Divine Plan? But I'm a Pokémon trainer.

Chapter 474 Zerg Systems Are Not Hopeless
Abi, the youngest museum owner in the Johto region.

Link, one of the youngest champions in the Kanto Hall of Fame.

This doesn't seem like a heavyweight class at all!
Moreover, he has already obtained 6 badges, which means he has challenged 6 gyms in the Johto region!

Ah Bi was speechless. He wanted to complain about how there could be a champion who loved frying fish so much, but he was also genuinely excited that he could challenge for the championship.

Since Link already has 6 badges, theoretically, Abi needs to bring out a lineup of trainers at this level for a full 6-on-6 battle.

However, the problem is that even with his main lineup at full strength, he still couldn't reach that level.

Ah Bi pondered that perhaps he was the challenger.

After careful consideration, he decided to only play 3v3 singles this time in order to perform at his highest level...

……

"Actually, there's no need to challenge the last few gyms anymore... Oh well, we're already here."

After resting, Link arrived at the Azalea Gym at the appointed time.

By this time, Abi had already accepted the challenges from the other trainers and was fully focused on preparing for the most demanding battle to come.

Before long, the challenger arrived at the battle arena deep inside the gym.

"Hello! I'm Abi! A trainer who loves and studies Bug-type Pokémon! My knowledge of Bug-type Pokémon is second to none!"

"Three years ago, I met a Bug-type trainer named Aryu while traveling in the Sinnoh region. Now he has become one of the Sinnoh Elite Four. As long as you put in the effort, you will definitely be rewarded. But have you really reached the point of 'familiarity' with Bug-types?"

Let's prove that with a battle.

With both trainers having completed their introductions (which are still popular three years later), the 7th Gym Challenge in the Johto region begins.

"Go! Spider King!"

"Burning Bug, prepare for battle... Hmm?"

What's the deal with Dripping Spider?
[Spider-Agaric, the Bubble Pokémon, Water/Bug type.]

[They normally live in water and use the bubbles on their heads to attack by ramming their heads. If a Pokémon is weak, it will be sucked into the bubbles and drown. When it is full, it will store its captured prey in the bubbles on its head.]

Link had a deep impression of this Pokémon; thanks to its type and ability, it was indeed one of the best Bug-type Pokémon.

I never expected that Abi would have such a Pokémon, and even use it to attack his own Burning Bug... But considering the rainy or humid environment of Route 33 and Interconnection Cave on the west side of Azalea Town, it seems quite normal to have this kind of water-dwelling bug.

Using a Burning Bug to fight against a Dripper is extremely disadvantageous!

The latter's "bubble" ability not only provides significant resistance to Fire-type attacks in addition to its inherent resistance, but also minimizes the risk of burns and multiplies the power of Water-type moves!

Even among the many characteristics that Link recognizes, "bubbles" are quite outstanding.

Not to mention that Araquos also has excellent physical and special defenses as well as physical attack, so if the trainer is skilled enough, it can definitely be the main damage dealer in a rain team.

That being said.

In reality, the "bubbles" are created by the giant bubbles that accumulate on the spider's head based on its "water storage" capacity, thus providing numerous conveniences...

Under normal circumstances, the Burning Bug would be unlikely to defeat the Dripper, but it wouldn't be difficult for Link either.

"The Ripple of Water!"

"Charged Flame Strike, a flanking maneuver." As the trainer gave the instruction, the water wave, amplified by the bubble effect, spread swiftly and powerfully towards the Flamebug.

However, due to the effect of the huge "bubble", Araquos' speed is far inferior to that of the Bug/Water type, Glucosmog (which becomes Bug/Flying after evolving into Mothrope).

The Burning Bug was already faster, and after Link's training, it made full use of its few strengths.

Once "Charged Flame Strike" was unleashed, the Burning Bug scrambled at lightning speed, dodging the incredibly powerful "Water Pulse" with the agility of a Wuling Hongguang minivan around a bend. Anyone who didn't know better would have mistaken it for a ground-crawling wing.

With his speed falling behind, Abi was somewhat distressed, which was also the only pain for Dizhuba.

He needs "Trick Room," but are there any Bug-type Pokémon that know this move?
It probably can't learn Bug-type moves because they're inherently incompatible with Psychic-types...

All eyes are on this match.

The fast-moving Burning Bugs used the "Charged Flame Strike" move to continuously increase their speed, leaving trails of flames on the battlefield.

Even though Dripping Spider's moves are powerful, they are difficult to hit in a short time.

Therefore, Abi changed its strategy and decided to have it use a wide-range attack like "surfing".

Link was clearly prepared for this and did not allow the Burning Bugs to accelerate recklessly.

When battling a Pokémon with a type disadvantage, it's best not to drag the battle out too long, but rather to end it as quickly as possible.

"Surfing!"

"After 'Psychokinesis' breaks through the water flow, 'Raging Volt' is unleashed."

At this stage, Burning Bug can learn Electric-type moves and even powerful moves of types it is weak against.

Elves, aren't they amazing? (Image)
The turbulence generated by the Spider King's "bubble" continued to expand, sweeping across the entire battlefield in the blink of an eye.

But his extraordinary mental strength broke through the water flow, sending the burning insect, crackling with ferocious lightning, to the front of Dripping Spider.

Lightning flashed and thunder roared, as if the current was being released wildly like a burning flame, boiling the "bubbles" and striking the Spider King's main body.

The increased speed it had previously gained became an advantage for the Burning Bug, allowing it to penetrate the Spider King's defenses with kinetic energy.

Then the disadvantage of Bug-type Pokémon's durability suddenly became apparent, and Araquos, which seemed to have the upper hand at first glance, lost its ability to battle in the blink of an eye.

Upon seeing this, Abi was stunned for a moment.

What he couldn't understand was not that Araquos was defeated too easily, nor that Burning Bug could master Electric-type moves, but that Bug-type Pokémon could also master Psychic-type moves?
Are there any Bug-type Pokémon with relatively outstanding mental abilities that can use "Trick Room" to reverse the disadvantages of most members of this species?
"Spider-o'-lane is considered one of the top Bug-type Pokémon, but it needs 'Trick Room' to unleash its full potential, and as far as I know, there are two Bug-type Pokémon that can master 'Trick Room'."

Seeing that Abi was standing there, Link slowly recommended two Bug-type Pokémon.

"One is Orup, a Bug/Psychic type, and the other is Insectoid, a Bug/Psychic type. Other Bug-type Pokémon should be able to do it too, but you'll need to personally unleash their potential."

The insect-based system is not beyond redemption.

But then again.

Even with "Trick Room," it's impossible to solve all the inherent weaknesses of Bug-type Pokémon.

Can Agaric, which basically only uses Water-type moves in Trick Room and Rainy Day, really be considered a true "Bug" type?

(End of this chapter)