You are not allowed to be a Pokémon Trainer!

Chapter 223 The Number Monster Always Thinks He's a Master of Skill! (5k)

[What the heck is V-Flame?! How can there be such an overpowered move?!]

[The ancient armor trapped itself in a rocky fortress, essentially digging its own grave!]

[That's not quite right. The Ancient Armor's movements were already slow to begin with. The main problem was that Xia Chi used gear shifting to "trick" Du Juan into using Earthquake, which resulted in an opening in the fortress.]

Is this what they mean by fortresses collapsing from within?

[This has nothing to do with anything. Does anyone know what kind of terrifying move Tirey can do, "V-Flame"?]

[Damn, this commotion is more exaggerated than a Destruction Ray by ten meteor showers!]

[It feels like a massive self-destruction with no side effects!]

[Can we even play Tire Cat if it's not nerfed?]

[Click here, is it even playable with the prison water?]

[Grandpa Da Ye: I'm begging you, Grandpa Xia Chi, can you teach me this trick?]

[Humor Analysis: Grandpa Da Ye: Grandpa Xia Chi!]

[You'd even call someone "grandpa" for a move? Wow, you're something else, Aha!]

[You know what, if you could really teach my Charizard this move, I'd call you grandpa, I'd call you my ancestor!]

[Just say what you want to say.]

【.】

Let's return our attention to the battlefield.

Du Juan was no less shocked than the audience outside the venue; her usually bright and alert eyes were now blank, like those of a Psyduck.

She could understand taking in the bear apprentice.

After all, Xia Chi is Ma Shide's apprentice!

She could understand why Xiong's apprentice could kill Pang Yan in one move.

Legendary elves!
She could even understand when Tire Cat just pulled out a [Big Character Explosive Flame].

It's normal for the Pokémon trained by Teacher Xia Chi to know some illegal moves!
But [V Flame] Azalea really can't understand it!

You can now create new moves out of thin air, huh?!

The terrifying power that incinerated the rock fortress and instantly vaporized the ancient armor, the blazing flames that seemed to set the entire arena ablaze.
Is this damage level really on the same level as that of a normal Pokémon?

Although judging from the deep blue aura surrounding Tilley Cat at this moment, it still has the side effect of "reducing certain abilities," just like in close combat.
But isn't this supermodel going a bit too far?

Taking a deep breath, Du Juan tried to shift her attention to the battlefield in front of her.

The 3v3 battle is not over yet, and I still have a Cradle Lily in my hand.

Although it was an unfortunate Cradle Lily suffering from [paralysis].

But in any case, this public exhibition match, which aims to showcase tactics to students, must be fought to the very last moment.

This is the responsibility of a dojo owner.

Retrieving the ancient armor that had lost its ability to fight, the Cuckoo then launched its last spirit, Cradle Lily.

But there's an old saying that goes something like this.

"This Pokémon is in good condition, but it's not very useful."

Tirecat also possesses a [Taunt] skill that is very effective against vulnerable Pokémon, while Cradleja's attack power is not particularly outstanding.

It's very difficult to break through Tire Meow's defenses without using transformation moves.

The [Grass] synergy and [Titan's Resolve] provide attribute growth, Bloodthirster provides life steal, and the "Star Crystallization" state provides damage reduction.

In addition, the [Transformable] trait allows Tirecat to have an attribute advantage most of the time.

Despite having the strength of a gym leader, Cradle Lily still suffered a bitter defeat.

The exhibition match ended with Xia Chi defeating Du Juan 3-1.

Accompanied by the deep hum of machinery, the rocky battlefield, ravaged by [V-Flame] and riddled with scorch marks and craters, slowly sank down.

The smooth, clean wooden floorboards rose up again, covering the traces of the battle.

As the battleground transitioned, Xia Chi and Du Juan quickly transported their injured Pokémon to the professional treatment team backstage.

A moment later, Xia Chi's figure returned to the center of the brightly lit lecture hall stage.

He wanted to wrap up today's open tactical lesson.

------

"Although saying this might get me scolded."

Xia Chi spoke, his tone tinged with sincere helplessness, "But I think that the reason I was able to win this exhibition match against Teacher Du Juan was largely due to my more reasonable tactical choices."

As expected, a chorus of good-natured boos and laughter erupted from the audience.

