Pokemon: Spiritual Master
Chapter 717: This Is Scientific!

Chapter 717: This Is Scientific!

Teacher Johan~"

Phoebe, with healthy bronze skin, wearing an Alola-style beach dress and tube top, short black hair adorned with two bright red flowers, showed a friendly smile.

"I didn’t expect it would be our turn so soon."

Phoebe didn’t blame Sidney for inadequate "consumption" - she simply felt Teacher Johan’s strength from Sidney’s battle with him.

After all, as a cooperative partner and work colleague, Phoebe clearly understood Sidney’s abilities.

However, as an Elite Four member, when it came time to battle, she showed no weakness or fear.

You should know that among Hoenn League’s four Elite Four members, Phoebe was actually the youngest, but in terms of Elite Four ranking... Phoebe actually ranked above Sidney.

Even though Sidney, who specialized in Dark-types, had type advantage over Phoebe who specialized in Ghost-types.

It was said.

Phoebe, who grew up on "Mt. Pyre," actually possessed a special ability to communicate with Ghost-type Pokémon like telepathy.

She also had considerable Ghost-type Pokémon affinity.

At such a young age, she’d already secured her Elite Four position.

Only because Phoebe had lived on "Mt. Pyre" for years and only recently received her grandparents’ permission to come down the mountain, lacking social experience and knowledge, otherwise... she could become a strong contender for Champion in the future.

But precisely because of this, Phoebe’s responsibilities in the League were... somewhat lighter than Sidney’s.

Glacia had a lot of pressure.

"Long time no see, Phoebe." Johan smiled.

When Drake had "tricked" him into representing at League headquarters for League meetings, Phoebe was the first person to greet him at the meeting.

Johan had a very good impression of Phoebe.

A naive, kind, and capable girl.

Hearing this, Phoebe smiled even more happily, saying:

"However, before the battle begins, I still need to represent my grandparents and ’Mt. Pyre’ in thanking Teacher Johan."

After speaking, she bowed deeply.

Johan was somewhat surprised, but after thinking, he understood.

Phoebe’s grandparents living on "Mt. Pyre" were actually the guardians of Hoenn region’s "Red Orb" and "Blue Orb."

Later stolen by Team Magma and Team Aqua.

Johan’s defeat of Groudon and Kyogre prevented them from causing excessive damage to Hoenn region, helping her grandparents alleviate their guilt to some extent.

Johan waved slightly.

"I only did what every League trainer with the ability would do."

"That may be so." But Phoebe remained serious. "But Teacher Johan, you taught me what ’responsibility’ means."

Seeing the two had chatted enough, Rotom referee appeared again with flags.

Still 6-choose-4 battle rules - when either side had four Pokémon unable to battle, the match would end.

Phoebe threw her first Great Ball without hesitation.

"Please, Sableye!"

In red light, a small, strange-looking Pokémon appeared on the field - entirely purple with diamonds embedded in its body, and diamond-shaped eyes.

"Sableye~"

Upon appearing, Sableye affectionately came to Phoebe’s side, looking timid yet intimate as it hid behind Phoebe, peeking at Johan.

Phoebe smiled gently, crouching to pat Sableye’s head.

"Mm! Mm! Alright, I understand~"

"Okay, let’s do this~"

She appeared to be happily communicating with Sableye.

Johan’s expression was strange as he witnessed this scene. "Seems like you really can ’commune’ with Ghost-type Pokémon, Phoebe."

"Huh? Commune?"

Phoebe was stunned, then smiled charmingly: "Scientific society - there’s no ’communing’ or ’mediums.’ We believe in science, Teacher Johan."

Johan’s expression became even stranger.

Science?

You, someone who can communicate with Ghost-type Pokémon without barriers...

Moreover, in the Pokémon world with so many bizarre Pokémon, what "science" was there to speak of?

"Sableye~"

After communicating with Phoebe, Sableye cheerfully ran onto the field.

Putting aside his thoughts.

Johan also took out a Poké Ball, briefly considering before throwing it.

"Go, Dragonite!"

"Dragonite~!"

The robust Dragonite flapped its small wings, appearing on the field.

