"Designated challenge, accepted!"
Hennessy swept his hands and announced the result.
Whoosh—
So murmurs of excitent rippled through the hall.
Although Siebold was a Marquis, that was because he was busy with League affairs and his chef career, having no ti for Battle Chateau matches.
This visit was also because the Battle Chateau had invited him to serve as temporary head chef, and he could conveniently get matched for a battle to challenge for Duke rank.
And Teacher Johan?
No one doubted Teacher Johan's strength - at least solid Elite Four level.
They were actually going to witness at least an Elite Four-level showdown?
This excitent was well worth it, truly well worth it!
Everyone put down their knives and forks, streaming toward the castle's back courtyard.
Have them battle Teacher Johan? No way, no way.
Have them watch Teacher Johan battle Elite Four Siebold? Let's go, let's go.
Lance punched his palm with his fist.
Damn, Siebold "beat him to it."
However, speaking of which... with Siebold's rank, plus both their strengths, the winner might be directly promoted to Duke by the Battle Chateau.
After all, both their strengths were clear. Siebold had been away from battles for so long - while his strength had improved, playing at the Battle Chateau wasn't as important as his cooking.
For trainers whose strength obviously exceeded their rank, the Battle Chateau would also appropriately accelerate their promotion speed. Otherwise, if everyone ca to "bully weaklings," other ranked people wouldn't co for matches.
After Johan and Siebold finished their battle, he'd rest for half a day, then make a designated challenge!
Lance made up his mind.
"I heard that after obtaining Duke rank, you can get discounts when staying at major hotels in the Kalos region."
On the way to the battle field, having changed into dueling attire and wearing a Marquis yellow cape, Johan muttered.
"Ka-kaah?"
Hearing this, Gengar imdiately beca interested.
Discounts? I love discounts the most!
Earning so "rice money" at ho wasn't easy. If not as the big brother, why would it lead Urshifu and the others to accept "heaven's favor"?
Seeing its expression, Johan's mouth twitched.
"People with Duke rank worrying about these little discounts - there really is no one else."
"Yoji! Yoji!"
Larvitar strode forward confidently, looking ready to fight at any mont.
But Johan said, "This match, Larvitar, you're not participating."
"Yoji?"
Larvitar imdiately froze.
"The opponent is a Water-type Elite Four. We should show so respect at least," Johan explained.
"Yoji..."
Larvitar's head imdiately drooped, looking deflated.
Never mind anything else, his little ones had really learned a lot of acting skills from Gengar.
Even Larvitar could act now.
However, against Siebold, Larvitar really couldn't participate.
Not just because Larvitar had a 4x weakness to Water while the opponent specialized in Water-types, but simply in terms of current hard strength, there was a considerable gap between Larvitar and Siebold's main Pokémon.
No matter how gifted Larvitar was, plus Johan's unreserved training and massive amounts of rare minerals and diamonds invested, it was still just a Larvitar.
And still a cub born less than half a year ago.
Being able to sweep Gym Leaders in its current state was already quite outstanding.
Moreover.
If Johan rembered correctly, Siebold's ace was a Blastoise, and one that possessed a ga Stone - ga Blastoise!
Let Larvitar go?
Block ga Blastoise's cannon barrels?
He didn't even know if it would fit snugly.
Not letting it participate was for its own good.
Regarding this, Larvitar naturally understood. It pouted, just feeling frustrated with its own strength.
Hmph! I need to keep working hard at eating!
Grumble grumble—
Sohow Larvitar had stuffed the Earth Plate fragnt into its mouth, "grumble grumble" rolling it around, sotis the left cheek bulging, sotis the right cheek bulging.
Once I finish eating this stone, I'll pin those big guys to the ground and beat them up!
Grumble grumble—
The Earth Plate fragnt rubbed against Larvitar's sharp teeth, tiny powder fragnts being scraped off and swallowed with the little one's saliva, imdiately making it feel energetic.
Watching this made Johan's eye twitch.
The Earth Plate fragnt that Arceus had repaired should be able to "last" for a while longer, right?
Last a bit longer...
For so reason, Johan felt like there was a Sword of Damocles hanging over his head.