"The 'number-obsessed' guy always thinks he's got all the tricks up his sleeve!"

A loud voice rang out from the crowd, instantly igniting even more enthusiastic laughter.

As the laughter subsided, Xia Chi's expression turned serious: "I know this sounds a bit like 'getting a good deal and then complaining,' but the importance of tactical choices is indeed something we should think about deeply."

"There's a saying that everyone has probably heard: 'If you make the wrong choice, no matter how hard you try, you'll only go further and further in the wrong direction.' This isn't an exaggeration; it accurately hits the sore spot for many trainers, even seasoned ones."

He turned to Du Juan, who had returned to the side of the stage, and politely asked, "Ms. Du Juan, would you mind if I used your lineup as an example to analyze this?"

Du Juan showed no sign of defeat or frustration; instead, she smiled encouragingly and said, "It's okay, curse all you want, the harsher the better."

Xia Chi: "."

She looks like a quiet and ladylike girl, but why does she also have a McDonald's vibe?

Is there such a contrast, Teacher Du Juan?
Since Du Juan is so "open-minded," Xia Chi naturally can't be truly unrestrained in his speech.

After carefully considering his words, he began to analyze: "First of all, I think the first problem that everyone can intuitively feel is that the attributes are too singular."

Xia Chi continued, "Teacher Du Juan's main lineup has its core attributes highly concentrated on Rock-type, and there are even two Rock-and-Steel type Pokémon, namely Steelix and Proboscis, as backups. This kind of lineup is extremely risky when facing specific type advantages."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience: "If the Ancient Armor hadn't used the Crystal Ghost at the crucial moment, making it immune to the Bear Apprentice's Fighting-type heavy attack, Teacher Dujuan might have even been at risk of having her team wiped out by a single Bear Apprentice."

"As you can see from watching the games, the potential of single-type specialization is being severely limited in today's increasingly complex battle environment, especially for Rock-type, which has obvious weaknesses."

The audience listened very attentively, and the live chat was full of responses.

That's true; the potential for mastering a single attribute is getting lower and lower!

[This is so true! Single-attribute teams will go straight to jail if they encounter their natural enemy!]

Strong types like Steel, Fairy, Dragon, and Water can rely on secondary type resistances to cope, but it's much harder for Rock types.

[Rock in jail? Iceworm Grass and the others haven't even spoken yet, I'm so touched, family!]

But single-attribute specialization is more about nostalgia, and it's much easier to cultivate than multi-attribute specialization!

If you can't beat someone, just accept it honestly, or simply enjoy your daily life with your Pokémon as a semi-professional trainer.

The top three champions in the world are all multi-attribute champions. Now you know what the answer is, right?

After the audience had processed and digested the information...

Xia Chi continued, "So this is the significance of [attribute-based joint defense] that I mentioned earlier."

"For example, if you are determined to build a team centered around Garchomp, then the question of 'how to counter the natural enemies of Garchomp—Ice and Fairy-type Pokémon?' must be taken seriously from the very beginning of team building."

"Similarly, if you prefer to use Electric-type Pokémon as your main force, then it is especially important to pair your team with Flying-type or Water-type Pokémon for coordinated defense and mutual support. This is not only a consideration when catching a single Pokémon, but also a mindset that must be incorporated when designing the entire team."

"Due to time constraints, I won't go into details."

Although this was "common knowledge" among Pokémon players in the previous life, it remains a fundamental concept that needs to be popularized for trainers in this world.

The strongest proof is that even the main force of Azalea, the gym leader, can be described as a ragtag bunch.

It's not really the trainers' fault.

The main problem was that the Pokémon League's early system was too abstract.

Gym Leaders and Elite Four members—these pinnacle positions, coveted by countless trainers, were all mandated to specialize in a single type. With this top-down influence, how could most trainers not obsessively focus on mastering a single type?

In recent years, reforms have been implemented, and if half or more of the Pokémon in a team belong to a certain type, it can be considered that the team is a specialist in that type.

Otherwise, the environment might be even worse.

------

"The single attribute is only one of the superficial problems."

Xia Chi then shifted the focus to a deeper tactical deficiency: "The real problem lies in the compatibility of the lineup and the unclear functional positioning of the elves."

