I Really Didn’t Want to Be a Trainer-Chapter 613: Reading Ahead and Switching Are Basic Operations

"The Sinnoh Champion Lucian’s Espeon has lost its ability to fight—"
The commentator’s passionate voice echoed throughout the arena.
"The score now stands at 1:0!"
The internal battle of the Eevee family ended with the proud Sylveon’s victory.
The audience focused their gaze on the battlefield, generously giving applause and cheers.
"What exactly is Fairy Aura?!"
"Sylveon’s Hyper Voice, so intense!"
"The big sister is mighty—!"
Sylveon’s Fairy Aura ability can transform Normal-type moves into Fairy-type ones and strengthen their power.
Whether it was the full-screen sweeping Hyper Voice or the focused strike of Dragon Claw, it perfectly displayed Sylveon’s offensive prowess.
In the Kalos region, Sylveon often appears as a princess in fairy tale picture books—noble, elegant, delicate, and fragile.
But there are also records of Sylveon pouncing fiercely on enemies, hunting with pink and white ribbons.
Just like the difference between a spring water fairy and a Valkyrie.
Teacher Lu’s big sister perfectly showcased this violent fighting style to the fullest!
Sylveon shook its butterfly bow, its snow-white body covered in charred wounds, but its gaze was exceptionally sharp.
"Boo~!"
Lucian was moved by this contradictory yet harmonious scene.
Withdrawing the dimmed Sun Espeon in a Poké Ball, Lucian put one hand in his pocket and looked up at the big screen.
"Not bad at all..."
Lucian pushed up his pale purple glasses with one hand;
the lenses reflected the light.
Although the score was 1:0, Teacher Lu’s three Pokémon had already appeared: Togepi, Arcanine, and Sylveon.
And most of their move sets had been revealed... My commands will be much easier later.
So, the only one I need to be extra cautious about is Teacher Lu’s last Pokémon yet to appear!
Lucian stared at Lu Ye and noticed a slight sweat forming on his palm.
Like Champion Steven’s backline must be that silver Metagross.
Teacher Lu’s words... that Pokémon must be Haunter!
But...
"Can I really read Teacher Lu and Haunter’s tactics ahead of time..." Lucian frowned deeply.
Ultimately, it was the problem I hadn’t solved before the match—
Toxic, Perish Song, Hypnosis... Teacher Lu’s Haunter not only has great strength but also uses unpredictable and diverse tactics!
"The reigning champion Lu Ye takes the first point!" the commentator announced. "Half of both sides’ Pokémon are now on the field, and the battle has reached a white-hot stage!"
The arena erupted with enthusiastic cheers.
"Lucian is probably going to send out that guy now." On the second-floor spectator seats, Flint scratched his fiery red afro.
Cynthia leaned back on the sofa, her elegant black velvet collar gently nodding.
"Although the type matchup is unfavorable, Lucian’s few physical attackers... this is a reasonable choice."
As for Lu Ye,
Cynthia’s gaze fixed on the black-haired youth on the battlefield, a slight curve appearing at the corner of her mouth.
Having experienced so many events in the Sinnoh region, his mindset had grown particularly steady.
As for Haunter’s strength... perhaps we’ll find out soon!
Despite Sylveon’s heavy injuries in the previous fight, its excellent special defense remained tough to deal with.
Lucian’s eyes sharpened as he stretched out his arm and threw a Great Ball.
"Go, Gallade!"
The ball opened with a ‘pop,’ releasing a white light that landed on the battlefield.
"Gallade!"
Gallade’s appearance resembled a gladiator, the blades on its elbows gleaming coldly as it bowed politely to Lu Ye.
Lu Ye returned the salute with a focused gaze and a slight smile.
Teacher Lu’s student Man Chong also raised a Gallade.
It was like a swordsman skilled in both offense and defense, agile in action, and a loyal guardian.
Therefore, Lu Ye had a good impression of Gallade.
"Gallade is evolved from a male Kirlia using a Dawn Stone!"
‘The Evolved One’ Kris cheerfully explained.
"There are also male Gardevoirs," A-Jin added, folding his arms, "Male Gardevoirs can breed with female Machamp..."
Xiao Yin: "...Shut up."
A-Jin: "That’s a scientific topic, alright!"
Lucian had probably figured out Teacher Lu’s defensive formation.
Gallade has a physical advantage against the battered Sylveon.
Arcanine, still asleep, would obviously find it hard to withstand Gallade’s storm of attacks!
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Lucian’s mouth as he extended his arm and commanded, "Gallade, Psycho Cut!"