No, over his wallet, hanging a Sword of Damocles that would pierce through his wallet the mont it fell.
Little Larvitar gnawed just a tiny bit of Earth Plate fragnt daily and already ate like a bottomless pit. It was hard to imagine how much it would eat per day without the Earth Plate fragnt...
Worried in his heart, Johan felt his battle condition today would definitely be sowhat poor.
If it's poor... should he let Regieleki make an appearance?
Anyway, the Kalos League already knew about him taking in (temporarily) Regieleki, and there was nothing to hide.
Against Water-type Pokémon, Electric and Grass-types were perfect.
Unfortunately, Johan's only Electric-type Pokémon was Rotom, and this guy... didn't really like battling. Its last battle was during the Lily of the Valley Conference, right? After so long, it probably didn't know how strong it had beco.
As for Grass-types...
Actually, Johan had already thought about catching a Grass-type Pokémon. His favorite was Tropius - it could sustain itself through photosynthesis, could produce delicious fruit, and had a large body for stable flying. Wasn't it better than Dragonite?
Of course, with his current strength, encountering a Tropius that he'd find satisfactory was actually quite difficult.
As a fallback, Grass-type starters could also be "reluctantly" considered.
Hm?
Wait, although our Rotom wasn't Grass-type, it could temporarily transform to have Grass-type properties...
Johan looked toward Rotom-Dex floating beside him, ready to take photos at any mont.
Noticing Johan's gaze, Rotom suddenly shuddered, then forced a bitter smile.
"Ro-Rotom..."
Battle Chateau back courtyard, battle field.
Even Siebold, who usually only wore chef's attire, now had a brown-yellow cape draped over him.
"Teacher Johan, I've long heard of your exceptional strength. I never imagined you were also proficient in culinary arts. Please don't hold back," Siebold said quite politely.
Although he was sowhat older and had beco an Elite Four early, ultimately... he was only four or five years older than Johan. eting soone who was equally skilled in both culinary arts and Pokémon battles was what made his fighting spirit gradually rise.
"Actually," Johan smiled, "whether it's cooking or Pokémon battles, the fundantal parts are the sa. Even if it's just for an instant, as long as you can bring out the power of ingredients and Pokémon, that's what we pursue."
Hearing this, Siebold's eyes lit up, feeling like Johan's words had hit right to his heart.
A kindred spirit!
Having been a Pokémon trainer and chef for so long, this was the first ti soone had so accurately articulated his thoughts about Pokémon and cooking.
Regarding this, Johan thought to himself: How could it not hit the heart? These were originally Siebold's words, just borrowed in advance.
"Whether cooking or Pokémon battles, both are instantaneous beauty, but the ti spent before investing in that instant is definitely more than a blink of an eye."
Siebold's voice was passionate. "I wonder if Teacher Johan has prepared to 'taste' this hard-earned 'hidden nu' of mine."
"I couldn't ask for more!"
Castle butler Hennessy: "Please both sides summon your Pokémon!"
This was a battle between Marquises, with rules still being 2v2 singles mode.
Siebold extended his hand in a chef's serving gesture while throwing his Poké Ball.
"Go, Clawitzer!"
Clawitzer - Johan was naturally familiar with this Pokémon, having encountered them just two days ago by the stream on the way to the Battle Chateau.
In terms of strength, they were incomparable.
Just that one pincer like a giant cannon was enough to make one's heart race.
"Go ahead." Johan also didn't hesitate, pointing forward: "Rotom!"
"Rotom!" Rotom reluctantly flew out of Johan's pocket Pokédex.
It didn't really like battling, but that didn't an it couldn't. Moreover, mixing with battle-loving guys like Gengar, Dragonite, Urshifu, Ceruledge, and even Larvitar every day had sowhat changed its perspective.
It just... wasn't quite sure of its own strength, didn't know if it could hold up...
"Rotom?"
Seeing the Pokémon Johan summoned, Lance in the stands was sowhat surprised.
If he rembered correctly, Johan's Rotom usually didn't participate in battles much.
However, he didn't think much about it - not participating much didn't an never participating.