Du Juan, standing on the side of the stage, had completely transformed into "academic superstar mode," her pen flying across her notebook.

“We will continue to use Teacher Du Juan’s team as a ‘negative example’.”

Xia Chi didn't mince words, asking, "Giant Rock Monster, Cradle Lily, and Ancient Armor, please tell me, what is the most significant common weakness of these three Pokémon?"

After Xia Chi's tactical demonstration, the voices from the audience were in unison: "Slow!"

"Completely correct!"

Xia Chi affirmed, "In today's fast-paced battles that increasingly emphasize the first move and rhythm control, a collective disadvantage in speed is a fatal weakness."

"For example, when facing my Winged Beast, Bear Apprentice, and Tirion, Teacher Cuckoo's Pokémon clearly had the superior raw power, but due to the absolute disadvantage in speed, they had great strength but could not use it, and were in a passive and defensive situation throughout the whole process."

"Therefore, in Teacher Du Juan's lineup, which is completely at a speed disadvantage, there is a crucial tactical pivot: a space player."

He paused slightly, then joked, "I don't know why Teacher Cuckoo didn't train a Trick Room user. Is it because Rock-type Pokémon don't know [Trick Room]?"

In fact, apart from Solrock and Luna Rock, it seems that no other Rock Pokémon knows this move.

"The third problem is the homogenization of the role of elves."

Xia Chi originally only wanted to say a few words to wrap things up.

But there are just too many flaws; talking about one thing turns into talking about a billion.

From the moment the whistle blew to signal the end of the match until Xia Chi finally stopped explaining, a full half hour had quietly passed.

"Alright, that's about enough for now."

Xia Chi cleared his slightly dry throat, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

"That concludes today's live tactical lesson. Thank you, Ms. Du Juan, for your enthusiastic 'cooperation,' and thank you all for your patience in listening."

He was about to bow in thanks when a chorus of shouts erupted from the audience, expressing their continued enthusiasm.

"Teacher Xia Chi, wait a minute!"

"You've only pointed out where the mistake was, but you haven't explained how to fix it!"

"Yeah, yeah, anyone can talk the talk, but how do you actually build a team?"

"Seeking guidance, Professor Xia Chi!"

Xia Chi: "."

It hasn't even explained how to change it yet. Don't you know analogical reasoning?
Do you really want me to feed you?
Are you Pokémon trainers or fledgling Pokémon waiting to be fed?
Although he was complaining in his heart, the cheers from the audience were too loud, and he couldn't go against the will of the people.

Most importantly, since we're already here!

"Fine."

Xia Chi sighed helplessly and compromised, "However, time is indeed limited, so I will randomly select three students and give them some specific suggestions for improvement based on their lineups."

As soon as she finished speaking, Du Juan, standing on the side of the stage, immediately smiled and raised her live streaming equipment: "My live stream is still running and it's very popular. Let's just draw people directly from the live stream. This way, more trainers outside the arena can benefit!"

Xia Chi then realized that the public execution had been broadcast live the whole time.

Oh no, did I just say anything bad about anyone?

After carefully recalling the situation and realizing there shouldn't be any major issues, Xia Chi nodded and said, "Alright, let's choose from the live stream then. Everyone can rely on their speed."

Seeing that Xia Chi agreed, Du Juan manipulated the screen to project her live stream onto the LED screen on the stage.

The notification sound for connecting to the live stream rang, and the first avatar quickly lit up and the call was connected.

When that beautiful, tanned face with a hint of surprise and exotic charm appeared on the big screen, the entire auditorium erupted in cheers.

"Holy crap, Na!"

The first person to connect to the live stream was none other than Lurina, the owner of the Water Boat Arena in the Galar region!
【No, Lulina, why are you trying to steal the live stream spot? With your relationship, shouldn't it be a simple matter of a private chat?】

[The person upstairs is still too young and doesn't understand women. Do they even know how to assert their dominance?]

[A secret crush!]

At this very moment, a gym leader in Nimbus City who hadn't managed to secure a live stream connection let out a sharp, impotent scream.

[Oh no! There's a cow! Everyone run!]

------

Xia Chi didn't expect that the first guest she connected with would be such a heavyweight.

Does that mean the Galar net is better?
However, it's best to use someone you know well, as Xia Chi is more familiar with the lineup and can quickly offer his advice.