Buzz—
Gallade’s eyes glowed red, the heart-shaped chest protrusion faintly shining. It opened its elbow blades and strode forward.
As the distance closed, Gallade’s elbow blades surged with nearly one meter of pale pink light, slashing with Psycho Cut!
Visibly sharp!
The audience tensed.
Viewers in the livestream were also anxious.
"Sylveon’s Hyper Voice!"
"Not anxious? Actually, very anxious!"
"Boo..."
Sylveon lowered its front limbs, baring sharp little fangs.
But facing Psycho Cut, Sylveon was in the stiff ‘Dragon Claw’ state and couldn’t counterattack!
A sudden red light appeared, and Sylveon was withdrawn into its Poké Ball.
At the same moment, Teacher Lu threw out his next Poké Ball.
He read Gallade’s attack ahead of time and used a defensive switch to counter it—
At this critical moment, Teacher Lu’s switching succeeded!
The livestream exploded with cheers.
"Once the stiffness passes, the big sister’s Dragon Claw—Gallade can’t survive a single hit!"
"Sylveon’s out, who’s coming in to take the hit?"
"Here comes Intimidate Arcanine!"
White light appeared, and the large, reliable Arcanine appeared on the field.
Although still asleep, its Intimidate ability triggered.
Arcanine let out a warning roar in its dream, its fierce intimidation spreading in waves around!
"Awwooo!!"
Lucian frowned slightly.
Although Mega Gallade’s Inner Focus ability was unaffected by Intimidate, the Mega spot was obviously wasted against Perish Song.
Following the pre-match strategy, it was better to restrict Haunter first—
"Gallade," Lucian commanded softly, "continue fighting!"
Gallade’s eyes narrowed, the glow of its elbow blades dimmed, and it fiercely slashed with Psycho Cut!
Sizzle!
A deep wound appeared on Arcanine’s back, and it roared angrily, suddenly opening its fierce tiger-like eyes!
Rotom caught the close-up, causing a stir in the livestream.
"Dang, the husky just got handsome!"
"Awakened instantly while asleep?!"
"That’s to protect its teammates behind!"
Teacher Lu’s team included violent attackers like Blastoise.
Also, there was Sirfetch’d, a shield-breaker with critical hits that ignores stat changes.
But the most reliable and comforting was the loyal and fierce Arcanine, now roaring like a tiger!
"Arcanine has awakened!" the commentator exclaimed. "Could this be the decisive turning point of the match?!"
"Arcanine," Lu Ye commanded, "Flare Blitz!"
"Awwooo!!"
Arcanine bared its fangs, orange-yellow flames surged into a fiery column.
Boom!
The flames exploded against Gallade’s crossed blades, heat waves spreading, forcing Gallade to retreat!
Gallade’s offense faltered, and the audience burst into cheers!
Lucian frowned deeply.
Had Teacher Lu read my switch ahead and prepared the defensive formation?
Being seen through like this... was incredibly frustrating.
Lucian’s eyes suddenly sharpened.
Forget tactics for now, solve the battle with brute force!
"Gallade," Lucian said sternly, "continue, Psycho Cut!"
"Gallade!"
Gallade crossed its blades, approaching Arcanine amid the surging flames.
As they closed distance, its blades slashed a cross-shaped strike, cutting the fire column.
Boom!!
An explosion sounded. Gallade didn’t hesitate;
the raised blades glowed pink as it slashed down!
Arcanine whimpered, crouched low, its fierce eyes locked onto Gallade.
Even Lucian was momentarily stunned.
Surviving two rounds of Psycho Cut...
Arcanine was not only absurdly tough but had completely disrupted my plan!
Arcanine lunged furiously at Gallade, the two tangled fiercely.
Bang! Bang!
Gallade continuously blocked with its blades, weaving an impenetrable shield wall.
The audience held their breath watching the deadlock.
Lucian put one hand in his pocket, expression serious.
The battle seemed even, but Arcanine’s stamina was actually on the brink.
If possible... Lucian really wanted Gallade to use Drain Punch once to end the battle and extend the stamina advantage.
But Teacher Lu still had a Haunter that ignored Fighting-type moves in reserve.
Lucian didn’t dare gamble on Teacher Lu’s switch!
"This is the limitation of carrying Sleep Talk."
On the second-floor seats, Cynthia whispered, "To ensure offensive efficiency, Lu Ye probably didn’t give Arcanine Morning Sun."
"That’s too risky!" Flint said, stunned.
Cynthia’s gray eyes beneath her golden hair focused on Lu Ye on the battlefield.
"He trusts his command and... he trusts his Pokémon."
