Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!-Chapter 384: Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! []

The battle officially began.

At the same time, the cameras positioned around the battlefield sprang to life, broadcasting the showdown between Johto's Elite Four member and Hoenn's Champion to the entire Hoenn region.

Thanks to days of promotional efforts by Devon Corporation, nearly everyone in Hoenn knew about this battle.

At this moment, aside from trainers deep in forests or caves, most of the region's trainers were glued to their screens, watching the match. freeweɓnøvel.com

It was Johto's Elite Four member versus their Champion.

Many believed Steven was the clear winner, but that didn't stop them from tuning in. After all, battles like these were an opportunity to learn and grow as trainers.

Luo Yuan and Steven, however, were oblivious to the thoughts of their audience.

Luo Yuan glanced at the cameras surrounding the arena. Understanding Joseph Stone's intentions, he chuckled but didn't call him out.

Instead, he signaled Silph Co.'s president to begin their own livestream.

The Silph Co. president nodded at his staff, who promptly activated the holographic projectors.

In an instant, trainers worldwide who owned Silph Co.'s holographic communicators received a notification:

[Hoenn Champion Steven Stone VS Johto Elite Four Luo Yuan. Click to watch >>>]

The broadcast brought the battlefield to life, projecting a vivid, three-dimensional view of the match. It was as if viewers were right there in the arena.

The impact was particularly profound in Hoenn.

Trainers using Devon Corporation's Pokémon Navigator watched enviously as their friends with Silph Co. holographic communicators experienced the immersive battle. They couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

When Joseph Stone received the news, his expression darkened.

"..."

All his promotional efforts had ended up benefiting Silph Co., essentially giving them free advertising.

Faced with the stark contrast between holographic projections and the flat screen of the Pokémon Navigator, even he couldn't bring himself to favor his own product.

Grinding his teeth, Joseph Stone could only swallow his frustration.

Meanwhile, the Silph Co. president wore a smug grin.

When Luo Yuan had first suggested this idea, it had struck him as brilliant. Now, seeing the results exceeded his expectations.

This head-to-head comparison ensured that even trainers unfamiliar with Silph Co. would come away with a lasting impression.

"Silph Co.? Oh, that's the company that's a whole generation ahead of Devon Corporation in tech!"

Such was the advantage of technological superiority.

For Silph Co., even just boosting brand awareness in Hoenn made this venture a huge success.

Of course, the ultimate prize—entry into Hoenn's market—depended on the outcome of this battle.

Both presidents turned their attention back to the battlefield.

---

At last, Luo Yuan and Steven threw their Poké Balls.

Bang!

Two flashes of light illuminated the arena as both trainers revealed their first Pokémon.

"Aggron?"

Luo Yuan eyed the silver-armored Pokémon standing before Steven, its menacing horns gleaming.

Steven, on the other hand, frowned as he recognized Luo Yuan's choice.

"Garchomp!"

Garchomp, a Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon, had a significant advantage over Aggron's Steel/Rock typing, with a quadruple effectiveness against it.

For Steven, this wasn't a favorable matchup.

In high-level battles like these, even the slightest disadvantage could determine the outcome, let alone a quadruple weakness.

Still, Steven didn't falter.

His mind raced as he immediately issued a command. "Aggron, use Metal Sound!"

Aggron crossed its metallic arms, creating a grating noise that echoed toward Garchomp.

"Metal Sound?"

Luo Yuan raised an eyebrow. Using the distance between the two Pokémon and Metal Sound's unavoidable effect to lower Garchomp's already modest Special Defense was a solid strategy.

But...

"Too bad. My Garchomp is faster than you!"

Before Metal Sound could take effect, Garchomp disappeared into the ground, a swirl of dust marking its descent.

Dig!

The earth absorbed the metallic screech, nullifying its impact on Garchomp.

"Digging underground?" Steven instinctively considered using Earthquake.

But before he could give the order, Garchomp burst from the ground at an angle, launching a surprise attack on Aggron.

"Brick Break!"

Garchomp's blinding speed surpassed the sound barrier, creating a sonic boom as it swung its claw down on Aggron.

Though not a Dragon-type move, the Fighting-type Brick Break dealt quadruple damage to Aggron's typing.

If the attack landed, Aggron would be in serious trouble.

"Block it, Aggron! Use Ice Punch!" Steven reacted quickly, giving the optimal command.

Aggron's bulky frame made dodging impossible, but countering with Ice Punch—super effective against Garchomp—was the best way to minimize damage and retaliate.

Boom!

Brick Break and Ice Punch collided mid-air.

The impact unleashed a shockwave, with Garchomp's supersonic momentum kicking up a storm of sand and debris across the field.

Garchomp staggered back several steps, its fin-like arms glinting with frost from the icy blow.

Aggron, however, fared worse.

The force of the collision sent its massive frame stumbling back. Its armored fist bore a visible slash mark from Garchomp's attack, and its expression twisted in pain.

Even so, Aggron remained standing.

"Sturdy..." Luo Yuan noted calmly.

He had already reviewed detailed data on Steven's Aggron, including its abilities and Steven's battle habits.

This foresight had allowed him to predict the Metal Sound strategy and have Garchomp dig underground right at the start.

---

...

Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.

Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.

WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.

If you had fun, you know what to do:

👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]

Heads up—Patreon's 50% off for all tiers during May. So if you were on the fence? Now's the time.

And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.

👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]

Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.

—Leaf