It looked at the small Sableye, rubbing its eyes.

Sableye seemed to feel underestimated, immediately taking a deep breath and puffing out its chest to show it was very brave!

Seeing Dragonite, Phoebe was stunned.

"Battle begin!" Rotom referee’s flag suddenly dropped.

"Sableye, Fake Out!"

Phoebe’s opening move was identical to Sidney’s.

"Sableye!"

Shadows quickly spread from under Sableye’s feet as black palms appeared behind Dragonite with a "clap."

Dragonite’s body made scale collision sounds.

The "Multiscale" ability was also broken!

"Sableye, Taunt!"

Landing one hit, Phoebe and Sableye didn’t dare delay, quickly issuing the second command.

Sidney’s battle had already shown her.

Sableye grinned with a sly smile, its diamond eyes showing cunning and provocation.

Strange power emanated from Sableye, falling on Dragonite and restricting some status moves it could use.

Teacher Johan’s Pokémon were extremely difficult to break psychologically - the "flinch" effect from Fake Out was probably worrying.

Facts proved Phoebe’s judgment was correct.

After brief confusion, Dragonite regained clarity, but Sableye’s Taunt successfully restricted Dragonite again.

"Dragonite!!!"

Dragonite looked displeased.

Its small wings flapped rapidly, stirring fierce winds.

But Phoebe directly took out a Great Ball, shooting red light to recall it before Dragonite’s winds could strike.

Switch!

Johan, who witnessed the entire process, raised an eyebrow.

Really was...

The "standard" fighting style of Ghost-type Pokémon trainers.

Prepared Phoebe quickly threw her second Great Ball, and what appeared was - Banette!

Switching in gave Johan and Dragonite the initiative.

Johan naturally wouldn’t waste such an opportunity.

Restricted by Taunt.

But Dragonite’s destructive power remained.

"Dragon Rush!"

Johan vaguely guessed Phoebe’s tactics and strategy, but... remained unmoved.

Sometimes.

Tactics could bridge strength gaps.

But if tactics were seen through, their effectiveness would greatly diminish.

"Banette!" Phoebe stared intently at Dragonite. "Trick!"

Hum—

Though switching in, Banette moved quickly, strange power emanating from its body, forming between itself and Dragonite to exchange their held items.

Dragonite naturally carried "Dragon Fang," while Banette carried "Choice Scarf"!

Roar!!!

The audience erupted.

"’Trick Scarf’? This tactic looks familiar!"

"Obviously, this is a tactic our ’dirty’ Teacher Johan has used!"

"Tsk, the boomerang hit Teacher Johan himself."

"Then why use ’Taunt’? Wouldn’t it be better to just use Fake Out then switch to Banette’s ’Trick’? Maybe Dragonite would use status moves like Dragon Dance."

"You’re dumb - the Elite Four need to wear down and defeat Teacher Johan’s Pokémon as much as possible. If really restricted to ’Dragon Dance,’ wouldn’t Teacher Johan just switch?"

"True..."

"But Teacher Johan doesn’t seem surprised at all."

Now Dragonite could still attack, just greatly restricted to only using Dragon Rush.

But...

Johan grinned.

Indeed the ’Trick Scarf’ tactic.

According to Phoebe’s estimation, his first Pokémon would likely be Gengar or Tyranitar, which counter Ghost-types.

Through "Trick," she could swap away their Mega Evolution Stones.

But she probably didn’t expect Johan to lead with Dragonite.

However, even with Dragonite, the tactic could still work.

But if seen through, then...

"Dragonite—!!!"

Dragonite’s Dragon Rush wasn’t negatively affected at all, even gaining speed from "Choice Scarf," making its descent faster!

"Banette, Curse!" Phoebe quickly called out.

However.

Boom!!!

Dragonite, wrapped in blue-purple dragon energy, crashed down at speeds exceeding Phoebe’s expectations.

"So fast!" Phoebe’s expression changed.

After losing "Choice Scarf’s" speed boost, Banette couldn’t successfully use Curse.

