Chapter 65: Julian , You Jinx


    In terms of level, both stoise and Gengar were at level 43, and neither had a clear advantage. Although Ghost-type Pokémon can be tricky to handle, the oue oftenes down to the Trainer''s skills—how well theymand, observe, and time their moves.


    Why do Trainers matter in Pokémon battles? While Pokémon can decide when to attack, dodge, or defend, the Trainer''s role is crucial. The battle itself limits a Pokémon''s view, while a Trainer can see the whole field.


    A skilled Trainer can spot weaknesses in the opponent''s Pokémon at just the right moment, leading to a quick victory.


    When a Trainercksmanding prowess, even powerful Pokémon might struggle to seed under their direction, which can lead to diminishing trust in the Trainer''smands. This can result in some Pokémon refusing to follow instructions altogether. Ultimately, not everyone can seed as a Trainer; if onecks the necessary aptitude, it is often the Pokémon that suffer the consequences.


    "stoise, use Hydro Pump!" Han called out.


    "Gengar, use Shadow Ball!" his rival shouted back.


    The Hydro Pump proved more powerful than the Shadow Ball, It broke through the shadowy attack and hit Gengar, causing significant damage. Gengar had a high special attack but was also quite fragile; this blow likely took away half of its health.


    "Gengar, use Thunderbolt!"


    "stoise, protect yourself!"


    The Protect shielded stoise from Thunderbolt, but Gengar closed in on stoise, its red eyes fixed on him.


    "Hypnosis!"


    "stoise, close your eyes!"


    Unfortunately, Han was toote. stoise was already hit, copsing onto the ground and falling asleep.


    "Dream Eater!" Gengar''s trainer smiled, clearly pleased with the turn of events.


    stoise hadn''t learned moves like Sleep Talk, so he was utterly defenseless against the Hypnosis. Gengar opened it''s mouth wide and sucked energy from stoise, replenishing its own strength.


    stoisey there, looking helpless, while Han shouted, "stoise, wake up!" in desperation.


    Sadly, not everyone can be like Ash and use a move like Snarl to wake a sleeping Pokémon.


    "stoise, you can do it get up!"


    Will, seated nearby, jumped up to offer encouragement but was quickly ushered back by staff and effectively silenced with a re from the referee.


    As he sat down, he grumbled, "As a teammate, I can''t even cheer for stoise?"


    "Nightmare!"


    For a sleeping Pokémon, using Dream Eater might not wake them, but using Nightmare definitely would.


    Under the influence of Nightmare, stoise finally stirred but was in terrible condition. The Dream Eater had drained a lot of his energy, and Nightmare inflicted mental harm as well.


    Hypnosis, Dream Eater, and Nightmare are moves that often work together, especially for Ghost-type Pokémon. If an opponent''s Pokémon doesn''t know Sleep Talk or doesn''t have props to avoid sleep effects, getting hit by Hypnosis could lead to disaster.


    With his physical and mental strength severely depleted, stoise''s Torrent ability activated, boosting his water-type moves by 1.5 times.@@novelbin@@


    "Gengar, use Venoshock!"


    Gengar let out a chillingugh as purple poison spewed from its mouth, filling half the arena like a wave.


    "Use Hydro Pump at full power!"


    Low on stamina, Han chose to go on the offensive rather than defend.


    Fueled by Torrent, Hydro Pump surged in strength, shattering Venoshock, yet Gengar suddenly vanished.


    "Thunderbolt!"


    With a loud crash, the attack hit its target.


    "stoise is out of the match! Victor: Gengar!"


    Hansilently recalled stoise. Being the first to battle and losing was a blow to the fans supporting Lake No. 1 Middle School.


    "That was tough," Julian remarked, observing Han''s rival. Han had been on the defensive the entire time, and Gengar''s speed gave it a significant edge over bulky stoise.


    "I''m sorry," Han said, feeling guilty about his defeat.


    He had lost, and Gengar still had significant stamina left, thanks to the earlier Dream Eater. The rival Trainer had already left the arena, ensuring Gengar would regain even more energy during rest.


    "I''ll give you a chance to retaliate; that little Gengar is a joke," Will said, thumping his chest.


    Normally, Han would have rolled his eyes at Will''sments, but this time he nodded in agreement.


    "It''s your turn, Zosh," Sam said, giving the next yer a supportive pat on the shoulder.


    Even though Han lost, Sam didn''t seem too worried.


    "Go, Donphan!"


    "Golem!"


    Seeing Golem on the opposing side, Will eximed, "We have an advantage with our types!"


    Donphan was a Ground type, while Golem was both Rock and Ground type. Donphan held a type advantage, but Golem was two levels higher, making the match a bit more even.


    Donphan was level 41, while Golem was level 43.


    "Donphan, use Rollout!"


    The battlefield was t, which yed to Donphan''s strengths. Rollout would be more powerful the longer it kept rolling.


    "Golem, use Rock Throw!"


    A shower of rocks soared into the sky, each about a meter long. Although none of them hit Donphan during Rollout, they changed his course, preventing him from getting close to Golem. The rocks also hindered Donphan''s attack.


    "Golem, use Rock st!"


    Golemunched a rock the size of a football at the battlefield.


    At that moment, the Rock Throws on the ground acted as a shield for Donphan, who hid behind one of the rocks.


    "Donphan is in trouble," Julian warned suddenly.


    "How can that be? Donphan is hiding behind the rocks!" Will countered instinctively.


    But the next second, the rocks exploded, sending Donphan flying.


    "Julian, you jinxed us!"


    Will''s eyes widened in disbelief, realizing that Donphan had been injured, and he med Julian for saying it out loud.