Pokémon Detective Case Files.

Profound wisdom appears no different from magic. This is the reason why Wusong, an ordinary person without superpowers, could become a superpowered king.

The ability to see the big picture from small details and to have a far-reaching vision is the foundation of Wusong Tianwang's character!

Even after Hu Di's defeat was certain, Wu Song began a new round of planning. "Foreseeing the future" was merely the prelude to a storm.

Unbeknownst to them, a faint purplish-red light appeared on the ground, representing the glow of the "spiritual field," a legacy left behind by Qilinqi before it was attacked by Infernape in close combat.

Smooth, flowing light constantly emanates from all around the arena; these are the "Reflect Wall" and "Light Wall" cast by Psychic-type Pokémon at some unknown time.

Wusong actually managed to complete the entry setup for the main team while facing the rampaging Infernape! This was no simple sacrifice tactic; it was a strategy that, while maintaining pressure on Infernape, took the time to place pieces in a safe spot and lay the groundwork for future moves.

Da Ye frowned, still feeling something was wrong. Wu Song's main force, Alakazam, should have already been defeated.

At the same time, Elite Four member Gosho released a green, fighter-like Pokémon, which turned out to be Gallade, a Pokémon with a hybrid Psychic and Fighting type.

"I originally wanted to save this trump card for the champion, Zhulan, but now it seems that I have no choice but to go all out."

He raised his left hand, and the five-colored gemstones embedded in the dial of his wristwatch shone brightly—

"Gallade, Mega Evolution."

Great King Ye, do you dare to disrupt this mess?

[Bonus Chapter] The Road to Victory for King Ye (2)

"Da Ye was a bit careless."

In the exclusive viewing room for the kings and champions, King Kikuno, dressed in a warm white fleece and with a scarf around his neck, shook his head.

"Why do you say that?" Liu, the insect-type boy with a long, grass-green ahoge on his head, asked in confusion, "Don't be fooled by Wusong's arrogant attitude of having everything under control. The odds of winning still lie with Da Ye, the Elite Four member. How can you say he was careless?"

Watching Gallade transform while bathed in multicolored light, and the Magmortar opposite him, the gray-haired Ground-type Elite Four member smiled kindly and began to explain to his junior—

"This is where your inexperience as young people lies. When Wusong hesitated to send out Alakazam to interrupt Infernape's offensive, his plan was already obvious. If Da Ye had been able to react in advance, the match would have been over by now. Unfortunately, he was too immersed in his newly successful scheme, which gave Wusong the opportunity to launch a counterattack."

Watching Kikuno discuss when to nip the opponent's last chance of victory in the bud, as if they were talking about when to add salt in a dish, Ayuri felt a chill run down her spine and said sullenly, "They really show no mercy... Is this the old-school trainer's battle style?"

"I'm not the only one who feels this way. If you don't believe me, go ask Zhu Lan over there. Didn't you see her shaking her head and sighing halfway through the competition?"

Beside the two arguing kings, Takeran was intently focused on the match. Hearing Kikuno mention her, she snapped out of her reverie, closed her eyes in thought for a moment, and then softly spoke—

"Wu Song's tactical intentions were indeed obvious, but if he were facing trainers like me and Kikuno, he would never have used such a flawed tactic. Battle situations and tactics can change drastically depending on the trainer. In the end, it was precisely because Da Ye was such a headstrong person that Wu Song suffered a great loss at the beginning of the battle due to underestimating his opponent, wasn't it?"

A-Liu nodded thoughtfully, completely convinced. Then she remembered something else: "Speaking of which, I originally thought Wu-Song's finale would be that Wobbuffet, but I didn't expect it to be Gallade, and it even has the ability to Mega Evolve. It seems everyone has been holding their breath lately, wanting to fight for the championship title."

Cynthia and Kikuno both looked at Aru with strange expressions. Among the Elite Four, he was the only one who didn't have the right to say that, right? This Bug-type Elite Four member who used unpopular Pokémon as his main force and suffered a spectacular defeat in the quarterfinals of the Challenger Tournament actually had the nerve to say that he was aiming for the championship title?

"I wasn't joking around! We had this planned out, okay?" Noticing the atmosphere around her, A-Liu immediately defended herself—

"My new partner's Bug-type move, 'Slash,' doubles in power every time it hits. Combined with the item 'Metronome' and the ability 'Technician,' it can deal devastating damage in the later stages. I originally planned to use this move to outmaneuver Gossip, but that guy immediately used Mr. Mime with 'Taunt' at the start, preventing me from using the move repeatedly. My strategy failed before it even began."

