"Selene's tactics…" Cynthia trailed off, unsure what to say.
"It's got that familiar feel, all right. No wonder they say she's truly inherited it," Wallace said bluntly.
Leon shot a worried glance toward Mustard. "Master…"
"What a shame… such a cute girl, and she's already been corrupted," Kukui sighed.
"Hey, hey, you guys are being a bit harsh here," Dylan said awkwardly.
"I swear, I never taught Selene any of that! She figured it out herself!"
He felt completely wronged. Sure, he liked using 'creative' strategies in battles—but he'd never taught Selene anything this underhanded!
If anything, he'd always told her that true strength came from honorable power, and that cheap tricks were just shortcuts.
"Ah yes, of course, of course," Wallace replied with an exaggerated nod.
Dylan rolled his eyes. Believe me or don't, whatever.
On the field—
Mienshao could no longer continue. Trapped by Encore and cursed, it stood no chance.
Even though Mustard hadn't given up, it didn't matter—his impatience only got it hit by Hypnosis, and then Dream Eater finished it off before he could react.
Mustard looked like he was about to burst.
Not only was Dream Eater powerful, but it also restored Gengar's health—essentially undoing the self-damage from Curse.
Selene took the first round.
But Mustard, ever the seasoned champion, quickly regained his composure and sent out his second Pokémon—Luxray.
The lion-like Electric-type landed with a commanding presence.
Beep—Luxray, Electric-type, the Gleam Eyes Pokémon.
Ability: Intimidate.
Moves: Wild Charge, Swagger, Crunch, Volt Switch, Roar…
Description: Its piercing eyes can see through anything, allowing it to spot prey hiding in the dark.
A very strong Luxray indeed.
Under Intimidate, Mega Gengar's Attack dropped—but Selene didn't seem to care.
Mustard ordered Luxray to dash in with Quick Attack, hoping to close the distance before Gengar could react.
Selene countered with Taunt. The moment Luxray got close, it fell right into it—forced to use only attacking moves.
Mustard's expression tightened. His plan had been to use Swagger to confuse Gengar or Roar to force it out.
Now both options were gone.
Luxray lunged with Wild Charge, but Gengar cackled and floated up effortlessly, evading the hit before scattering Toxic Spikes across the field.
Mustard's eyes widened. "No you don't! Wild Charge again!"
Luxray hit its mark this time—but the spikes were already laid.
When it landed, it stepped right into them, wincing in pain.
And then came the blue flames—Will-O-Wisp.
Burned.
"Another one down," Leon muttered, rubbing his temples.
A burn was devastating for a physical attacker like Luxray—and the poison hazard on the ground only made things worse.
Luxray tried to use Volt Switch to escape, but Gengar was too fast; the attack missed completely.
The moment Taunt ended, Mustard tried to have Luxray Roar—but Selene's timing was perfect.
"Taunt again!"
Another mocking glare from Gengar shut down Mustard's plans all over again.
Luxray—KO.
Mustard hesitated, then threw out his third Poké Ball—Corviknight.
As soon as it appeared, Corviknight used Defog, clearing the poison spikes from the field.
Even though Corviknight wasn't affected by them, it was better to play it safe for his next Pokémon.
Mustard immediately went for Taunt—he'd learned his lesson.
But as Corviknight cried out, Gengar's eyes glowed red—Hypnosis!
Thud.
Corviknight dropped from the air, fast asleep.
Mustard froze, fists clenching. Across from him, Selene's sweet smile only deepened.
Two Dream Eaters later, Corviknight fainted—while Mega Gengar was back to full health, practically glowing with satisfaction.
On the big screen, Corviknight's icon dimmed—and the crowd erupted.
"What is with this girl's battle style?!"
"Bullying an old man like this—does she have no shame?!"
"She's won three rounds without even brawling properly, and her Gengar's still at full health?!"
"No wonder they say she came out of that 'sinister ghost gym.' She's mastered the art of torment!"
"Insane! No wonder she's Kanto's new Elite Four member—I respect it!"
The arena went wild, and the live chat exploded even more.
Whatever the method, the fact was clear—Mustard had already lost three of his main Pokémon.
And Selene's Mega Gengar hadn't even broken a sweat.
Even watching the process, her performance was flawless—just… unconventional.
As for Mustard, he was anything but amused.
"Whew…"
He exhaled deeply. Years of discipline and inner peace—nearly shattered.
Good thing he still kept fit, or this match might've actually given him a heart attack.
"Master Mustard, are you all right?"
Selene asked with sincere concern.
She'd met plenty of trainers who'd had mental breakdowns mid-battle—some even resorting to shouting at her in frustration.
But she'd learned long ago, watching Dylan's gym matches, that those were just the tantrums of losers.
All you had to do was smile and say, "Heehee."
Of course, a few had even tried to challenge her to a real-life fight afterwards—but honestly, that just made her laugh.
You couldn't even beat me in a Pokémon battle, and you think you can take on my Incineroar?
Still, in front of an audience, she decided to be polite.
"No problem~ This old man's spirit is strong as ever~"
Mustard waved reassuringly, though he really wanted to ask where the heck this girl learned to battle like that.
But that could wait until later.
"Seems normal tactics won't beat your Gengar. In that case…"
Mustard's eyes hardened as he threw his fourth Poké Ball.
"Urshifu!"
A muscular, fierce Urshifu landed before him, its white headband fluttering.
It was the Single Strike Style!
"Whoa~ so that's Urshifu? It's so cool!" Selene's eyes sparkled.
"Hahaha~ good taste! Urshifu is the definition of cool!"
Suddenly, Mustard found the girl much more likable again.
"Shame, though. I've already entrusted both my students to others—otherwise, I'd give you one, little miss."
Her battle style might be questionable, but her strength was undeniable. Maybe if she had her own Urshifu, it could steer her toward a more… honorable path.
"Now then—let's get serious!"
Mustard recalled Urshifu, lifting his wrist as the red energy of his Dynamax Band surged into the Poké Ball.
With a mighty throw, Gigantamax Single Strike Urshifu emerged, roaring skyward.
ROAAAR!
The ground trembled beneath its feet, divine fury blazing in its eyes.
The crowd went wild.
A Mega Evolution versus a Gigantamax form—what a rare sight!
And not just any Gigantamax—this was Urshifu, a legendary warrior Pokémon!
"That's so awesome!!"
Its power, its form—it was perfect.
Selene's eyes shone. The Gigantamax Urshifu was exactly her type. Such a pity Mustard said he didn't have any more of them.
"Master Mustard?"
"Hm?"
He glanced at her curiously.
"Why don't you let your Urshifu… try really hard and have another cub?"
Mustard: "…"
Gigantamax Urshifu: (⊙.⊙)
This girl's thought process… was something else entirely.
Mustard couldn't help looking back at his Urshifu. Sure, he had two of them—but they weren't exactly young anymore.
…Could they even still have cubs?
(End of Chapter)