For those who weren't particularly familiar with Johan, like Siebold and Wikstrom, they didn't see any problem. After all, in terms of typing, Electric and Ghost-type Rotom had certain advantages.
It was just the aura...
Honestly lacking a bit, not even as good as Larvitar.
"Rotom..." Rotom wrinkled its little face, trying to make itself look more "fierce."
Johan had promised that after this battle, regardless of win or lose, it could take photos freely - at least three hundred shots!
Photography was fine, but the key point was... Johan had promised to help hold down Gengar, so it had to work hard.
Moreover, Johan had also said that if it really couldn't win, just run away, no need to stick around. In summary, this was a battle aid at testing strength...
It had to understand its own strength. Otherwise... if Johan encountered danger in the future, it would have to step up.
No matter how much it disliked battling, when it ca to Johan's safety, it, Rotom, would definitely give its all!
After summoning Rotom, Johan imdiately said: "Activate Mow form!"
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar turned and dug an orange-red lawnmower out of Johan's shadow, throwing it onto the field.
Bang—
Rotom imdiately turned into electrical current, diving into the lawnmower. Along with the surge of electrical current and the operation of Rotom's motor, the lawnmower suddenly "ca alive."
Mow Rotom!
Electric and Grass-type attributes!
Seeing this scene, Siebold beca more serious.
In terms of typing, he was at a considerable disadvantage.
"Rotom!!"
After diving into the lawnmower and transforming into Mow Rotom, the little one's aura also changed sowhat, becoming more confident and gaining so aggression.
The battle begins!
Siebold swept his cape: "Please taste the first dish of the 'hidden nu' - the chef's artistry Water Pulse!"
Clawitzer's body faintly reflected the sun's luster. Its massive pincer opened, gleaming water droplets gathering at extre speed, while dense Water-type energy also condensed within the cannon barrel.
Boom!!
A sound like tearing silk erupted as surging waves rolled forward.
ga Launcher!
This ability, combined with pulse-type moves, plus developnt and training by an Elite Four-level trainer - the montum of this Water Pulse made many trainers change color, secretly exclaiming: Truly worthy of an Elite Four!
Just a 60-power Water Pulse could create such a commotion.
"Rotom."
Originally, Rotom was slightly panicked when entering the field, but after diving into the lawnmower and becoming Mow Rotom, it felt a bit better. Hearing Johan's calm voice, it imdiately got into battle mode.
Never mind anything else - with Johan there, it really felt at ease.
"Block with Electroweb, then dodge."
Zap—
Golden thread-like electrical current ford a large net, spreading toward the incoming water flow while the lawnmower's wheels spun, quickly dodging to one side.
Even with 2x resistance, a Water Pulse boosted by ga Launcher wasn't sothing to casually take.
Bang!!
The water flow t the electroweb with a collision sound, but the water flow was indeed fierce. After smashing through the electroweb, it carried electrical current and struck the ground.
Using the electroweb's slight delay, Rotom successfully avoided the attack.
Siebold smiled slightly, not surprised by this.
"Clawitzer, start moving."
Splash splash—
Water flowed from Clawitzer's body, completely enveloping it.
Using the water flow's montum, Clawitzer seed to float in the air, rapidly moving around at speeds not much slower than in water.
"Dragon Pulse!"
Buzz—
Blue-purple Dragon-type energy surged in its pincer, emanating an extrely strong intimidating aura.
The previous Water Pulse was just probing. This Dragon Pulse was when this battle truly began.
Boom!!
Dragon-type energy surged wildly, forming a roaring dragon that lunged toward Rotom with trendous power, no weaker than Dragon-type moves used by actual Dragon-type Pokémon.
Logically, Clawitzer was a Pokémon that wasn't particularly fast, but this move from Siebold compensated for Clawitzer's weakness to so extent.
And Johan's originally planned tactics changed sowhat after seeing this scene.
Tactics couldn't remain unchanged. When the opponent's style and moves changed, naturally one had to adapt accordingly.
This wasn't so baby cup battle where Johan could see through the opponent's thoughts without even looking. As an Elite Four mber, at least this basic skill wasn't lacking.
So Johan imdiately said:
"Rotom, Light Screen!"
"Rotom!"
