she becomes a Fairy-type, Dragonite can completely abandon the use of Dragon-type moves that are immune to and instead use moves of other types to attack.
If she wants to switch attributes again to deal with the situation, she will need to use moves of other attributes, which will undoubtedly disrupt her rhythm and relinquish the initiative to switch attributes.
Moreover, Dragonite has just completed Dragon Dance, which has already increased its speed.
Even if it uses [Playful] to retaliate, with the "Tailwind" buff, Dragonite may still be able to dodge or withstand it.
You can't follow the other person's pace.
A glint flashed in the eyes of the Magic Masked Cat, and it made a seemingly risky decision.
Faced with the roaring golden-purple dragon wave, she neither dodged nor avoided it, but instead strengthened herself on the spot!
The aura around the Magical Masked Cat suddenly changed, and a layer of silver-gray energy with a metallic luster surged from her body, quickly covering her body surface.
Shift gears!
Steel-type status moves can significantly increase speed while boosting attack power.
It can be described as an enhanced version of Dragon Dance, and it is also the key to Magic Masked Cat's ability to counter and even surpass the speed bonus of "Tailwind + Dragon Dance".
"What is Magical Masked Cat doing? Why doesn't it just use Playful Immunity?"
Alice, watching from the sidelines, was once again confused by Magic Masked Cat's choice.
She instinctively wanted to turn to Shaka for help again, but she pursed her lips and forcibly stopped the impulse.
No... we can't always rely on Grandpa Shaka.
I am also a future master of dragons, and I want to understand it myself!
Alice mentally rallied herself, her gaze fixed on the battlefield, her mind racing.
The dragon's energy is already upon me.
boom-
The golden-purple energy engulfed the area where the Magic Masked Cat was located, and the shockwave from the explosion shattered rocks, filling the air with smoke and dust.
However, amidst the smoke and dust, a figure enveloped in a silvery-gray light glided out like a ghost, its movements fluid and without the slightest hesitation, its speed noticeably faster than at the start of the battle.
Shift gears, and you've executed it successfully!
"Ah, I get it!"
Alice's eyes lit up, and as if verifying her own thoughts, she blurted out: "Dragonite's Dragon Pulse was a bait. It was betting that Meowth would use Play Rough to become immune and counterattack. As long as Meowth used Play Rough to become Fairy-type, Dragonite could immediately change its tactics, and Meowth would be a step too slow to change its type to deal with it, and it would lose its rhythm."
As she spoke, her thoughts became clearer, and her pace quickened: "But Meowth didn't fall for it. She used Gear Shift, so even if Dragonite has Tailwind and one Dragon Dance, its speed advantage won't be too great. More importantly, Meowth retained the initiative to switch to Fairy type at any time using Play Rough. Next time Dragonite uses Dragon Claw or something, she can instantly become immune and counterattack, and the initiative is back!"
After speaking, she looked at Shaka with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, like a student waiting for their grade: "Grandpa Shaka, was my analysis correct?"
A relieved smile appeared clearly on Shakana's usually serious face.
He didn't answer directly, but instead reached out and ruffled Alice's hair vigorously, his deep voice filled with approval.
"It seems your eyes are no longer just watching the show, Alice."
Alice's cheeks flushed slightly with excitement and recognition. She clenched her fists, nodded vigorously, and turned her focused gaze back to the battlefield.