Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!-Chapter 385: Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! [] [30 PS]

Steven's Aggron had the Sturdy ability.

In the games, this trait ensured that Aggron couldn't be knocked out in a single hit.

While reality wasn't quite so absolute, Sturdy significantly boosted Aggron's durability. In battles between Pokémon of similar strength, the effect was almost identical to its in-game counterpart.

Bang!

Aggron slammed its massive feet into the ground, using its weight and sturdy tail for balance. Its fierce gaze locked onto Garchomp.

Garchomp, crouching low, glared back with a predatory intensity, treating Aggron like prey.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere among trainers across Hoenn was vastly different.

"Wow, the realism of this holographic projection is leagues ahead of a regular screen!"

"Where can I buy a Silph Co. holographic communicator? I need one now!"

What had started as a battle orchestrated by Luo Yuan and Silph Co.'s president had effectively turned into a live demonstration of Silph Co.'s technology. Sales of their holographic communicators surged dramatically.

Hearing the news, the Silph Co. president couldn't hide his beaming smile.

Joseph Stone, president of Devon Corporation, hadn't yet received the reports. But one look at his rival's delighted expression was enough for him to piece things together.

His face darkened as he turned his attention back to the battle.

At this point, his only hope was for Steven to secure a decisive victory.

---

Outside developments couldn't distract the trainers locked in battle.

On the field, both Steven and Luo Yuan adjusted their strategies.

After landing a devastating blow on Aggron with Dig and Brick Break, Garchomp switched to a hit-and-run tactic. Using its superior speed, it began kiting Aggron, keeping a safe distance while striking intermittently.

Aggron repeatedly attempted to close the gap for a melee counterattack, but Garchomp easily evaded each time.

"Rock Tomb!"

Several large rocks descended from above, aiming to pin Garchomp in place.

However, Garchomp swiftly slashed through the falling rocks with its bladed arms, creating sharp air currents that shattered the stones.

With a few quick strides, Garchomp propelled itself into the air, leaping higher by using the debris as makeshift platforms.

"Dragon Rush!"

Garchomp's ascent halted abruptly as it turned its gaze downward.

Its streamlined body glowed with an intense energy, its eyes radiating ferocity. Like a meteor, Garchomp plummeted toward Aggron with crushing force.

Steven frowned at the sight.

Although Dragon Rush, as a Dragon-type move, was less effective against Steel-types like Aggron, the prior damage from Garchomp's earlier attacks combined with the sheer power of Dragon Rush made this a dangerous situation.

Steven hesitated for a moment, weighing his options.

But as a Champion, he knew that hesitation was a recipe for defeat.

"Aggron, Protect!"

With a roar, Aggron crossed its arms, and a shimmering blue barrier enveloped its body just as Garchomp descended.

Boom!

The impact was like a hammer striking a drum, the sound echoing across the battlefield.

The spherical shield cracked under the immense force, spreading fissures from the point of contact.

"Did it break through?"

The spectators held their breath.

"Not a chance," Luo Yuan thought.

Protect's defensive capabilities were nearly absolute among Pokémon of equal strength.

Luo Yuan couldn't help but feel a bit surprised at Steven's cautious approach. Steven was a Champion, yet he was this careful against an Elite Four member?

Still, Luo Yuan wasn't concerned.

If Steven wanted to play it safe, then Luo Yuan would crank up the pressure.

As Garchomp gracefully flipped and landed on the ground, Luo Yuan issued his next command:

"Garchomp, Swords Dance!"

Whoosh!

Garchomp moved like a gymnast, crossing its arms in front of its body. A surge of energy flowed through it, amplifying its power dramatically.

"Swords Dance..." Steven's expression grew serious.

Dealing with Garchomp was challenging enough, but Luo Yuan's ability to exploit every opening made him an exceptionally difficult opponent.

Steven knew he couldn't allow Garchomp to keep boosting its strength.

"Aggron, Flash Cannon!"

Steven silently thanked himself for teaching Aggron Flash Cannon, a special attack move not commonly associated with it.

Without it, he wouldn't have had a way to interrupt Swords Dance from a distance.

A glowing silver orb formed in Aggron's mouth, charging briefly before firing a concentrated beam of light toward Garchomp.

Luo Yuan clicked his tongue in slight disappointment but had no choice but to interrupt Garchomp's second Swords Dance to dodge.

"Pity."

If Garchomp had been able to complete another Swords Dance, Luo Yuan would have shown Steven the true meaning of devastation.

But even one layer of Swords Dance was enough for this battle.

"Garchomp, use Stomping Tantrum!" Luo Yuan commanded.

Garchomp's eyes gleamed with excitement. It surged forward, gliding briefly over the battlefield as it harnessed the momentum of the air and its powerful legs.

The distance between Garchomp and Aggron vanished in an instant.

Abruptly, Garchomp halted and slammed its feet into the ground.

Boom!

Energy surged through the ground from the point of impact, rippling outward in powerful waves. The entire battlefield quaked violently, leaving Aggron with no escape.

Steven had no immediate counter to Luo Yuan's sudden switch to an aggressive strategy. With the entire arena under assault, even a Pokémon as heavy and durable as Aggron couldn't avoid the attack.

There was nowhere to go—Aggron wasn't about to sprout wings.

Ground? Digging down would be even worse.

"Aggron, Heavy Slam!" Steven called out, forced to adopt a trade-off strategy.

If Aggron couldn't dodge, it would strike back with everything it had, aiming to inflict as much damage as possible before fainting.

Steven's Aggron understood its trainer's determination.

Its eyes steeled with resolve as it charged forward, braving the waves of seismic energy. Its massive body accelerated, crashing headlong toward Garchomp.

---

...

Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.

Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.

WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.

If you had fun, you know what to do:

👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]

Heads up—Patreon's 50% off for all tiers during May. So if you were on the fence? Now's the time.

And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.

👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]

Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.

—Leaf