Whoosh—

In rising dust, Dragonite flapped its small wings, slightly tilting its mouth as it flew backward, dispersing the rolling smoke.

In the cracked ground ruins, Phoebe’s Banette already lay with swirled eyes.

Unable to battle!

One-shot!

"Holy crap, one Dragon Rush K.O.? That brutal?"

"Honestly, Dragon Rush’s accuracy... Teacher Johan’s Dragonite’s luck is still amazingly good."

"Feels like... it’s still the raw strength gap between the two Pokémon that’s too large."

Indeed.

This audience member hit a key point.

Dragonite’s strength far exceeded Phoebe’s Banette!

You had to know Dragonite’s current strength reached ordinary Champion ace Pokémon level!

For horizontal comparison, that was like Unova region Champion Alder’s second Volcarona’s strength.

And Phoebe’s Banette?

Ordinary Elite Four main Pokémon level.

The gap wasn’t small.

Moreover, it gained "Choice Scarf’s" speed boost.

Absolute strength difference plus seen-through tactics - even if tactics succeeded, it could be overcome.

"Dragonite!!!" Dragonite called out excitedly.

"Don’t tilt your mouth." Johan couldn’t help reminding. "Looks ugly."

"Dragonite..."

Phoebe recalled Banette with her Great Ball, saying softly:

"You did well, Banette."

Though the planned "Curse" couldn’t be used, the "Trick" tactic succeeded in restricting Dragonite to only Dragon Rush.

Though not as restrictive as locking onto moves like Extreme Speed, at least... Dragon Rush had low accuracy.

Then she took out her third Great Ball, seriously throwing it.

"Please, Chandelure!"

Poof!!!

Blue ghostly flames rose as the crystal chandelier-like Chandelure hovered in the field, its yellow eyes making Dragonite feel slightly uneasy.

However.

In this situation, Johan had nothing to hesitate about.

Already locked to "Dragon Rush" - what was there to hesitate about?

Just charge!

"Dragonite, again - Dragon Rush!"

"Dragonite—"

Dragonite shot toward the sky, powerful blue-purple Dragon-type energy instantly enveloping its entire body, transforming into a dragon shape as it charged directly at Chandelure.

Phoebe tensed.

She naturally felt the strength gap.

However.

In Phoebe’s view, this "Champion Road" was both a test for Teacher Johan and a test for herself as an Elite Four member!

She immediately waved grandly.

"Chandelure, Trick Room!"

No matter how fast Dragonite was, simultaneous action would give Chandelure space and opportunity to use moves.

Hum—

The dark transparent field instantly spread outward from Chandelure.

Dragonite also crashed down from above.

Though Trick Room’s expansion made its speed obviously decrease when entering the covered range.

But this time difference and distance gap weren’t enough for Chandelure to use moves again.

Boom!!!

Another rumbling.

Seemingly identical to before.

"Could it be another K.O.?"

"Dragon Rush hit twice consecutively."

"Feels like it’ll end with Teacher Johan’s Dragonite using Dragon Rush four times for another sweep."

"Is this Champion-level strength? Really terrifyingly strong..."

Audiences stared intently at screens.

First time deeply feeling Teacher Johan’s overwhelming strength.

The "Champion Road" was actually a process for League residents to gradually understand "Champions."

Whoosh—

Dragonite flew backward again.

Its body seemed to burn with flames, which it quickly patted out with chubby palms.

Breathing a sigh of relief.

Close call.

Almost got burned by those flames.

In another ruins, Chandelure was no different from the previous Banette, eyes swirled.

Unable to battle!

Exaggerated!

Ridiculous!

Even made people think "I could do it too."

Phoebe bit her lips, recalling the defeated Chandelure, sighing inwardly.

Too bad Chandelure’s "Flame Body" didn’t inflict "burn" status on Dragonite.

Otherwise, Chandelure would have perfectly completed its mission...

As for Chandelure’s quick defeat, she wasn’t surprised.

Chandelure was actually slightly stronger than Banette, but as a typical "squishy ranged mage," being hit by Dragonite’s Dragon Rush left no options.

Only could say Teacher Johan’s Dragonite had really good luck.

