When they saw that Gary released a Smoliv, both Axel and Ash were stunned.
Even though Squirtle was at a type disadvantage, Gary could have used the higher base-stats Umbreon.
Axel couldn't help but feel worried.
'This guy… it's one thing if he got infected himself, but don't tell me he infected Ash too?'
'Ash, as a reverse-attribute master, can't be influenced into developing some weird style, right?'
Ash was also surprised, "Professor Oak said you received Squirtle as your starter, why are you using Smoliv in battle?"
Gary looked at Ash with disdain, "You don't even understand type advantage, yet you still dream of being my rival."
"Also, my Smoliv is an extremely powerful Pokémon!"
Ash grinned, "Arrogant guy, you really haven't changed at all."
Axel chuckled and stood in the center of the yard to act as referee.
"Both trainers will engage in a 1v1 battle. No switching Pokémon or using potions during the battle."
"Once one side loses the will or ability to fight, the other side automatically wins."
"Battle—start!"
"Smoliv!"
Gary's Smoliv eagerly jumped into the battlefield.
Compared to the Smoliv of the little girl, Gary's was clearly more aggressive.
This could be seen just from its sharp gaze.
"Pika~chu!"
Pikachu also let out a cute cry, standing in front of Ash and waved a greeting at Smoliv.
"Smol!"
Smoliv's expression immediately softened.
'As expected of Pikagod, naturally capable of melting anything.'
Battle began.
"Pikachu, use Thunder Shock!"
Pikachu immediately went on all fours, swiftly approaching Gary's Smoliv.
Electric currents crackled from his tail, forming a small stream of light, striking directly at close range.
This skill wasn't very powerful, like Ember or Water Gun, it was an entry-level move.
But it had one very useful feature: it had a chance to cause paralysis.
As long as the opponent was paralyzed, it could slow them down and might even immobilize them entirely.
Gary crossed his arms and looked at Ash with his nostrils.
"As expected, you're still the idiot who doesn't understand type advantages."
"You dare battle my Smoliv without even knowing about type advantages?"
"Today I'll teach you a good lesson: Grass-type has double resistance to Electric-type moves."
Gary held Smoliv's empty Pokéball, gave it a light kiss, and spun his body 360 degrees.
"Smoliv, use Leech Seed fabulously!"
Smoliv nodded, and while enduring Pikachu's Thunder Shock, released a tender green seed.
The seed was thrown high into the air, accurately landing on Pikachu and quickly burrowed into its body.
The smile on Pikachu's face disappeared, baring its teeth viciously, and rammed into Smoliv.
But Smoliv acted as if it didn't notice Pikachu's movement, standing still and pulling out a berry.
Chomp, chomp, it started eating.
The next moment, two white lights flashed upward from Smoliv's body, greatly increasing its defense.
The instant Pikachu crashed into Smoliv, it felt like smashing into a hard iron ball.
Its cute little face immediately collapsed, as if wearing a mask of pain.
"Pika!"
"Gary, you're so despicable, letting your Pokémon eat a berry," Ash clenched his fists and glared angrily at Gary.
Gary raised his nose higher, "Someone once said, things Pokémon trainers do can't be called despicable."
Ash: (•́へ•́╬) "Hmph!!"
"Pikachu, since its defense got stronger, then keep using Thunder Shock!"
Pikachu nodded, another flash of electricity sparked on his tail, and he unleashed another Thunder Shock on Smoliv.
But under the dual effect of Leech Seed and Grass-type resistance to Electric, Pikachu's Thunder Shock was just like scratching an itch.
"Gary, you despicable guy!"
"You're already calling me despicable now? What will you do in a moment?"
Ash was briefly confused, unsure of what Gary meant.
But soon, Gary made him understand.
"Smoliv, show your gentlemanly style again, eat another berry under the enemy's attack!"
Two upward-lighting rings appeared again, and Smoliv's attack increased greatly.
Under Ash's near disbelieving gaze, Axel explained.
"This Pokémon's ability is called Harvest. It can reproduce a berry that has already been used."
"Without special restrictions, even in official matches it can keep eating berries."
Ash: !!!∑(ﾟДﾟノ)ノ
'Is the nine-year compulsory education in Aurient really this incredible?'
"You idiot, give up resistance, you'll save your Pikachu some suffering."
"Smoliv, use Razor Leaf!"
The leaf on top of Smoliv's head began spinning rapidly, then whoosh, shot out.
The leaves flew faster and faster, slicing through the air like whirling blades.
Razor Leaf, a very practical early-game Grass-type attack move.
With power up to 55, it also had a high chance of hitting a critical spot.
Its only downside was that it wasn't easy to aim and had slightly lower accuracy.
"I won't give up," Ash gritted his teeth, glaring at Gary unwillingly.
"Pikachu, dodge the Razor Leaf, then use Electro Ball!"
"Pika!", Pikachu nodded lightly.
Its small body moved nimbly, dodging Smoliv's Razor Leaf and charged straight at it.
During the approach, Pikachu moved faster and faster, electric currents gathered on its tail.
Those currents quickly condensed, forming a spherical lightning ball made entirely of electricity.
Smoliv also followed Gary's command and used Razor Leaf again.
BOOM!
A muffled explosion rang out as Pikachu and Smoliv's attacks hit simultaneously, creating a moderate blast.
The two Pokémon were very close, almost pressed against each other, and were both enveloped in the black smoke of the explosion.
Gary sneered, "Admit defeat, Ash."
"My Smoliv has double resistance to Electric-type damage, even if you used Electro Ball, which is stronger than Thunder Shock, it still couldn't..."
Before Gary could finish his sentence, Axel had already seen the field using his psychic power.
At the moment of collision, Ash's Reverse-Attribute Master trait probably activated, dealing massive damage to Smoliv.
Of course, after taking so much damage, Pikachu wasn't in great shape either, both Pokémon collapsed almost simultaneously.
"Gary's luck wasn't so good, his Star Berry's special defense didn't trigger. Now, both Pokémon have fallen at the same time."
Hearing Axel announce the result, Gary immediately choked on the cool act he was halfway through.
"Impossible, my Smoliv is a Grass-type! How could it be defeated by an Electric-type move?"
"Nothing's impossible," Ash also snorted smugly in reply to his rival.
"And… I refuse to accept a draw."
"Pikachu, hang in there, get up quickly!"
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