Hearing Johan's command, Rotom didn't dare hesitate for a mont. Its eyes glowed slightly as a transparent wall was quickly erected.
Simultaneously, Clawitzer's Dragon Pulse arrived at this mont.
Although Light Screen absorbed part of the impact, it still solidly hit Rotom.
"Thunder Wave!"
Tactics changed, strategy changed - Johan began pressing the attack.
Zzzz—
Thread-like golden cotton ball-like electrical current expanded. Siebold also reacted imdiately: "Clawitzer, Water Pulse, resist it!"
Water could conduct electricity, so Water-type Pokémon were weak to Electric-type moves. But if water was separated from oneself, water could also be the best resistance against Electric-type moves.
As a specialist in Water-type Pokémon, Siebold had his own understanding of Water and Electric types.
The Water Pulse condensed without firing, forming what seed like a water wall in front of Clawitzer. The scattered electrical arcs were absorbed upon contact with the water wall.
"Explode!"
But then Johan called out lightly.
Bang!!
The thread-like Thunder Wave actually exploded like a thunderbolt, splitting into two smaller electrical currents that bypassed the water wall and shot toward Clawitzer.
This!
Seeing this scene, not just Siebold, but the audience in the stands were also stunned.
There was Thunder Wave like this?
Johan smiled, not surprised at all.
Facts proved that Rotom had indeed learned sothing from Zekrom.
Fusion Bolt was too advanced for Rotom to learn, but that didn't stop it from learning, simulating, and trying.
Facts proved that Rotom had ability and talent - it probably didn't even know this itself.
Zap—
Golden arcs appeared on the water-wrapped Clawitzer's body.
Paralyzed status!
Siebold frowned.
With paralysis, this battle would inevitably beco difficult.
"Rotom, Charge!"
"Rotom!"
With one hit landing, Rotom beca more confident. Flickering light imdiately appeared on its body as powerful electrical current surged wildly.
[Charge: Doubles the power of the next Electric-type move used, while also raising the user's Special Defense by 1 stage.]
Clawitzer was a typical Special Attack-oriented Pokémon. Light Screen was for dealing with Special Attack, and raising Special Defense served the sa purpose.
Siebold's face tightened. After Charge, the next move... Clawitzer would have difficulty resisting.
But... the paralyzed status brought not only unstable move execution, but also speed reduction.
Dodging was definitely impossible now. Escaping at this point seed too early.
"Clawitzer, maximum power Dragon Pulse!"
Seeing this, Johan raised an eyebrow.
Going for a direct clash?
"Rotom, Thunderbolt!"
Thunder had too low accuracy - Johan didn't like gambling. With Charge's boost, Thunderbolt... was enough.
Rumble rumble—
Golden lightning like a tide erupted from Rotom's body, spreading overwhelmingly toward Clawitzer.
Even if Siebold had Clawitzer use Dragon Pulse to offset part of the electrical attack, it would still cause massive damage to Clawitzer, possibly even a one-hit KO.
However.
Siebold made a decision that surprised everyone.
"Bypass the electrical current!"
Roar—
The blue-purple dragon ford by Dragon Pulse seed to roar, making a nimble turn that actually bypassed countless electrical currents and charged straight at Rotom.
"What is Elite Four Siebold trying to do? Can Clawitzer withstand a charged Thunderbolt?"
"Perhaps... he predicted the outco and is preparing for his second Pokémon?"
It seed that was the only explanation.
Before losing, inflict as much damage as possible on Rotom.
But what if Teacher Johan switched Pokémon?
Boom!!
Thunderbolt washed over Clawitzer while Dragon Pulse struck Rotom.
Just when the audience thought Siebold had chosen to give up this round, he suddenly clenched his fist.
"The instant of cooking is right now!"
"Clawitzer, Heal Pulse!"
Tiny arcs still jumped on Clawitzer's body, but under Siebold's influence, the paralyzed status seed to have no effect on Clawitzer this ti.
Buzz—
The pulse representing healing power fell on Clawitzer as it raised its pincer.
The damage caused by Thunderbolt and the recovery effect brought by Heal Pulse created an "offset" on Clawitzer's body at this mont.
