"Looks like Champion Wallace is completely on the back foot."
"Why does this Smeargle feel completely different from mine?"
"How many moves has it Sketched?! How did it even manage that?!"
"And half the moves don't even make sense! That Fire Pledge—it's a nightmare for close combat fighters!"
"I seriously doubt that Smeargle is legit!"
The crowd whispered among themselves, their voices filled with shock, skepticism, and even jealousy.
Smeargle wasn't exactly a rare Pokémon, but using a Smeargle to completely suppress Hoenn's Champion Wallace? That was just ridiculous.
"Amazing~!"
With the battle one-sided so far, Cynthia couldn't help but admire Dylan's tactics.
"Having the right moves can change the flow of battle completely. And Dylan's Smeargle—its move pool is just way too vast."
Steven wholeheartedly agreed. Smeargle's only real strength was its ability to Sketch moves. The Pokémon itself wasn't that strong.
Dylan's Smeargle was no exception. Even with a quadruple-effective Freeze-Dry against Ludicolo, it hadn't even managed to land a critical hit. That already said a lot.
But its range of moves was just absurd!
Seeing the amazed expressions of the people around her, Lillie's delicate, fair face lit up with a bright, proud smile.
On the battlefield…
Dylan spread his hands innocently at Wallace's exasperated remark.
"Wallace, you must be joking. Didn't Smeargle already use Fake Out?"
Who said Smeargle hadn't used a Normal-type move? It opened the match with Fake Out!
Wallace's mouth twitched.
"Fine, fine! In that case, Gyarados, use Hydro—"
Wallace quickly regained his composure. As Hoenn's Champion, there was no way he'd lose to this damn dog.
No matter how annoying it was, at the end of the day, it was just a Smeargle!
There was no way it could overpower his Gyarados.
Even with a burn, Gyarados's strength was leagues beyond what a Smeargle could handle!
Smeargle's body glowed again—Moody had activated.
Its Attack increased by two stages, while its Speed dropped by one.
"Encore."
Before Wallace could even finish his command, Dylan cut him off.
Wallace, you talk too much.
Smeargle playfully clapped its paws, releasing a mysterious energy toward Gyarados.
The Normal-type move Encore—which meant…
Gyarados had no choice but to repeat its previous move.
Wallace fell silent.
"Then use Aqua Tail!" He had no other option now—he might as well go with it.
Gyarados let out a fierce roar, its massive tail swirling with water as it lunged at Smeargle again.
"Plasma Fists."
Dylan smirked.
Smeargle's tail crackled with electricity, lightning arcing around its body before shooting out in a blinding bolt toward Gyarados.
It was incredibly fast!
"Gyarados!" Wallace's eyes widened.
BOOM!
The electric blast struck Gyarados square in the chest, sending powerful surges of electricity coursing through its body.
The moment the attack connected, lightning erupted around Gyarados, causing it to let out an agonized roar.
A priority Electric-type move—Plasma Fists!
Gyarados had a quadruple weakness to Electric-type attacks.
Even with Smeargle's low offensive stats, the +2 Special Attack boost made a huge difference. Plasma Fists hit like a truck.
"What is this move?! And this damn dog!"
Wallace was beyond frustrated.
This Plasma Fists—he had never seen an Electric-type move like this before! The attack was too fast, definitely a priority move.
"Plasma Fists is Zeraora's signature move. A very solid Electric-type attack." Dylan explained with a smile.
"Return, Gyarados."
Wallace immediately recalled Gyarados. If he kept it in, Smeargle would take it down without a scratch.
Wallace refused to let that happen.
He wasn't going to lose like this—he was sure he could defeat this damn dog!
No, it wasn't a Smeargle—it was a Smear-dog!
"Smart choice. But Wallace, if you don't find a way to counter my Smeargle, you won't stand a chance in this match."
Dylan tilted his head slightly. In truth, his Smeargle knew Mean Look as well.
But he figured he shouldn't go too overboard—there was an audience, after all.
Wouldn't want to make Wallace rage-quit in front of a crowd.
"Dylan, I already have a strategy."
Wallace had regained his composure. After seeing his Ludicolo and Gyarados fall apart so quickly, he had learned his lesson.
"Milotic! It's your turn!"
Without hesitation, Wallace sent out his ace.
A soft, melodious cry filled the air as a beautiful, cream-colored sea serpent appeared on the battlefield.
Milotic coiled its elegant body, its large red eyes calm and focused as it gazed at Smeargle.
Beep~ Milotic, Water-type, the Tender Pokémon.
Ability: Marvel Scale
Moves: Hydro Pump, Blizzard, Surf, Rain Dance, Safeguard, Recover, Attract…
Description: It is said to dwell near large lakes. Known as the most beautiful Pokémon, it has inspired many paintings and sculptures.
There was no denying it—Milotic was breathtaking.
Even Lillie adored it.
"A Milotic, huh…? Once I build my Water-type team, I'll have to train one as well."
Dylan looked at the majestic sea serpent.
It wasn't just about Milotic's strength—it was gorgeous.