Wu Song completely guessed their trump card.

That sounded rather pitiful, so Zhu Lan thought for a moment and asked, "Have you ever used this tactic in a public setting, to the point that your setup was exposed?"

"Huh? No, I've always kept the Speaker Squirrel as a secret weapon... But last month I was invited to be a guest judge at a grand competition, and I sent it out to demonstrate its 'combo' skill... But that has nothing to do with my tactics, right?"

“No, given Wusong’s ability to gather intelligence outside the game, he was very likely prepared the moment he saw the speaker cricket,” Zhulan said seriously.

"What!" Ah Liu exclaimed, her temper flaring.

"That's our Psychic King, it wouldn't be surprising if his predictions reached anywhere. Remember that Wobbuffet that was supposed to be on the field?"

The champion tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear and became interested in the other Pokémon that everyone was talking about, which wasn't even there.

"Taking all intelligence information into account, and finally arriving at a prediction that is incredibly close to the actual future—that's Gosho's superpower. Those of you who have fought that Wobbuffet should understand this, right?"

In fact, the Wobbuffet that didn't appear today is the Pokémon that best demonstrates Gosho's psychic power as an Elite Four member.

No matter what moves his opponent intends to use, Wusong can always anticipate his opponent's intentions in a psychological game akin to rock-paper-scissors, and launch a fierce counterattack with "double payback" or "mirror reflection".

Even if the opponent tries to avoid a direct battle with disruptive or boosting moves, Wobbuffet will use restrictive moves like "Secret Guard" or "Applause" as if it were predicting the future. Pokémon that are entangled by Wobbuffet will be unable to use any moves and will be stuck in an awkward situation due to Wobbuffet's "Shadow Tag" ability.

Kikuno smiled wryly: "Gosho's ability to read people's minds isn't a superpower, but it's better than one. In the entire league, only you can defeat Wobbuffet with absolute brute force before it can counter a move."

However, the Earth King's words went unanswered for a long time.

This wasn't because Takeran lacked social etiquette, but because the battle situation below the stage had changed again. Even Kikuno and Ayana's attention was firmly drawn to the unusual activity in the arena outside the glass—

.

On the Psychic Terrain, priority moves were no longer usable, Mega Gallade's speed easily surpassed its opponent's, and Magmortar had already suffered a severe blow from "Future Sight." Normally, Gallade could defeat its opponent in less than a turn.

However, this super-powered fighter still followed Wusong's instructions, letting the effective time of "Reflection Wall" and "Light Wall" gradually pass, maintaining long-range psychic suppression, never getting close to his opponent, and sealing away his best close-range attacks.

The two sides exchanged several more feints and probing attacks. Mega Gallade seemed to have finished its warm-up, and its dodges and moves became increasingly sharp. Magmortar also finally recovered some of its strength from the stun caused by "Precognition".

Both trainers raised their hands simultaneously, and the two Pokémon on the field collided head-on once again!

Judging from the sharp eyes of the three champions in the spectator room, it was clear that the Fire Champion's thunderous offensive and the Psychic Champion's desperate counterattack had only just begun again.

Da Ye and Wu Song issued the order simultaneously—

"Duckbill Flame Beast, flames erupt all around your body!"

"I won't give you a chance to get burned, Gallade! Use 'Psychic' at point-blank range!"

Just as Magmortar's "Flame Body" was about to scorch Gallade, it saw the latter's eerie blue eyes, which were now tinged with psychic power and resembled lightning.

With the slightest contact, the scorching flames would cling to the opponent's body like maggots, but Gallade's blue psychic power completely blocked them from a mere inch away.

So close yet worlds apart!

boom!

After the smoke cleared, the referee's announcement came through.

"Mattray is too weak to continue, Elite Four member Stewart has won a point! Elite Four member, please send out your next Pokémon!"

[Bonus Chapter] The Road to Victory for King Ye (3)

According to the league's competition rules, players must make a substitution within fifteen seconds of the previous Pokémon falling down; otherwise, they will be warned by the referee, and further delays will be considered a foul.