Would Clawitzer succumb to Thunderbolt's attack first, or would Heal Pulse offset the damage from Thunderbolt?
"I see!" soone exclaid.
Ordinary Heal Pulse might not be able to play such a role at this mont, but Clawitzer's ability was ga Launcher!
Under double power, the damage Clawitzer received from electrical current was actually recovering at a visible rate.
Instant healing?
Originally, this battle had Siebold taking the initiative. Later, Johan and Rotom regained the advantage with the peculiar Thunder Wave. Now, if this Charge-boosted Thunderbolt was blocked, the initiative would return to Siebold.
Was this the level of battle between Elite Four trainers?
Victory and defeat decided in an instant.
Could Teacher Johan be taken down first?
However.
Johan also spoke at this most crucial mont.
"Rotom, Pain Split."
Everyone: "!!!"
You're having Clawitzer's "health bar" pulled back and forth between damage and healing?
Fine, I'll directly cut your health bar in half - go ahead and pull.
Instant healing was most afraid of a direct health disappearing technique at the crucial mont.
Rotom, having taken Clawitzer's full-power Dragon Pulse, was already in poor condition. Choosing to use Pain Split with Clawitzer at this ti...
Rotom's stamina might not recover, and might even decrease further, but Clawitzer's stamina... definitely couldn't hold up.
Boom!!!
A rumbling sound erupted from Clawitzer's body. Rotom's entire state beca much more listless as it stared intently at the opponent across the field.
The smoke cleared.
Clawitzer lay on the field with spiral eyes.
"Damn, that final Pain Split was truly a stroke of genius!"
"Just when Clawitzer's Heal Pulse was about to withstand Thunderbolt's impact..."
"Victory and defeat really were decided in an instant."
"If Elite Four Siebold's Heal Pulse was the final seasoning of cooking, then Teacher Johan's Pain Split was probably the finishing touch of scallions sprinkled before serving?"
"..."
Clawitzer, unable to battle!
Rotom also looked listless, lying on the ground panting heavily.
That was close...
Really close.
Indeed it was close. If anyone else had commanded, this battle would have been very difficult to win.
However, through this battle, both Johan and Rotom gained so understanding of their respective strengths.
Roughly at a level slightly weaker than ordinary Elite Four main Pokémon. Being able to win this ti was due to type advantage, surprise tactics, and Johan's commanding playing key roles.
Ultimately, Pokémon strength wasn't asured by data and numbers. Otherwise, there would be no need for battles - everyone could just compare numbers to see who won.
The Pokémon's own condition, the advantages and disadvantages of abilities and types, the trainer's condition and commanding ability - all would influence strength to so extent.
But overall, the result was considerably better than Johan's expectations. He had been prepared for Rotom to use Volt Switch.
Win or lose didn't matter - just don't let the little one get seriously injured.
"Well done, Rotom," Johan praised without reservation.
"It-it was just okay, Rotom~" Rotom laughed sheepishly.
"I'll hold down Gengar for five hundred shots later."
He had originally promised three hundred shots. Since they won, naturally there should be a "reward."
"Long live, Rotom!!"
This excited Rotom more than winning the battle.
Gengar: ???
Siebold across the field had already recalled Clawitzer, wearing an intoxicated expression.
"Is this Teacher Johan's 'cooking'? Truly a lingering instant that leaves one wanting more. However..."
Siebold held another Poké Ball, his expression more serious and full of anticipation:
"My final main course is just about to take the stage!"
"Go, Blastoise!"
Bang!!!
The robust Blastoise landed heavily on the field, raising large clouds of dust.
Thick shell, sturdy and powerful limbs, the two cannons on its shell were especially eye-catching, gleaming with bright tallic luster.
Most attention-grabbing was undoubtedly what Blastoise wore on its forehead - a sphere emitting brilliant light, a ga Stone!
"Here it cos! It's Elite Four Siebold's ace Blastoise!"
"See that ga Stone on its forehead? Elite Four Siebold's Blastoise can ga Evolve!"
"Truly worthy of an ace Pokémon. Wonder which Pokémon Teacher Johan will send to respond."
"Could it be Gengar? Might we see a battle between ga Pokémon today?"