"It's been a long time, Miss Lurina."

Xia Chi greeted him with a smile.

Lulina thought for a moment and said seriously, "Is it a long time? I only remember it being eleven days."

Xia Chi: "."

It was just a casual greeting, how come you remember it so clearly!

Seeing that the comments on the screen were starting to distort and spread rumors, Xia Chi coughed lightly and quickly changed the subject.

"Let's get started then. I remember your team, Lulina, is a rain team centered around Pelipper, Dratini, and Slug, right?"

Lulina nodded and said, "Yes, that's right. When I play in matches of the same level, I find myself struggling when facing a combination of Grass and Electric-type Pokémon."

Isn't it strenuous? In "Dawn of Wings," your colleague Alo completely broke your self-isolation barrier.
Xia Chi mentally grumbled, then seriously analyzed, "Rainy Day is actually a very classic system, with a high floor and a decent ceiling. Pelipper is great for crowd control, as it can activate [Rainy Day] and [Tailwind]. The roles of Drow Ranger and Dratini are somewhat redundant, as they are both physical attackers with the [Swift Swim] ability. I suggest choosing one based on the opponent's team composition during battle, and strengthening the team as needed."

After a slight pause, Xia Chi recommended without hesitation: "I strongly recommend the promising young Pokémon from your Galar region, Duraludon! Not only will it make up for the lack of Special Attackers in your team, but it also has double the resistance to Electric and quadruple the resistance to Grass! Its signature move, [Electric Beam], is a perfect match for rain teams! If you don't like it, just come find me!"

[Holy crap, Lao Shui's analysis is spot on! Aluminum-steel bridge jacks are definitely rain-resistant powerhouses!]

[Dude, is it possible that the Agilityba is actually a very strong Pokémon?]

[It's different; the "Prison Water" highlightes its unique value in rainy weather. The Steel Dragon type, rain-based coverage, and Thunder Beam burst make it incredibly versatile!]

The Alumina Bridge Dragon Pokémon doesn't have a strong presence in rain teams in this world.

Firstly, because this Pokémon is just as rare as a typical pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

Secondly, trainers who cultivate Aluminum Steel Bridge Dragon, such as Qibana and Duro, all put them into their own Dragon-type teams.

It's not fair to say it's a waste of talent, but it's certainly a case of a gem being tarnished.

In Xia Chi's opinion, it and the Rainy Day Team are a match made in heaven.

"Besides that, you can also consider training Kingdra and Dragonite. I wouldn't recommend a rain-type physical attacker like Kabuto."

[Hey streamer, do you have any budget-friendly rain team Pokémon recommendations?]

A paid bullet screen was particularly eye-catching.

That makes sense, as Pokémon like Bridge Dragon, Kingdra, Dragonite, and Kabuto are indeed much rarer than ordinary Pokémon.

Given that rain teams are indeed a relatively mainstream strategy in this world, many new trainers must be quite confused about this issue.

Xia Chi then answered uniformly: "Yes, brothers, yes, it's the one among the nine gates that has the ability to break shields, Crawdex! The [Adaptability] ability can make your Water-type moves even more powerful in the rain! The almost exclusive move [Crab Hammer] completely outclasses Waterfall! Most importantly, it can also use Dragon Dance, which even Garchomp doesn't know! It can be considered a Dragon-type Pokémon, a substitute for the Dragon-type Pokémon mentioned above!"

"Among the nine gates of the Prison, the one that controls the defensive synergy is Ferrothorn! If you don't know what durability is, then take a look at this Pokémon, Ferrothorn! Its Grass/Steel type has only two weaknesses, and in the rain, its weakness to Fire is perfectly eliminated! It can use [Spikes], [Stealth Rock], and has that nasty [Thunder Wave]! Even if you want to rely on it for offensive damage, it also has super high-powered STAB moves [Power Whip] and [Gyro Ball] to make you scream!"

"Among the nine gates of the prison, the one that controls the weather is Poliwag! Although it's not as useful as [Tailwind] and [Gale], making it less competitive than Pelipper in the weather set competition, Poliwag has its unique advantages: [Death Song]! [One More Time]! [Hypnosis]! It allows your rain team to enjoy the thrill of playing some underhanded tricks!"

"."

(End of this chapter)