"Enough setup, Phoebe." Johan suddenly spoke.

Hearing this, Phoebe looked at Johan, stunned, then smiled and scratched her head:

"Really completely seen through by Teacher Johan."

Johan smiled slightly.

Taunt restricted Dragonite’s enhancement, Trick and "Choice Scarf" restricted Dragonite’s move variety, Trick Room restricted Dragonite’s speed.

Originally should have included Curse continuously weakening Dragonite’s stamina, Will-O-Wisp or "Flame Body" ability halving Dragonite’s Attack.

Looking at the whole thing.

Though Phoebe had lost two Pokémon.

Her tactical planning was really excellent.

Step by step, calm and unhurried.

If Dragonite’s Dragon Rush missed even once.

Or if Johan hadn’t seen through Phoebe’s tactics and didn’t have Dragonite "locked" to Dragon Rush, the results would be completely different.

If facing a Champion whose observation and judgment weren’t so detailed and accurate, Phoebe might really take down several.

As a young trainer who’d been Elite Four for less than two years, her talent was visible.

Moreover, her tactics and fighting style perfectly matched Ghost-type Pokémon characteristics - cunning and changeable.

Phoebe put away her smile, taking out her final Great Ball.

Taking a deep breath.

"Then... it’s up to you, Dusknoir!"

Completely black with ghost-like lower body, broad and powerful arms and palms, a single crimson eye flashing, emanating thick ghostly aura throughout.

"Ka-kaah?"

Even Johan’s Gengar couldn’t help emerging for a look.

This guy... not bad.

"Ka-kaah..."

Gengar gently tugged Johan’s clothes, pointing at Phoebe.

"Mm, I noticed."

After Dusknoir appeared, Phoebe also faintly emanated a light ghostly aura, seeming to resonate with Dusknoir and strengthening Dusknoir’s presence.

Simultaneously, Dusknoir emanated extremely strong pressure.

Still talking about science... Johan internally complained.

Dusknoir was supposedly a Ghost Pokémon that could freely travel between the Pokémon world and spirit world, characterized by slow speed but extremely strong defenses among Ghost-types.

Phoebe’s previous setup seemed to be for this Dusknoir?

"Dusknoir!"

Phoebe called out: "Will-O-Wisp!"

Poof poof poof—

Blue ghostly flames appeared between Dusknoir’s spread arms, shooting toward Dragonite.

Trick Room gave Dusknoir faster speed!

"Dragonite!"

Johan called lightly.

"Dragonite—"

Dragonite understood, wings suddenly beating as rich blue-purple Dragon-type energy covered its entire body, displaying exaggerated dragon wings.

But instead of immediately diving, it wrapped around itself.

Bang! Bang! Bang—

Blue flame sparks scattered.

Dusknoir’s Will-O-Wisp was actually blocked by Dragon Rush’s "dragon armor"!

"This isn’t scientific..." Phoebe pouted.

Moves were dead, but the Pokémon using moves and people creating tactics were alive.

"Dragonite!!!"

Dragon wings spread again as Dragonite dove down once more.

"Dusknoir, don’t clash directly - Shadow Sneak!"

Hearing this, Dusknoir’s crimson eyes flashed as it slashed open nearby space, immediately disappearing from Johan and Dragonite’s sight.

"Dragonite?"

Looking at the empty field, Johan and Dragonite’s expressions were slightly strange.

Shadow Sneak?

One of their Gengar’s best moves.

"Behind!" Johan called lightly.

Dragonite folded its wings, turning to strike behind.

Just then a space crack appeared as Dusknoir threw punches.

Bang!!!

Most direct collision.

Also seemingly the first real direct clash since Johan and Phoebe’s battle began!

Boom!!!

Blue-purple dragon energy around Dragonite dispersed as it flew backward.

Dusknoir reacted more severely, groaning dully as its body staggered, nearly crashing to the ground before barely stabilizing.

"Worthy of Teacher Johan..."

Phoebe sighed internally.

"Dragonite." Johan spoke again, waving grandly. "Dragon Rush!"

"Dragonite!!!"

Dragonite quickly stabilized, folding wings to charge again.

