ALL NOVEL Chapter 65 – Floyd vs Le Mai Linh
The same result unfolded: Growlithe was lost.
Seeing the outcome, everyone took a deep breath. Even now, they felt inexplicable.
"I really don't understand why it ended so quickly?" Chen Xin, struggling with disbelief, remarked as he couldn't bear to watch his elder brother and Li Qin lose in such a short span. "What makes Floyd so formidable?"
Swablu, on the other hand, was flying cheerfully upon witnessing her boss's victory. She was Horsea's most ardent supporter. Meanwhile, Bianca was having trouble catching the mischievous bird in front of everyone, which was becoming rather embarrassing.
Kanraku returned and expressed his surprise at seeing Growlithe's loss. "Why did it end so quickly?"
He rushed towards Floyd, demanding, "Floyd, what happened? I was gone for only a few seconds and you won? Please tell me you didn't cheat, right?"
"I didn't," Floyd replied.
"Why did it end so fast?" Kanraku pressed further.
"Because I'm just that good," Floyd teased.
Kanraku wasn't having it, "Enough with the games. Explain."
Li Qin, suddenly making his presence known, interjected, "I'd like to know as well."
Floyd calmly explained, "It's simple. Fire is weak against water. Didn't I tell you this before?"
Everyone paused. They did remember Floyd mentioning it.
Pointing to the unconscious Growlithe, Floyd elaborated, "I knew that Growlithe was a Fire-type Pokemon." What he didn't mention was that Growlithe was also a Rock Pokemon.
Chen Yu, upon realizing the oversight, mentally chastised himself for forgetting such a crucial detail. He then directed a mix of remorse and frustration towards Floyd. This young man seemed approachable and friendly, but Chen Yu began to see a more cunning side.
Li Qin spoke up, "It's not only about Water being stronger than Fire. It's also about your connection with your Pokemon."
Smiling, Floyd responded, "That's the essence of being a 'Trainer'. You must know your Pokemon intimately — their abilities, their means of communication. Even if you can't understand their words, their actions and gestures are quite telling. Open your heart to them, and they will be your truest allies."
Kanraku, reflecting on his own bond with his Pokemon, nodded in agreement, "You're absolutely right."
However, their moment of camaraderie was interrupted by Kang Jihoon, "Floyd, I'm up next." He had his strategy all planned out, knowing well that his Pokemon was of the Electric type.
But before he could make his move, Le Mai Linh intervened, "I want to go first."
Kang Jihoon, confused by her abrupt change of plans, asked, "Le Mai Linh, what are you implying?"
Without hesitation, Le Mai Linh asserted, "I want to battle now." She then turned to Floyd, "Prepare your strongest Pokemon. How about taking on my Mankey and Tyrogue?"
Kang Jihoon's frustration was evident, "Wait, why are you changing the order? Floyd's Pokemon is nearly exhausted, and mine is Electric-type. If we change our strategy now, wouldn't Chen Yu's and Li Qin's efforts go in vain?"
Le Mai Linh responded dismissively, "It's not my concern. I'm here to fight."
Chen Yu, sensing something amiss, accused, "Le Mai Linh, are you helping Floyd intentionally?"
Indeed, Chen Yu was onto something. Le Mai Linh had her own motives, doubting whether Floyd alone could overcome them all.
But even if Floyd was aware of this, he would only be indifferent. Silently, he empowered Horsea with Dragon Power and handed it a pokeblock. Floyd's strategy was clear: as long as Horsea dodged the opponent's attacks, and hit the enemies, she would remain unscathed.
"What do you mean 'helping'? I genuinely want to fight," Le Mai Linh retorted as she released the two iron rings from her Pokemon's necks. This action caught everyone off guard.
"Are you insane?" Kang Jihoon exclaimed, stepping back apprehensively.
Le Mai Linh, with confidence radiating from her, turned to her two Pokemon, then released their iron rings that binds them, and asked, "How about fighting alongside me?"
Mankey and Tyrogue were taken aback that their trainer would release them so freely. Their eyes shimmered with gratitude and respect for her. In response, they let out determined cries and signaled their readiness. They were set on putting up a stellar performance for their master.
Seeing her Pokemon's spirited reactions, Le Mai Linh felt a surge of emotions. Perhaps, she pondered, this truly is the essence of being a trainer.
Turning to Floyd, she challenged, "Look at my beasts, all riled up. How about a 2v2 battle? Choose your two strongest contenders."
Floyd, taken aback by her audacity but touched by the evident bond she shared with her Pokemon, was about to call out, "Axew, come forth. Let's—" but before he could finish, Dratini had already slithered into the battleground.
Floyd sighed, "Dratini, when did I summon you?"
"Ehew!" Dratini seemed to argue, clearly eager to fight.
Seeing Dratini's determination, Floyd relented, "Alright." He had initially planned for Axew to singlehandedly take on both opponents, but Dratini's unexpected enthusiasm had shifted the dynamics.
"Let's get this started," Floyd declared.
Kanraku sighed, "I'll take this one to Chansey for care," as he hoisted another injured Growlithe.
Moments later, Axew and Dratini faced off against Mankey and Tyrogue. However, Axew seemed content to stay in the background, letting Dratini lead.
Le Mai Linh raised an eyebrow, "Are you trying for a 1v2?"
Floyd merely smiled, "Let's see what my Beast can do."
Le Mai Linh huffed, "You're underestimating my Beasts. You'll regret this."
With a swift motion, Floyd tossed a coin into the air. As it clinked onto the ground, Mankey and Tyrogue lunged at Dratini.
"Dratini, use Twister!" Floyd ordered.
The powerful gust forced both Mankey and Tyrogue to retreat.
"Separate and then attack!" Le Mai Linh commanded.
Both Pokemon heeded her instructions, positioning themselves to flank Dratini.
Floyd responded swiftly, "Dratini, unleash Thunder Wave on Tyrogue, then use Extreme Speed!"
Dratini paralyzed Tyrogue with Thunder Wave before darting forward with incredible speed. With Mankey and Tyrogue on either side, the path was clear.
The electrifying attack left Tyrogue immobilized, and Dratini dodged an incoming attack from Mankey.
"Twister again!" commanded Floyd. Yet again, Mankey was repelled by the gusts.
"Now, Extreme Speed!" Floyd's voice rang out.
Mankey, although partially deflecting the attack, was taken aback by the sheer speed. In retaliation, Mankey launched into a flurry of swipes.
Floyd's counter was immediate, "Dratini, use Wrap to grasp its arm!"
Dratini's tail coiled around Mankey's arm, and with a forceful tug, sent Mankey flying.
"Dragon Breath!" Floyd's voice echoed.
The powerful move left Mankey severely weakened. But before Floyd could strategize further, Tyrogue, having recovered from paralysis, landed a strong punch on Dratini, sending it sprawling.
But the battle was far from over. Mankey's eyes gleamed with a fiery rage.
Tyrogue's Ability, Guts, activated. Similarly, Mankey's Ability, Anger Point, was triggered.