Chapter 40: Experience Fighting Humanoid Foes
Reality is never a simple turn-based game.
There is more to Pokémon battles than just using moves.
Many carnivorous Pokémon at the top of the food chain in the wild are formidable predators even without using any moves.
Just like Sharpedo, whose bite force exceeds two tons in its normal state, are able to swallow Seel in one gulp without using moves.
That's why Seels have short lives. Respect life, stay away from Sharpedo...
Similarly, in competitive arenas, Pokémon don't only have moves as a means of attack.
It's just that in amateur matches, everyone mostly relies on brute force, rarely focusing on attacks outside of moves.
However, in higher-level professional matches, as the intensity of competition increases, the timing for using moves becomes more critical.
And since everyone knows that Pokémon can't use moves continuously, in matches with higher competitive levels, as everyone becomes more cautious about using moves, how to fight when not using moves becomes increasingly important.
"Zero move pressure" is a technique often seen in professional arenas!
This technique seems simple, but it requires the Pokémon to have extremely high combat skills, something that can't be learned without a long period of high-intensity training.
Although this technique is common in professional arenas, it's considered a devastating advantage in the semi-professional amateur scene.
When Machop used this technique, everyone was shocked.
"It's unbelievable that we can see such amazing offensive skills in a semi-professional arena. Even without using any moves, Machop is still relentlessly pressing forward, firmly grasping the initiative of the battle!"
The commentator's voice became more and more excited, as if he could already foresee the outcome.
On the stands, the player with the cap became even more certain of his judgment.
"This match is over for Froakie."
If Machop could establish dominance without using moves, then there wouldn't be many opportunities left for Froakie.
Only a few young fans were still firmly supporting Arthur.
But in the view of the player with the cap, this was pure fan bias and had no logic.
Many people felt that the overall situation was set.
Machop knows hand-to-hand combat. No one can stop him.
On the field, the uncle's smile became even more obvious.
"See? This is what I learned in those youth training camps. Even though I've been working a job for many years, my Machop has never abandoned his training!"
"..."
Arthur didn't reply.
Honestly, this should have been an encouraging story.
But Arthur had never been the kind of person who gave pep talks.
As Froakie was repeatedly pushed back by Machop's punches and kicks, he finally spoke.
"Don't just keep retreating. Remember how you felt when we practiced sparring? The enemy is also humanoid, think about how you fought then!"
Arthur didn't rush to give specific instructions but let Froakie recall his usual training state.
However, this encouragement seemed strange to others.
Could your normal training sessions be this intense?
The enemy is also humanoid, how can humans be compared to Fighting-type Pokémon like Machop?
Are you kidding me?
But right after Arthur finished speaking, Froakie's fighting spirit instantly returned!
Not only did his eyes regain their light, but his movements completely shed any confusion.
As Machop's hand chop came down, Froakie nimbly jumped aside, then stepped on Machop's swinging arm, spun around, and delivered a powerful kick, hitting Machop squarely on the face!
Similarly, he didn't use any moves.
Instead, he used fighting techniques comparable to Machop to counterattack in the instant he dodged!
For a moment, the audience was stunned.
"This... Froakie is... using the same techniques to retaliate against Machop!"
After this scene appeared, even the professional commentator hesitated and paused.
Was this... was this too exaggerated?
"Keep countering!"
But Arthur calmly commanded Froakie to continue attacking.
Facing Machop, who had nearly four years of youth training camp experience, Froakie boldly went on the offensive, without any fear or hesitation!
If someone were to interview Froakie at this time, he would probably say dismissively—
"They're both humanoid. This big guy in front of me is far weaker than my owner."
The two engaged again.
And at this time, Froakie had completely regained the feeling of being tortured... cough, trained by his owner, moving nimbly, jumping up and down Machop's shoulders, arms, and body, and causing considerable trouble for the opponent.
This once again amazed everyone watching.
Finally, the uncle couldn't hold back and was forced to use a move to stabilize the situation.
"Use Thunder Punch!"
The uncle couldn't endure it any longer and gave the command to use a move, trying to regain control.
However, sometimes a lack of patience means losing the initiative.
"Pound!"
Arthur followed up immediately!
Froakie jumped high and slammed his charged-up paw hard against the fist surrounded by electricity.
"Clash!"
The two Pokémon made contact and separated.
Move power is definitely stronger than a regular punch or kick. This impact pushed Machop back several steps.
At the same time, electric arcs also clung to Froakie's body.
Although it seemed like Froakie took more damage at first glance, anyone with a discerning eye could see that the initiative on the field had already changed hands.
The moment of impact, Froakie's type changed to Normal, directly causing Machop's "Thunder Punch" to fail to inflict weakness advantage.
"Chase and use Low Kick!"
The uncle gave a hasty command!
Machop vigorously pursued, his legs glowing with charging energy!
However, when he reached Froakie—
"Bubble!"
Arthur's follow-up command arrived.
Froakie used the opportunity from retreating to briefly catch his breath, then spewed out a large amount of water bubbles again!
Machop's kicking move had flashy effects like a blazing inferno, but in the end, it was just another exchange of moves.
Before the "Low Kick" could land, "Bubble" was released first, and Froakie's type reverted back to Water.
The uncle still failed to inflict his intended type advantage with his move exchange.
The initiative had already slipped from his grasp.
All of this was attributed to Froakie's miraculous victory in the close-combat, no-move fight.
The uncle still couldn't understand—
Where did this Froakie gain such abundant experience fighting humanoid opponents?
What exactly did he train against on a regular basis?
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