After Da Ye recalled the Duckbill Flame Beast, he did not continue his raging offensive. Instead, he patiently waited for the fifteen seconds to pass, allowing his breathing rhythm to return to its most natural state.

Then, at the very last moment, he threw the Poké Ball that he had been holding tightly in his hand.

At this point, the Fire-type Elite Four member's intentions became quite clear. Both Wusong and the audience could see that he wanted to stall for time so that the subsequent Pokémon could get rid of the "Light Screen," "Reflect," and "Psychic Terrain" left on the field.

In the arena, no one criticized this behavior. In a duel between Heavenly Kings, victory or defeat is decided by the smallest of margins. This meticulousness is both the best use of the rules of the competition and the greatest respect for Wusong.

What is the demeanor of a superstar? Winning is the best form of demeanor.

However, a Champion-level terrain skill is not so easily dispelled naturally. A mere fifteen seconds passed, and the ground was still covered by psychic energy fluctuations. Gallade was still surrounded by the defensive barriers left by its defeated companions.

The Fire-type Elite Four's delaying strategy wasn't entirely ineffective, but it was only minimally successful.

As the Poké Ball that Da Ye Xin threw landed, a Torkoal carrying a huge black turtle shell appeared in the center of the arena.

The coal-bearing turtle bred by Da Ye is twice the size of its kind. The moment it entered the enclosure, it exhaled two thick plumes of yellowish-black smoke from its nostrils, as if it had triggered some extraordinary phenomenon, even making the sunlight seem more intense.

Characteristic "sunshine".

Upon seeing the opponent's attack, a glint flashed on Wusong's glasses—

There are only two possible reasons why Da Ye would send out Torkoal, known for its defensive capabilities: either avoid direct combat and rely on Sunny Day and Gallade for ranged attrition, or risk everything, using its thick shell to withstand the damage from Mega Gallade while trading blows for a significant blow at the last moment. Given Da Ye's personality, he's highly likely to choose the latter! Even so, we must be prepared for Da Ye to persist in delaying the enemy. Therefore, the orders to be given are quite clear…

The above considerations were merely a fleeting thought for Gosho, and in fact, the command was issued the instant the Coal Tortoise landed on the ground—

"Gallade, Earthquake!"

A full-force attack from a Champion-level Pokémon is enough to shake the heavens and earth.

Logically speaking, "Earthquake" is an area-of-effect move, while long-range attacks in Elite Four battles are more for restraint. Every Elite Four Pokémon has maxed out its evasion skills, so area-of-effect attacks launched from a distance are almost ineffective.

But quantitative change leads to qualitative change; practice makes perfect, and great strength makes bricks fly. Elite Four member Wusong naturally has ways to tilt the situation in his favor—especially since the ground beneath Mega Gallade's feet is now filled with a purplish-red "Psychic Field"!

Mega Gallade was seen waving its white, scythe-like arms, which were as white as flowing sleeves but extremely sharp. Dangerous red flames danced and swirled at the blades as it unleashed its psychic power in all directions!

The telekinetic power activated the ground imbued with the "psychic field." In the blink of an eye, the already ravaged battlefield shattered even further!

The cracked rocks began to form a whirlwind-like rock storm centered on Gallade. Amidst the flying dust, the field seemed to transform into a liquid-like wave, all converging in the same direction under the influence of psychic powers, heading straight for Torkoal!

And what is the Coal Turtle of the Great Leaf King doing at this moment?

The audience couldn't help but worry about the situation on King Ye's side. But when they turned their gaze towards Coal Turtle, they were all taken aback—

Coal Turtle unleashed its "Breath of Fire" at the Rock Storm.

"Breath" may sound unremarkable, but it's the strongest special attack move that Torkoal, and indeed most Fire-type Pokémon, can access. Its power far surpasses "Fire Blast" and "Flamethrower." Its power is further increased when used in sunny weather.

In the past, whenever Elite Four member used this move, it was always at a crucial moment that would decide the outcome of a battle. The flames, shooting wildly like a volcanic eruption, gathered the full power of the Fire-type Pokémon. Although it didn't have the side effects of moves like Hyper Beam or Burnout, once unleashed, it was a complete and utter sacrifice.

After this move is used, Torkoal will inevitably fall into a state of short-term weakness. At this time, when facing a high-attack, high-speed Mega Gallade, it will almost certainly be doomed.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of any skill depends on the situation. Faced with the rain of stones generated by "Earthquake," Torkoal's flames were almost entirely blocked on the outside, so how many of them could possibly hit Mega Gallade?

