Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! [274]

Golurk's presence brought an immediate sense of oppressive pressure. Its sheer aura would have been enough to unsettle an ordinary trainer, potentially disrupting their focus during battle.

But neither Luo Yuan nor his Mimikyu was ordinary.

"Yuma sends out his second Pokémon following his initial loss!"

"Facing the Ghost/Fairy-type Mimikyu, Yuma opts for Golurk. It's a bold choice, to say the least."

Mimikyu's weaknesses were limited to Ghost- and Steel-type moves. With no Steel-types in Yuma's arsenal, Golurk was his best option.

However, this decision carried significant risk—Golurk was just as vulnerable to Mimikyu as it was effective against it.

This was a trade of blows, a battle of mutual harm.

But Yuma didn't have the luxury of hesitating.

Mimikyu's Swords Dance had him deeply unsettled. If left unchecked, Mimikyu could devastate his entire team. His top priority was clear: eliminate Mimikyu, even if it meant making sacrifices.

Having resolved his strategy, Yuma took the initiative.

"Golurk, Will-O-Wisp!"

Following its trainer's command, Golurk extended its floating hands, a flicker of red glinting in its single, glowing eye.

Several ghastly green flames materialized, orbiting Golurk like malevolent spirits.

With a swing of its detached hands, the Will-O-Wisps streaked toward Mimikyu, their slow, deliberate motion belied by an ominous swiftness.

Luo Yuan's eyes gleamed with subtle approval as he observed Yuma's move.

While Yuma's overall strength might be debatable, his tactical judgment was spot on.

Mimikyu's greatest threat came from its Swords Dance-enhanced physical attacks. Inflicting a burn status with Will-O-Wisp would halve Mimikyu's physical damage output, essentially neutering its offensive power.

With Mimikyu's weak special attack and diminished physical attack, it would pose no threat to Golurk, whose Defense and Special Defense were both formidable at a base stat of 130.

It was a sound plan.

Unfortunately for Yuma, it was also predictable.

Luo Yuan, backed by the tactical expertise of Team Rocket's analysts, had anticipated this very move.

"Mimikyu, Shadow Claw!"

Two jagged claws of shadowy energy emerged from Mimikyu's body, slashing through the oncoming Will-O-Wisps with precision.

The flames fizzled out harmlessly, with only faint remnants clinging to Mimikyu's claws before fading away.

Instead of dodging, Luo Yuan had Mimikyu intercept the attack directly.

This gave Yuma pause, his brow furrowing in thought, though he chose not to voice his concerns. He still trusted Golurk to adapt.

Golurk didn't disappoint.

Seeing its initial attack fail, Golurk quickly adjusted its strategy.

With a slight wave of its floating hands, the remaining Will-O-Wisps split into two groups and curved around from opposite sides, attempting to flank Mimikyu.

Mimikyu, however, proved just as adaptable.

Its Shadow Claws flowed effortlessly, slicing through the flames like a knife through butter. No matter how Golurk manipulated the attack, Mimikyu's defenses were impenetrable.

At one point, Mimikyu even countered with a surprise strike, slashing at Golurk with such ferocity that Yuma's heart nearly leaped out of his chest. Fortunately for him, Golurk's robust defenses absorbed the blow.

"Yuma's Will-O-Wisp strategy has been completely nullified! Luo Yuan's Mimikyu demonstrates exceptional strength, on par with the other Pokémon he's used in earlier matches!" the commentator, Kyosuke, exclaimed.

"What will Yuma do next?"

Yuma's expression darkened as he weighed his options.

Against Altaria, Mimikyu had relied on type advantage and Luo Yuan's superior tactics to dominate the battle.

But this time, Mimikyu showcased its individual combat prowess. Its deft use of Shadow Claw to counter Will-O-Wisp was something Yuma hadn't foreseen.

Still, the situation wasn't entirely hopeless.

"Golurk, Confuse Ray!" Yuma ordered.

If Will-O-Wisp couldn't breach Mimikyu's defenses, he'd use a move that couldn't be physically blocked.

A kaleidoscope of shimmering lights radiated from Golurk's body, disorienting anyone who gazed at them.

Mimikyu's tiny, well-hidden eyes weren't spared. It stumbled slightly, clearly affected.

"Now, Shadow Ball!" Yuma commanded without hesitation.

A dark orb of spectral energy formed between Golurk's floating hands. With a sharp motion, the Shadow Ball hurtled toward Mimikyu at breakneck speed.

For a moment, it seemed like a direct hit was inevitable.

But then, Luo Yuan's calm voice broke through the tension.

"Protect."

In an instant, a translucent barrier enveloped Mimikyu.

The Shadow Ball struck the shield and dissipated harmlessly.

Before the protective field could fade, Mimikyu shook its head vigorously, dispelling the confusion.

Yuma scowled.

"Shadow Punch!" he barked.

Golurk surged forward, its movements eerily fluid despite its massive frame. Its fists glowed with ghostly energy as it aimed a powerful strike at Mimikyu.

Mimikyu darted to the side, narrowly evading the attack.

Boom!

Golurk's fist slammed into the ground, leaving a sizable crater.

Unfazed by its miss, Golurk pressed on, unleashing a relentless barrage of punches.

Mimikyu twisted and turned, dodging each strike with increasing difficulty. The battlefield was soon shrouded in a haze of dust and debris, kicked up by Golurk's repeated assaults.

At first glance, it appeared that Yuma and Golurk had seized the momentum.

Mimikyu's counterattacks, hastily executed, either failed to connect or were absorbed by Golurk's formidable defenses.

The tide seemed to be turning in Yuma's favor.

Spectators leaned forward, their eyes glued to the battle. Even Jun, who had hoped to see Yuma humiliated, found himself anxiously watching the unfolding drama.

Could this be the moment Luo Yuan suffered his first defeat?

Yet amidst the growing tension, one person remained unperturbed.

Sitting in the front row, surrounded by admiring girlfriends feeding him popcorn, Gary Oak noticed Luo Yuan's faint smirk.

Having fallen victim to Luo Yuan's strategies more times than he could count, Gary recognized that expression all too well.

With a quiet chuckle, he muttered, "That guy's about to get wrecked."

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