Pokémon: Above the Top

For a qualified Trainer, training is usually the core of life, while battles are merely showcases of the results.

Once everyone had gained new Pokémon, their enthusiasm for training surged again.

This had nothing to do with novelty; new Pokémon often inspired Trainers with new ideas, such as on-the-spot tactics, combat techniques, move development, and more.

Even a simple move like Tackle could show completely different effects depending on the Pokémon using it. By analyzing the differences between Pokémon, learning from strengths, compensating for weaknesses, focusing on targeted improvements, and researching exclusive tactics and move combinations.

Even with the same Pokémon species, due to individual variation, the final battle system would differ greatly once it took shape.

That's why there isn't a single Trainer in the world who could confidently claim they could train every species to its full potential.

At such times, choosing one or two types to study in depth is far more reliable than attempting to master every type.

Of course, this world is never short of geniuses. There are indeed those who can handle every type with ease… but they're extremely rare.

Sato knew he wasn't that kind of "genius". And with his Dark Energy, he was much more suited to the specialized path of focusing on a single type.

Otherwise, his non-Dark-type Pokémon would eventually fall behind.

"Krokorok, Bite, continuous attack."

"Orb-Orb, Reflect! Then Hidden Power!"

In the training grounds, Sato and Mark were engaged in a practice battle. Krokorok wasn't slow, its short legs carried it forward in a few bounding leaps.

Not long ago, Solosis had successfully evolved into Duosion. But because the name was a mouthful, Mark still called it Orb…

Golden rhombus-shaped energy blocks flickered around Duosion, quickly forming a barrier. Reflect activated, and Bite's threat level dropped immediately.

After tanking one attack from Krokorok, Duosion's body glowed green. Twenty Hidden Power spheres burst outward in a flash, striking Krokorok one after another.

"Dig." Sato continued his commands. Krokorok lowered its head and vanished in a blink.

Duosion's Hidden Power had the Water type, which was tough for Krokorok to handle. That move alone was what gave Mark the confidence to pit Duosion against Krokorok.

Otherwise, a Psychic-type Pokémon without Teleport and with slow speed wouldn't stand a chance against a Dark-type like Krokorok.

"Orb, use Light Screen! Then Recover!" Faced with the underground Krokorok, Mark didn't waste a moment and kept powering up Duosion.

Light Screen enveloped Duosion from all directions, sealing it tight. Then, it boldly began to use Recover to restore stamina.

"Krokorok, Brick Break."

Sato spoke calmly. Fighting-type moves didn't have a special advantage against Psychic-types, but Brick Break happened to shatter both Reflect and Light Screen.

"I was waiting for that! Orb, Hidden Power: upgrade version!" Mark shouted excitedly.

Sato twitched at the corner of his mouth. That move "name" was something else.

Krokorok suddenly burst from beneath Duosion. Its right hand glowed orange, Brick Break ripped through Reflect and Light Screen like paper.

Just as Brick Break was about to land on Duosion, the latter had already gathered twenty Hidden Power spheres and was fusing them wildly in Krokorok's path.

"Attack the big energy sphere!"

Sato urgently issued the command. Krokorok twisted its right claw and slammed Brick Break straight into the fused Hidden Power "big sphere."

A wave of bluish energy burst outward. It looked beautiful, sure… but it had completely lost its offensive effect.

"That's not a big sphere! That's Hidden Power: Upgrade Version!" Mark protested loudly.

"Heh~ Crunch," Sato sneered and continued commanding Krokorok to attack.

Mark could only frantically direct Duosion to defend itself, but he wasn't going to admit defeat so easily.

On the sidelines, a long line of spectators watched their battle with great interest, trying to absorb as much as possible and incorporate it into their own battles.

Watching others battle was also a form of training and learning. Those tired could slack off, and those eager to learn could try analyzing the purpose behind every command; it had something for everyone.

A few minutes later, Duosion ultimately lost to Krokorok's powerful jaws due to the type disadvantage.

Soon, under Sato's lead, Sina and Sosuke took the field for their turn in training battles.

"The League just sent a notice, 'the year-end Gym assessment is about to begin. All Gym Leaders should be prepared'," Joseph walked up as soon as Sato stepped off the field, bringing the latest intel.

"Any specifics on the assessment?"

"No. From what I've gathered, the year-end assessment changes every year, it's never announced in advance," Joseph had clearly done his research.

"Whatever comes, we'll handle it. Shadownight Gym isn't afraid of anything!" Mark barged in with bravado.

"Just don't drag us down. The Gym evaluation doesn't necessarily test only the Gym Leader," Joseph shot back, instantly shutting Mark up.

"Ah? Boss, in order not to hold back the Gym, I think I need to take a month-long vacation!"

"Hmm, very self-aware," Joseph nodded in approval.

Mark: (*￣rǒ￣)!

"Let it come. It's our first year, it shouldn't be too hard," Sato chuckled, watching the two bicker before speaking casually.

However, when the year-end assessment actually arrived… they realized how naive they had been.

A simulated city defense battle!

If Ralts hadn't detected the sudden influx of Trainers into Shadownight Town, Sato probably wouldn't have even known the assessment had started.

The year-end assessment came without warning. Sato immediately used Ralts's Telepathy to summon everyone -including Amber- at once.

After a two-minute briefing, everyone looked at the sun setting in the west, thinking, 'The League really knows how to stir things up.'

"In a simulated city defense battle, there are certain key areas that are always battlegrounds: the Pokémon Center, the commercial district, landmark buildings, city/towns entrances and exits, the power and water stations, etc.

Now I'll assign tasks. Everyone move to your locations as quickly as possible. Report immediately if you notice anything unusual.

Joseph, take Ponyo and Sosuke to the west entrance of town. Mark, you go with Sina and Sia to the east entrance.

Amber, knowing how the League operates, the Shadownight Intelligence Shop is very likely to be attacked, leave that area to you.

Akira, you're coming with me to guard the Pokémon Center. Also… Murkrow, Houndoom!"

Sato called out in the distance, and a large flock of Murkrow instantly swooped down from the sky, filling the air.

At the same time, dozens of Houndour burst out from who-knows-where. Leading them were four Houndoom, foremost among them, of course, was Sato's own.

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