"Awwooo!!"
‘Arcanine, please, Flare Blitz!’ Lu Ye’s Power of Transcendence echoed telepathically.
The Flame of Life burned on Arcanine, its flaxen mane gradually erupting in roaring flames.
Turning into a golden fireball, Arcanine charged at Gallade!
Lucian’s pupils shrank;
his expression was complicated.
With such low stamina, it could still use the heavily recoil-damaging Flare Blitz?!
That’s why I hate battling explosive fire-type afros who don’t follow the rules!
"Achoo!" Flint sneezed.
"Teacher Lu’s Arcanine really has a strong life force!" Aru said in surprise.
"Hehe, never underestimate fire-type Pokémon;
they can create miracles!" Flint grinned.
The endlessly burning fire and fighting spirit were why Flint favored fire-types!
Boom!!
Flare Blitz crashed fiercely into Gallade’s blades, charring them black. Gallade stood firm, pushed back over a meter.
The powerful recoil was audible with a loud thud.
Unexpectedly, Arcanine didn’t fall;
its fierce eyes locked on Gallade, the Rainbow Wing on its neck shimmering brightly!
Viewers in the chat blurted ‘Whoa.’
"Precise HP lock!?"
"Arcanine’s stamina is like a flickering candle in the wind!"
"I suspect this Arcanine is actually the Flame Emperor in disguise!"
The arena trembled.
Lu Ye stared thoughtfully at Lucian, reading his commands ahead.
Lucian was guessing my switch...
And I bet you’ll be greedy with Gallade’s stamina this round!
Because Gallade is Lucian’s Mega slot, it’s the key to pushing the team after restricting Haunter’s Perish Song!
"Haunter, prepare to switch in." Lu Ye said to the Haunter lurking in shadows.
"Gengarrr~!" Haunter covered its mouth with a mischievous laugh, nodding confidently.
"Is Teacher Lu sacrificing Arcanine?"
Aru’s tuft shook as he asked Cynthia, "This saves switch time, right?"
Switching is effective but wastes precious command time.
Every second is incredibly valuable for a trainer.
Before Cynthia could answer, Flint said, "Arcanine has reached its limit... keeping it on the field would just block the position."
"Since it’s singles, sacrificing Arcanine is a reasonable choice."
Cynthia was silent, thoughtful.
Rationally, she agreed with Aru and Flint;
with Arcanine’s low HP, even forcing Gallade to take one more move is a gain.
But emotionally, she didn’t think Lu Ye would sacrifice any teammate... even if it was acceptable.
"Did Teacher Lu give up on switching...?"
Lucian looked at the desperate Arcanine, eyes flickering.
Unfortunately... my Gallade also knows a healing move!
At the first second, Lucian commanded, "Use Drain Punch!"
At the first second, Lu Ye’s Great Ball flew out with red light, touching Arcanine.
At the second second, Gallade’s elbow blade gleamed fiercely and suddenly slashed forward!
At the second second, Haunter emerged from the shadows, switching in with a toothy grin: "Gengarrr~"
Boom!!
The shockwave spread;
Gallade’s Drain Punch passed through Haunter’s body.
Fighting moves are ineffective against Ghost types!!
Haunter was unharmed, pulling down its eyelids and making a funny face: "Gengarrr~~(⁎˃ꌂ˂⁎)"
This happened too suddenly;
the audience hadn’t reacted yet.
The split-second switch stunned the champion and Elite Four present.
"H-He!" Aru stammered, "Teacher Lu is calculating everything?!"
Flint’s expression twisted: "Must be a coincidence, otherwise it’s too broken..."
"I heard Red and Giovanni had battles decided by fractions of seconds."
Cynthia smiled lightly. "Of course, it could also be a coincidence."
In Red and Giovanni’s peak duel, Red won by 0.5 seconds.
Teacher Lu timed this perfectly, sending in a Haunter immune to Drain Punch!
"Teacher Lu switches Haunter in!" the commentator shouted, "Gallade’s Drain Punch had no effect!"
As the commentator spoke, the entire arena shook.
Chat exploded with messages and even rocket-shaped gift effects.
"This command is so flashy and cool?!"
"Too flashy. Against this opponent, I’d just disconnect!"
"My eyes are overwhelmed... this is Teacher Lu’s reading ahead!"
Sweat ran down Lucian’s forehead as he stared at the smiling Lu Ye.
Without reason, a chill rose behind Lucian.
After this match... looks like overtime awaits!
But at least I must do my best and rest well for a few days!
"Gallade."
