Chapter 783 - Luvdisc

The third Pokémon summoned by Wallace was Luvdisc.

Although the battlefield was a desert terrain with no pools for Luvdisc to swim freely, Wallace's Luvdisc had long grown accustomed to such conditions. As a Water-type Pokémon, Luvdisc rarely leaves aquatic environments, but battles are not always fought in ideal settings. Over time, this Luvdisc had adapted to fighting even in dry terrain.

Upon entering the field, Luvdisc expelled a ring of water around itself, creating a protective barrier. By manipulating its Water-type energy, it could fight effectively in any environment. The ongoing rain further amplified its capabilities, making it easier to harness Water-type attacks.

More importantly, Luvdisc's Swift Swim ability doubled its speed in rainy weather.

Luvdisc's base stat total was only 330, with 97 of those points allocated to Speed. Under the rain's effect, its Speed effectively reached 194—an overwhelming advantage.

Even though Luvdisc's offensive stats weren't exceptional, its blistering speed allowed it to whittle down opponents with relentless attacks. This was one of Wallace's core strategies. In team battles, Luvdisc played an even greater role, similar to how Aoki had previously used Poliwhirl with Rain Dance. The difference was that Poliwhirl had set up rain manually, whereas Luvdisc benefited from Wallace's weather-based tactics.

Drapion, already weakened, fell swiftly to Luvdisc's rapid assaults. The rain-boosted Water-type moves ensured that even a defensive Pokémon like Drapion couldn't withstand the onslaught.

Aoki smirked as he recalled Drapion. He had anticipated this outcome—the moment Wallace's Gyarados used Rain Dance, Aoki had deduced the strategy. After all, he was intimately familiar with Wallace's team.

In truth, one-on-one battles often lacked the depth of team-based tactics. The Sinnoh League, catering to Trainers under 18, primarily emphasized individual Pokémon strength rather than advanced strategies. However, as Trainers matured, they would inevitably explore more complex tactics—weather control, stat-boosting combos, and move synergy.

Perhaps one day, when they reached Elite Four status, their battles would evolve into grand spectacles.

But that was a thought for the future.

For now, Aoki had a countermeasure ready.

Gengar!

Aoki's third Pokémon, Gengar, took the field and immediately used Skill Swap on Luvdisc.

Wallace's strategy crumbled instantly.

Aoki could have used Slowking for the same effect, but Gengar benefited more from the speed boost. After the swap, Gengar gained Swift Swim, while Luvdisc's speed plummeted.

Gengar's base Speed was 110—doubled to 220 under rain. The result? A ghostly blur of motion, overwhelming Luvdisc before it could retaliate.

Wallace's expression darkened. He hadn't expected Aoki to dismantle his strategy so effortlessly. It was clear that Aoki, as a Water-type Gym Leader, understood rain tactics intimately.

This battle gave Wallace new ideas for refining his rain-based strategies.

But for now, he was at a disadvantage—three Pokémon down.

The battlefield shifted again, this time to a grassland-and-pool hybrid terrain, slightly favoring Wallace.

During the brief intermission, Wallace weighed his options carefully. If he wanted to turn the tide, his next moves were critical.

When the referee signaled the battle's resumption, Wallace made his choice.

Whiscash!

A Water- and Ground-type Pokémon.

Wallace opted for stability rather than immediately deploying his trump card, Milotic. Had he chosen Milotic, Aoki would have sprung his trap—Gengar knew Destiny Bond, ensuring a mutual knockout.

But with Whiscash on the field, the odds were balanced—60% in Aoki's favor instead of 90%.

Pokemon: Whiscash (cyan)

Gender: Male

Level: 54

Type: Water / Ground

Ability: Oblivious

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Whirlpool, Hydro Pump, Earth Power, Mud Shot

Basic Moves: Thrash, Water Gun, Mud Bomb, Amnesia, Water Pulse, Magnitude, Rest, Snore, Aqua Tail, Earthquake, Muddy Water, Future Sight, Fissure

Learnt Moves: Ice Beam, Bounce

TM Moves: Protect, Rain Dance, Scald, Stone Edge

Since evolving, Gengar had lost its Levitate ability, making it vulnerable to Ground-type attacks.

The rain had faded, nullifying Gengar's stolen Swift Swim. However, Aoki kept the ability to prevent Wallace from reactivating rain.

Whiscash dove underwater immediately, avoiding Gengar's Perish Song.

"Whiscash, Earthquake!" Wallace commanded.

The attack rippled through the water, shaking the ground violently. Grass trembled, and Gengar, still singing Perish Song, was struck hard.