"Hippowdon, activate Sand Stream!"
In the Pokémon world, certain Pokémon abilities can be toggled on or off. For those with Sand Stream, it's as if they are born with an inherent Sandstorm move.
"Hooah~"
High above, amidst the swirling tornado, Hippowdon let out a deep bellow. A faint light flickered in its crimson eyes as sand began pouring from the holes on its back, merging into the Quicksand Tornado below.
Suddenly, the already formidable Quicksand Tornado swelled in size and density, transforming into a genuine desert sandstorm.
In an instant, Hippowdon seized control of the tornado.
Amidst the raging storm, Hippowdon filled the Sand Tomb below, solidifying its footing as it slowly descended to the ground. The swirling sandstorm surrounded its massive frame, forming a natural barrier—an alternative version of a Counter Shield.
Converting a weather move into an attack move, and then transforming it into a dual-purpose offensive and defensive maneuver?
Long-range attacks wouldn't be effective. The only option was to engage in close combat.
But getting close...
After barely comprehending the strategy, Paul didn't hesitate. He immediately commanded:
"Focus your power—Dragon Claw!"
"Gaaaa!"
With a ferocious roar, Gabite halted its Dragon Dance. Using the residual energy from Outrage, it unleashed an explosive charge. The emerald glow of Dragon Claw condensed to its maximum intensity, resembling a sword thrust straight at Hippowdon!
The raging sandstorm barrier was pierced and torn apart in an instant. Gabite's razor-sharp claws were about to strike Hippowdon's head when—
Chomp!
Hippowdon opened its massive jaws and bit down on Gabite's claw, successfully stopping the attack.
This scene was all too familiar, yet also completely frustrating.
Hippowdon wasn't doing anything extraordinary—it simply held onto Gabite's claw, letting the sandstorm-turned-attack continuously batter its opponent, gradually eroding Gabite's strength.
"Brick Break!"
Still under the effects of Outrage, Gabite raised its other claw and swung down toward Hippowdon.
"Let go of it."
Hippowdon didn't use any move to block the attack. Instead, it flung Gabite away with a flick of its head, completely neutralizing the threat.
"A move may have a defined form, but it is also formless. Don't be too fixated on its conventional use. Weather-based moves aren't limited to simply summoning weather conditions."
"In both battles and daily life, careful observation is crucial. It allows you to develop moves into something stronger, more adaptable—the same applies to Abilities."
"If you want to become a truly strong trainer, you can't just rely on rigid techniques."
The sandstorm around Hippowdon gradually dissipated under its control. Bertha's silhouette emerged from the swirling dust, her voice carrying a sense of wisdom and authority.
Moves, Abilities, Weather Techniques, Formless Combat…
Paul, already attuned to this kind of battle philosophy, felt a spark of realization. He nodded seriously and said, "I understand."
As the sand settled, Bertha gave her next command: "Dig."
"Hooah ~"
Hippowdon lowered its head and swiftly burrowed underground, leaving behind a gaping hole in the battlefield.
Paul knew well that Earthquake was effective against grounded opponents, but it wouldn't work against Bertha's Hippowdon.
"Stone Edge!"
"Gaaa!"
Gabite stomped the ground, summoning a row of jagged, crystalline stone pillars that erupted from the battlefield.
"Dragon Dance!"
Gabite leaped atop the towering Stone Edge spikes, hopping between them as it built up momentum, amplifying its power.
By maintaining distance from the ground, Gabite ensured that even if Hippowdon suddenly surfaced, it would have enough reaction time. At worst, it would be a battle of sheer strength.
"Not bad… Fissure!"
The ground split open once more. Hippowdon emerged, stomping down with immense force—instantly causing a terrifying crack to spread across the battlefield.
A deep chasm yawned beneath the Stone Edge pillars, consuming them one by one.
Even the pillar Gabite stood on began to crumble.
"Dragon Rush—escape!"
At the critical moment, Gabite activated Dragon Rush, launching itself from the air out of Fissure's range, narrowly avoiding an instant knockout.
Just as safety seemed within reach—a massive stone pillar suddenly erupted in Gabite's path, striking it directly.
Stone Edge!
"Boom!"
"Gaaa!"
The impact sent Gabite spiraling through the air, pain surging through its body as darkness began to overtake its vision.
Its consciousness faded completely.
"I lost."
Watching Gabite crash into the chasm, Paul conceded without hesitation.
"Hooah ~"
Hippowdon's eyes glowed faintly, and it manipulated the battlefield—closing the fissure before gently lifting Gabite from the depths.
"Your observational skills, analytical ability, and judgment are already exceptional—better than many seasoned trainers. However, you still lack a little something…"
"Remember—combine observation with action. That way, you'll progress more smoothly."
Recalling Hippowdon into its Poké Ball, Bertha smiled and approached Paul.
"Thank you for the lesson. I've learned a lot."
Paul straightened his posture, placed his hands at his sides, and bowed respectfully.
"I have high hopes for you, kid. Your future is limitless."
Bertha gave an approving nod before stepping into her car.
"Heading to the Resort Area? I can give you a lift."
"I'd appreciate that."
Paul didn't refuse. After recalling Gabite into its Poké Ball, he got inside the car.
As dusk settled, this eventful day came to an end.
Paul had gained valuable experience, Officer Jenny had captured Pokémon Hunters, and the only real loser in today's events…
Was Hunter J.
The Next Day...
The Resort Area was vast, and naturally it had a Pokémon Center.
After dropping Paul off, Bertha left without further delay. Neither knew when they would cross paths again.
The following morning, Paul had initially planned to head straight for Pastoria City, but…
He needed time to digest everything he had learned from Bertha.
At Lake Valor, beneath the clear sky, Paul did not rush into training.
Instead, he sat by the lakeside with his Pokémon, enjoying the refreshing breeze.
"Gaaaa~"
Gabite animatedly recounted yesterday's battle with Hippowdon to its teammates—embellishing the story with great exaggeration, making Electabuzz increasingly restless.
Ursaring and Grotle, having battled Aaron's Drapion, simply smiled knowingly.
They hadn't fought Hippowdon themselves, but they were confident that one day, they wouldn't be any weaker than Aaron's Drapion.
"Buzzz~"
After pondering for a while, Electabuzz couldn't shake the thought—why hadn't Paul chosen it for the battle?
In theory, its overall strength wasn't weaker than Ursaring's. If given the chance, it could have outmaneuvered its opponent.
"Tch. Why didn't I get to fight?"
"Because Hippowdon is a Ground-type. You would've been useless."
Paul's response was simple and direct.
Electabuzz scowled in frustration.
Even if it had Ice Punch, did it really think it could take on an Elite Four ace?
Upon hearing this, Electabuzz was no longer in the mood to relax and was ready to call other Pokémon to train together.
"It's getting late, let's eat first and then train in the afternoon."
After saying that in the puzzled look of Electabuzz, Paul took out the Poké Ball and put them all in it.
Electabuzz: He put us in the ball when eating, does he want to eat alone?
However, Paul did this because he happened to remember that there seemed to be a place called "Seven Star Restaurant" in this resort.
That place is a special place, all the diners there were trainers, and only the winners can enter and enjoy the food.
It's a rare good day today, so Paul plans to go inside and enjoy some delicious food after a long time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon.com / PMadz_23