"But I heard Teacher Johan's ga Gengar is so strong that even Unova Champion Alder wouldn't dare claim certain victory..."
Blastoise's appearance imdiately caused considerable discussion.
This Blastoise's strength was also visibly formidable, worthy of being an Elite Four's ace Pokémon.
"Blastoise!!"
Blastoise's low but imposing roar again stirred up dust. Influenced by Siebold, Blastoise's fighting spirit was extrely high.
Regarding Blastoise's appearance, Johan wasn't surprised at all, and he had already decided who should face it.
However.
When he reached for the Poké Ball at his waist, one of them shook with so excitent.
Hm?
Even without looking, Johan knew who was so excited.
But regarding its excitent, Johan was inevitably sowhat surprised.
Ceruledge!
That was a starter Water-type's final evolution, and it was equipped with a ga Stone, definitely capable of ga Evolution. You, a Fire-type Pokémon, want to battle - isn't that...
Although having Siebold, an Elite Four of the Kalos region, use a Kanto starter as his ace was sowhat questionable, Johan was still very familiar with and fond of Pokémon like Blastoise.
Ceruledge going up could be said to have no advantage whatsoever, and would actually be at complete disadvantage due to typing.
But Ceruledge's aura passed through the Poké Ball, expressing a strong desire to battle Johan.
It wanted to fight this Blastoise!
It had heard Johan ntion information about the "ga Launcher" ability before. Besides Clawitzer and Clauncher, only ga Blastoise possessed it, as far as Johan knew.
During this ti, Ceruledge... or rather Armarouge, had tried quite a bit to simulate the characteristics of "ga Launcher," but honestly the results weren't very significant.
So it thought there was nothing... better than battling a Pokémon with this ability to gain insights, right?
The previous Clawitzer was unavoidable - it didn't know Siebold's first Pokémon would be Clawitzer, with both sides summoning Pokémon simultaneously.
But this ti... it wanted to try!
Buzz—
Johan could even feel Ceruledge's Poké Ball becoming sowhat hot, as if extrely strong flas were burning freely inside, just like its high fighting spirit and desire for battle.
Faced with this situation, Johan could only chuckle and moved his hand from the other Poké Ball to grasp the one containing Ceruledge.
When his own Pokémon made such a strong request for battle, what else could he say?
It was just a battle, one victory or defeat.
Having fun was most important.
Moreover... they wouldn't necessarily lose!
"Then it's decided - you're up, Ceruledge!"
Whoosh!!
Red light flashed as a burst of fla suddenly appeared on the field. Blazing fire erupted from Ceruledge's armor, rising into scorching firelight.
"Fire-type, Ceruledge?"
Seeing the Pokémon Johan summoned, everyone was stunned.
Fire versus Water, and going second at that. This...
"Could it be that Teacher Johan is also a reverse-type master?"
Sending out Fire-type against Water-type Pokémon - besides Fire-type specialists, who would do this?
Even kids just starting Pokémon school knew water beats fire.
Actually, Lance and Wikstrom in the stands were also very surprised.
But when they noticed Ceruledge's eyes and condition, their surprise lessened sowhat, replaced by understanding.
"Such high fighting spirit!" Wikstrom said. "Advancing courageously despite difficulties - this is a respectable knight!"
Both wearing armor, Wikstrom was full of admiration for Ceruledge's condition.
Lance wasn't a knight, but he also saw the passion for Pokémon battles in Ceruledge.
So what if typing was disadvantageous? It wouldn't necessarily lose!
A cold face flashed in his mind.
Actually, Siebold was also very surprised when he saw Ceruledge, but when he noticed Ceruledge's condition, he imdiately understood.
"I see, this is Teacher Johan's cooking thod? High-temperature cooking, fierce fire stir-frying, concentrating essence in one body!"
Siebold was obviously the typical Western head chef type - beautiful plating, delicious taste, but lacking a bit of smoky atmosphere, missing so warmth.
It had to be said that under Siebold's "enlightened" words, the audience also "saw" the characteristics of this battle from another angle.
"Wait, I thought it was just gimmick and jokes. They're really comparing cooking?"
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