"Dusknoir!"

Phoebe lightly clenched her fist: "Disable!"

The "Choice Scarf" carrying ghostly energy from Banette immediately turned against Dragonite, tightening around its neck.

Instantly.

Dragonite felt intense suffocation.

But this attack and suffocation not only didn’t stop Dragonite’s movement, but further triggered its ferocity.

"Dragonite..."

Blood threads filled its eyes.

Within the original blue-purple Dragon-type energy, traces of light blue appeared.

Speed suddenly increased!

Under Dusknoir’s shocked, horrified gaze, it struck solidly.

Boom!!!

Massive rumbling accompanied violent ground shaking.

This time, Dragonite didn’t coolly fly out dispersing dust, but stepped out from the debris step by step.

Simultaneously.

On its body, obvious mottled burn marks were visible.

"Burn" status!

Dusknoir lay in ruins, unable to battle!

But before falling, it managed to use Will-O-Wisp at close range, inflicting "burn" status on Dragonite.

Dragonite’s current condition was obviously much worse than at the start.

"Whew—"

Phoebe wiped fine sweat from her forehead.

Too bad Destiny Bond came too late.

But inflicting "burn" on Dragonite was decent.

Johan looked deeply at Phoebe.

Really excellent.

He increasingly appreciated this young Elite Four member.

Why could some Elite Four members, whose strength didn’t seem particularly strong, display brief legendary-blocking power at crucial moments?

By maximizing Pokémon coordination and synergy, achieving far greater than the sum of parts.

Johan also understood why Phoebe, despite being much younger than Sidney, becoming Elite Four more recently, and being type-disadvantaged, could rank above Sidney.

In full 6v6 battles.

Phoebe’s tactical level might exceed Sidney’s.

Pokémon coordination plus her special Ghost-type communication ability let her better present tactics and strategies.

Simultaneously.

Johan understood another thing.

All of Phoebe’s preparation wasn’t specifically for Dusknoir, but for Sableye!

"The last one - go, Sableye!"

While Johan pondered, Phoebe had already recalled Dusknoir and summoned Sableye again.

Full-condition Sableye!

Coming full circle.

"Sableye!"

Sableye hunched over, staring intensely at the poor-condition Dragonite.

Its teammates’ efforts, it would definitely...

"Come back first, Dragonite." Johan smiled, taking out a Poké Ball to recall Dragonite.

Sableye: "?"

Phoebe: "?"

What about the promised sweep?

"Go, Tyranitar!"

"Tyranitar!"

Heavy as a small mountain, Tyranitar crashed onto the field, spreading arms and roaring.

Seeing Sableye, its eyes immediately brightened.

Diamonds!

And so many...

Phoebe: "..."

This was the final battle, yet still sending Tyranitar.

Teacher Johan, are you being unsporting?

"Phoebe, your tactics are excellent." Johan said seriously. "To show respect, I won’t hold back either."

Phoebe: "..."

Switching to Tyranitar?

Besides Trick Room, wasn’t everything before useless?

No.

It still consumed Teacher Johan and Dragonite’s condition.

"Sableye—"

Phoebe sighed lightly, beautiful eyes becoming stern: "Mega Evolution!"

Brilliant light bloomed in the small battle room.

Crack crack crack crack—

Crystal and diamond clusters appeared at Sableye’s feet. In evolution light, its appearance didn’t change much, but a huge, deep red gem containing mysterious aura appeared in its hands!

Mega Sableye!

"Ty-Tyranitar..."

Seeing Mega Sableye, Tyranitar opened its mouth and couldn’t help swallowing.

Deadly... this guy looked... really delicious.

Mega Sableye: "?"

Sableye’s speed wasn’t outstanding, but with "Prankster" ability, it was manageable.

But Mega Sableye’s speed base stat was only 20 points - less than half of Dusknoir’s!

Trick Room was truly meant for it.

After Mega Evolution enhancement plus Phoebe’s special ability boost, Mega Sableye’s strength undoubtedly reached Champion level!

"In that case, Tyranitar—"

Johan took out his Key Stone: "Mega Evolution!"