Though in Dylan's opinion, nothing could compare to the beauty of his Reshiram.
But Milotic was definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing Pokémon in the world.
It had even been ranked as the most beautiful Pokémon at one point.
"Oh~ Dylan, you have excellent taste!" Wallace's eyes lit up.
"If you're interested in Milotic, I have a spare Feebas—it's one of Milotic's offspring. I can give it to you."
Wallace was generous. Feebas itself wasn't extremely rare—Pokédex entries even stated that Feebas were abundant in some regions.
But finding a good Feebas was another story.
Gyarados could be found in the wild fairly often, mainly because Magikarp were everywhere and evolved easily.
But Milotic's evolution requirements were far stricter. Feebas were far less common than Magikarp, and as a result, wild Milotic were almost nonexistent.
But a Feebas from Wallace's own Milotic would undoubtedly have excellent potential. With proper training, it would definitely evolve.
"Then I'll gladly accept, Wallace."
Dylan nodded. He wouldn't refuse, but he also knew he'd have to return the favor somehow.
Couldn't just take a free Feebas without offering something in return.
"Now, let's continue the battle, Dylan! Let me show you the strength of my Milotic!"
Wallace's fighting spirit burned brightly. He had finally found a way to deal with Smeargle.
"Milotic, use Safeguard!"
Milotic let out a soft cry, a mystical energy shimmering around it, forming a protective barrier.
For the next several turns, Milotic would be immune to status conditions.
Wallace wasn't worried about burns—Marvel Scale actually made Milotic tankier when inflicted with a status condition.
His real concern was Dark Void's sleep effect. If Milotic got put to sleep, things could go very badly.
So, Safeguard was his best option.
"Imprison."
Dylan chuckled and spoke two simple words.
Smeargle swung its paintbrush-like tail once again, its body glowing with a faint shimmer. A large "X" materialized in the air before swiftly striking itself.
Psychic-type move—Imprison!
"???"
Wallace's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Dylan in disbelief.
"Hiss—!"
Among the spectators, those who understood what just happened collectively gasped.
This was just too ruthless—he actually used Imprison?!
Imprison: The user seals its own learned moves, preventing opponents from using the same moves in battle.
"This…"
Even Cynthia was stunned.
"Dylan's strategy is just so… considerate…" Steven stroked his chin and sighed.
On the battlefield…
"Milotic, use Hydro Pump?"
Wallace finally snapped out of his shock, though his eye was twitching uncontrollably. He hesitantly called out a command.
Milotic opened its mouth, attempting to fire off a Hydro Pump—but not even a single drop of water formed.
It tried several times but couldn't generate any energy.
Milotic turned toward Wallace, its elegant face filled with confusion, panic, and betrayal.
It couldn't use Hydro Pump?!
"Blizzard?"
Milotic shook its head.
"Ice Beam?"
Milotic shook its head again.
"Surf?"
Milotic looked like it was about to cry.
Wallace tried command after command, but not a single move worked.
His mind was going blank.
Wha… What is…
"Water Gun??!!"
Wallace grabbed his own hair in frustration.
Water Gun—one of the most basic Water-type moves.
He hadn't told Milotic to use Water Gun since he reached Champion-level.
Milotic opened its mouth, trying desperately to at least shoot a Water Gun.
Nothing.
It couldn't even use Water Gun.
Wallace stood there, completely stunned.
"Dylan!! Are you even human?!"
Wallace glared at Dylan in disbelief.
This guy… is he really human?!
Even Water Gun was sealed?!
There was literally no way to fight back!
"Wallace, that's a little rude. I only made a tiny adjustment to my strategy."
Dylan spread his hands innocently.
"Your Milotic is your ace, after all. It's a very dangerous Pokémon—I thought it deserved proper respect."
Dylan sighed dramatically, as if Wallace had wronged him.
But Wallace's face turned blue.
Proper respect?!
YOU SEALED EVERY ATTACK MOVE I HAD!
"At least leave me with one move, Dylan!!"
Wallace felt lightheaded.
He was a Water-type Champion-level trainer.
And yet, his ace Pokémon—his beloved Milotic—couldn't use a single attack!
"How many moves has your Smeargle even Sketched?!"
"…"
Dylan paused, deep in thought.
For a moment, he genuinely couldn't remember.
"Actually, there are still plenty of moves my Smeargle hasn't Sketched yet."
Dylan was sure about that.
"For example?" Wallace asked suspiciously.
"Tackle."
Wallace fell silent.
"Come on, Wallace, attack me however you like!"
Dylan grinned confidently and gestured grandly, inviting Wallace to attack.
Watching the man before him, Wallace's fingers twitched beneath his elegant cape.
No.
Calm down.
Hitting people is illegal.
As Hoenn's Champion, he couldn't afford to lose his composure.
Stay calm. Stay composed.
Wallace took deep breaths, trying desperately to regain control of his emotions.
No problem! No problem at all!
He could still win!
And so, the graceful and elegant Champion of Hoenn gave the boldest command of his career.
"Milotic! Use Tackle!!"
Milotic, slam that damn dog into the ground!
(End of Chapter)