Lucian looked at the purple little bulky figure on the field, stepping back, and said sternly, "Use Earthquake!"
"Gallade!"
Gallade’s elbow blades slammed the ground, creating a violent shockwave centered on the impact, spreading like a spiderweb.
Stones scattered, dust flew, and Gallade’s strength and aggression were undeniable!
"The slash range isn’t enough, Earthquake to make up for it!"
"Ground type is doubly effective against Haunter..."
"This might be an instant knockout!"
If Haunter’s Levitate ability hadn’t been nerfed, Lu Ye would have blindly charged through with eyes closed.
Unfortunately, Teacher Lu’s Haunter has the Curse Body ability.
Fortunately, it can still fly—
"Haunter, use Gravity!"
"Gengarrr~" Haunter raised its small hands skyward, controlling gravity, floating like a purple balloon.
The shattered stones from Earthquake gathered, forming a huge meteor under strong gravity, about to crush down, giving an intense sense of fear and pressure!
Crack!
The battlefield sank violently under the combined effects of Earthquake and Gravity.
Lucian looked up in shock, pupils shrinking as he swallowed hard.
Teacher Lu... is this move really reasonable for Haunter?!
"Gengarrr! (ૢ˃ꌂ˂⁎)"
Haunter raised the meteor high, smiling cutely and warmly with its tongue out.
Rumble!!
The meteor crashed down;
the audience swallowed nervously, sweating coldly.
"I'm suddenly feeling a bit pained..."
"Lucian, you’re so unlucky!!"
"Come back, Gallade!"
At the critical moment, Lucian recalled Gallade and sent out the heavily wounded Bronzong.
Bronzong floated on the battlefield, looking up at the crashing meteor;
the patterns on its body dimmed immediately.
Bronzong: (◑皿◐)
The Painful Mask: Bronzong, bronze edition.
Boom!!
The meteor crushed down, the center of the field concaved, cracks spreading outward. Bronzong lay with swirling eyes.
The arena fell silent, still immersed in the shock of the falling meteor.
The referee was stunned for a moment, waving the flag amid sharp ringing in ears.
"Bronzong has lost its ability to fight!"
Buzz—
On the screen, Lucian’s two Poké Balls dimmed.
The score became “2:0”!
The silent arena suddenly erupted.
Rotom, like an AI assistant, kept thanking in the livestream.
"Thanks to ‘Rocket Delivery’ for the super rocket, Rotom~!"
"Boss is generous, boss is healthy, boss spends wisely, Rotom~!"
Pokémon and trainers are becoming more alike... this is indeed an undeniable truth.
Lucian put one hand in the pocket of his burgundy pants, sighed softly, and pushed up his purple glasses quietly.
Just as I expected before the match...
Either get rid of Haunter, then use Gallade to push forward.
Or I lie down and get swept away by Haunter!
Around the spectator seats.
Xiao Yin whispered, "If Haunter is dealt with... Teacher Lu’s reserves have no one who can restrict Gallade’s Drain Punch."
Bruno looked approvingly at Xiao Yin, nodding, "Indeed, that’s also why Teacher Lu chose to switch earlier."
Teacher Lu’s command reading of Drain Punch was too eye-catching.
Cynthia was still savoring it and wanted to arrange a match with Teacher Lu in a no-holds-barred battle.
Though her reputation seemed poor;
last time she challenged Red and got herself into trouble...
Cynthia cleared her throat forcefully.
A-Jin scratched his head, "What do you mean? Isn’t the score a big advantage?"
Kris explained, "In 6-vs-4 singles, it’s common for the late game to rely on one Pokémon defeating three or even four."
A-Jin suddenly understood and nodded, "Looks like Haunter is going to one-shot three!"
Xiao Yin: "..."
Among everyone present, A-Jin might understand Teacher Lu the best...
"After a brief halftime, Lucian sends out his fourth Pokémon!" the commentator announced.
Lucian’s reserve had another healthy Gallade.
He threw a Great Ball.
In the white light appeared a Girafarig with yellow-black stripes like a giraffe.
"Wooh~!" Girafarig raised its front limbs, emitting a gentle cry, its tail’s small head baring teeth.
The commentator said, "Girafarig is Lucian’s signature Pokémon, having dealt heavy blows to opponents multiple times in the Champion League!"
A-Jin folded his arms, "Professor Oak also has a Girafarig."
Kris: "..."
You just wanted to call him ‘Old Oak’!
Lucian’s Girafarig has the Inner Focus ability, immune to Intimidate and able to enhance its own mental strength.
Additionally, Girafarig’s tail has independent thinking ability and can attack even when facing away from the enemy.