Why did the Great Leaf King adopt such a irrational tactic?

"Great opportunity!" Wusong didn't miss the chance when Da Ye made a mistake either, shouting out the next move to encourage Gallade, who was already in an attack stance—

"Go! 'Mental Blade'!"

Facing the super-powered warrior hurtling through the air, Da Ye remained completely oblivious, reaching out to touch the air in front of him and nodding gently: "The temperature is already sufficient..."

"Coal Turtle, 'Will-o'-the-Wisp'!" Big Leaf withdrew his hand and loudly directed his partner's next move.

"The harassment attempt was too clumsy! How could such a weak and unreliable move possibly hit! Gallade, end the battle!"

As if merging with Wusong's spirit, Gallade effortlessly dodged Torkoal's obviously inaccurate "Will-o'-the-Wisp" harassment, piercing through the dust and flames to close in, and with a red-glowing elbow blade, sliced ​​through the red skin outside Torkoal's shell.

"Ooh!"

The coal turtle was instantly sent flying dozens of steps away, landing face down in front of Big Leaf.

"Torreya is unable to battle..." Seeing yet another of Big Leaf's Pokémon fall, the referee was about to urge him to switch out when he saw the Fire-type Elite Four member had already returned Torreya to his Poké Ball—

Then, at the same time, the next Pokémon was used! This was a complete contrast to the hesitation shown in the previous rotation!

"The target of those 'will-o'-the-wisps' isn't you!"

Beneath his fiery red afro, Da Ye flashed an incredibly arrogant and radiant smile—

"Ignite and launch! My wind-carrying ball!"

“Fu—”

A huge purple balloon appeared at the landing point of the Coal Turtle's "Will-o'-the-Wisp" skill, and was instantly afflicted with a "burn" status upon its appearance.

The moment it was engulfed in flames, the Windball did not become weak like a typical burned Pokémon; instead, its momentum became even stronger!

"My Wind Chaser has been called a useless thing ever since the beginning. It doesn't possess any of the 'explosion' or 'lightness' properties that ordinary Wind Chasers have; people even thought it had some kind of congenital disease—"

While Da Ye kept rambling on, Wu Song didn't miss the opportunity. He commanded the super fighters, wanting to use their superior speed to launch a close-range attack on the Wind Ball first.

But before Gallade could even get close, this hot air balloon-like Pokémon had already taken off into the sky on the rising hot air!

The speed is completely different from that of a ball that floats slowly in the wind in its normal form!

"It's the previous 'fire-breathing'!"

Wusong immediately realized that during the previous battle, Torkoal deliberately used useless moves to set up a second time, so that Torkoal, which had previously used "Shrink" to boost Infernape's power-up, could return to the field!

That guy Da Ye never considered any tactics related to retreat or defense. Whether it was the Magmortar's probing or the Coalossal's "Sunny Day" and "Burst," all his tactical objectives were solely for offense!

Attack! Attack! Attack like fire! Bewilder your opponent like fire! Devour everything like fire!

"...Despite having a blank ability, this Tayrule still helped me overcome all obstacles and win the Elite Four title for the first time. It's my most important partner... But recently, I discovered its true potential! That is—it will unleash extraordinary power when it's burned!"

The long, ribbon-like tentacles of the Windball in the air closed together, gathering a special attack energy far exceeding that of the past.

"A 'thermal runaway'? No, given the situation of this wind-driven ball, 'thermal surge' would be a more accurate description."

Wu Song adjusted his glasses and observed the situation. He knew perfectly well that this was a new tactic developed by Da Ye based on newly discovered characteristics, but his mood grew heavier and heavier.

"Sorry, Wusong, I'll take the victory in the selection competition!" Da Ye commanded loudly, his voice booming like the midday sun—

"Air Slash! Continuous Activation!"

In the "Heat Rise" state, the power of the Wind Ball move is multiplied, and thousands of wind blades shatter the "Light Screen" in the air and continue to attack Mega Gallade. The latter relies on its agility to dodge most of the attacks, but still cannot make an effective counterattack. It can only gradually become covered in wounds amidst more and more wind blades.

"As expected of the Fire-type Elite Four member's Wind Ball," Wusong said with a bitter smile. "But he still needs to learn a lesson..."

"Gallade, the final option."