"Tyranitar—!!!"

Dinner time!!!

In roaring, bathed in Mega Evolution’s brilliant energy and light, Tyranitar quickly transformed into Mega Tyranitar!

Mega Sableye immediately felt spine-chilling cold.

Mishearing, right?

Din-dinner?

"Sableye, rush forward - Brick Break!"

Four-times Fighting-weak Mega Tyranitar without "Weakness Policy" required seizing its weakness for fierce attacks.

Watching "food" charge toward it, Mega Tyranitar felt saliva rapidly secreting.

"Focus, Tyranitar!"

If Johan weren’t on field, he’d definitely bonk Tyranitar’s head.

But while reminding, his verbal command was...

"Crunch!"

"Tyranitar!!!"

This perfectly matched what Mega Tyranitar most wanted to do, immediately opening its massive jaws with dark aura, biting down hard.

Bang!!!

Tyranitar didn’t budge; Mega Sableye staggered backward, looking somewhat fearfully at Mega Tyranitar.

Wait.

Why do I really feel it wants to eat me?

"Tyranitar!" Johan smiled, suddenly waving. "Precipice Blades!"

Precipice Blades?

Phoebe’s expression changed dramatically.

Others might not know what "Precipice Blades" was, but as Hoenn League Elite Four, how could Phoebe not know?

Though she’d seen Teacher Johan’s Tyranitar use this move before, seeing videos versus witnessing firsthand felt completely different.

"Tyranitar!!!"

In Mega Tyranitar’s roaring, Phoebe became dazed, seemingly seeing that proud red giant beast under scorching sun again.

Rumble—

Ground shook violently.

"Sableye, quickly dodge with Sucker Punch!" Phoebe urgently called.

Next second.

A massive fiery red rock spike seemingly wrapped in magma instantly erupted from the ground. The terrifying heat plus massive impact and coverage meant even though Sableye immediately used Sucker Punch, it couldn’t completely evade.

Boom!!!

The entire "Elite Four Fortress" wailed.

That enormous rock spike actually pierced through the reinforced ceiling, bursting through the "Elite Four Fortress" dome!

You had to know.

This was a house specially reinforced so Elite Four could battle with peace of mind.

Fortunately.

Though Mega Sableye was affected, it wasn’t precisely hit. Standing on the rock spike, enduring scorching heat and pain, it charged toward Mega Tyranitar.

"Sableye!" Phoebe took a deep breath, suppressing inner shock: "Focus Punch!"

Hum—

Dark red energy already gathered in Mega Sableye’s red gem completely unleashed after approaching Mega Tyranitar!

"Tyranitar, Crunch!"

Both called simultaneously.

The two Pokémon clashed without hesitation.

Bang!!!

Instantly, the entire room seemed to fall silent.

Dust just rose.

Then immediately dispersed.

Mega Tyranitar’s feet gripped the ground, carving two deep furrows.

It opened its mouth with fierce eyes.

Mega Sableye’s brilliant red gem was firmly clamped in its jaws.

"Tyranitar—"

Dull sound.

Phoebe’s heart trembled lightly.

Good thing Mega Sableye’s gem was extremely hard, incomparable to ordinary diamonds and gems - the manifestation of minerals Sableye accumulated from years of eating...

Just as this thought appeared.

Crack!!!

A crack appeared on the red gem, then quickly spread throughout.

Mega Sableye hung from Mega Tyranitar’s mouth, seeing this... eyes immediately rolling back.

Finished!

It really wants to eat me!

Tyranitar caught the falling, defeated Sableye.

"Tyranitar?"

Crunch—crunch—

Watching this scene, Phoebe’s gaze was vacant as she murmured:

"This isn’t scientific..."

Johan’s eye twitched as he coughed lightly, telling Phoebe:

"Cough Phoebe, I think you’re right - we should believe in science."

Our Tyranitar eats minerals and diamonds, so doesn’t Mega Sableye’s gem count as a type of mineral?

It counts.

So being able to bite through it - this is very scientific, right?

Phoebe: "..."

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Powerstones?

For 20 advance Chapters: /michaeltranslates