Lu Ye had a deep impression of Lucian’s Girafarig... According to Cynthia, it was also a ‘quality’ Pokémon skilled in Hypnosis.
Teacher Lu smirked.
Even the Sinnoh Champion is on my side;
what can you use to fight me!
"Haunter, Dark Void!" Lu Ye commanded.
Though called Dark Void, the move’s effect was similar to Shadow Ball—
Arceus was actually defeated by this move.
Similar to Darkrai’s move in White Poplar Town, it has damage effects, but the sleep chance is lower than Hypnosis.
"Gengarrr!" Haunter floated in the air, gathering violent energy in its hands;
a small, pitch-black black hole suddenly smashed toward Girafarig!
The dark hole carried swirling winds, its momentum immense;
Cynthia was slightly shocked.
Teacher Lu’s Haunter’s strength could rival Old Man Kukui’s Haunter... no, it was far superior to the Ghost-type King!
The small black hole surged forward;
Lucian gave up attacking and stretched out his arm:
"Girafarig, Swords Dance!"
"Wooh!"
Girafarig raised its front limbs;
its deer-like head and tail’s small head both glowed blue.
Boom!!
The small black hole exploded violently, engulfing the arena in thick black smoke;
the audience gasped.
When battling Darkrai, no one expected this little bulky one to have such strength!
Darkrai lifted his gray hair and said solemnly to Darkrai:
"A straight-A student scores 100 because the full score is 100—just like Haunter one-shotting you."
Darkrai: "...Maybe you should just let me go."
As the smoke cleared, the explosion marks were clear at the center of the field.
Girafarig barely stood firm;
the aura sash on its tail quietly fell off, struggling to stay conscious: "Wooh..."
At a champion’s main force level, it nearly got one-shotted by Haunter—
Lucian gazed at Teacher Lu and sighed faintly.
This was a champion skilled in tactics...
All I can do is make the best use of my strengths!
Lucian elegantly took out a Great Ball;
inside was Gallade, eyes sharp as knives.
"Girafarig." Lucian’s eyes narrowed. "Relay!"
A-Jin exclaimed, "No way! Lucian with thick eyebrows and big eyes is playing relay too?!"
Bruno squinted, "That Swords Dance just now was to prepare for Gallade..."
Lu Ye frowned slightly, feeling the first difficulty in this battle.
Mega Gallade’s damage was astonishing, and its speed was also excellent!
"Gengarrr~" Haunter stood back on the field, crimson eyes, mouth stretched wide in an excited grin.
Girafarig transformed into a red streak flying back to the Great Ball;
Gallade’s twin blades gleamed fiercely, its aura soaring.
"This is the decisive round—"
Lucian elegantly took out a hardcover book from his burgundy suit pocket and removed a feather-shaped bookmark;
a translucent Keystone was embedded in the feather’s tail, shining beautifully.
"Gallade!"
Gallade’s heart-shaped chest glowed red, its entire body radiated dazzling evolution light, white light illuminating the arena.
"Gallade, Mega Evolution!" Lucian stretched out his arm.
"Gallade!!"
Gallade raised its head and shouted, spreading its arms;
the elbow blades lengthened under the evolution light, turning into long red and white blades.
The audience was shocked;
the arena erupted in uproar.
"Lucian... has pulled out Mega Evolution?!"
"This is the first time he’s been forced to this extent in the Champion League!"
Clang!
The light gradually faded;
Mega Gallade spread its arms toward Haunter, its snow-white cloak fluttering in the wind!
A warrior combining handsomeness and elegance, pure white and loyal—Mega Gallade.
Lu Ye stared at Mega Gallade and murmured, "My Ducklett isn’t any weaker..."
"Quack~(´థ౪థ)σ" Ducklett chuckled mischievously inside its Commemorative Poké Ball.
Mega Evolution’s momentum was tremendous, magnificent and inspiring.
The audience began cheering for Gallade and Lucian.
"Lucian!"
"Go, Gallade!!"
The big screen zoomed in on Teacher Lu’s close-up, seemingly wanting to see Lu Ye’s expression.
The livestream viewers were full of curses.
"Is the director messing around?!"
"Wait... the director seems to be on their side!"
The calm young man smiled faintly, slowly reaching his hand to the sky, suddenly clenching it.
The entire arena fell mysteriously silent, as if strangled, yet full of intense anticipation.
The glove embedded with a dazzling Keystone now radiated flowing light.
"Haunter—"
Lu Ye’s Keystone flashed dazzling white light.
"Mega Evolution!!"
...