Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels - There are at least twice as many available chapters on Patreon, compared to here on Webnovel.
Additionally, there are also free extra chapters available for Free Members, so head on over:
Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff
******
The key to double battles is that Trainers often cannot issue commands quickly enough due to the rapidly changing dynamics. It's impractical for them to instantly devise the best counter-strategy.
Ideally, the two Pokemon should develop a strong understanding and autonomously execute their moves. The Trainer primarily focuses on observing the overall situation, occasionally giving crucial instructions and providing necessary reminders.
In fact, high-level Trainers rarely give continuous orders. Not only is it exhausting, but it also reveals their next moves to opponents, making it strategically disadvantageous.
Pokemon battles test not just the creatures but also the psychological battle between Trainers, sometimes becoming the decisive factor in victory or defeat.
Standing amidst the barren land, Lian practiced moves suitable for double battles, such as the Fire-type move Flame Burst.
By causing flames to explode, this attack can damage nearby opposing Pokemon through the spreading fire. However, if the opponent's Pokemon are positioned far apart, its effectiveness diminishes.
Flame Burst was worth practicing, and Incinerate could potentially target both Pokemon simultaneously. However, Lian didn't plan to use Incinerate; instead, he had mastered controlling his Flamethrower to spread out fan-like upon release.
This technique resembled Incinerate but was more powerful, albeit consuming significantly more energy—a sort of enhanced version of Incinerate.
Whoosh!
Lian unleashed a fan-shaped burst of flames towards the barren land ahead. The massive wave would typically cover both opponents' Pokemon effectively during combat.
Kalia nodded approvingly and encouraged him, "Charizard, that move is quite impressive." Recognizing the usefulness of such area-of-effect attacks in double battles, Kalia acknowledged their potential advantage.
At this moment, Ninetales' Drought Ability took effect, intensifying the heat, making sunlight even more piercing, and raising the temperature.
Grovyle and Ninetales practiced alongside Lian, preparing for future double battles where they would need to fight side by side.
Lian turned to Ninetales and suggested, "Ninetales, try using Incinerate while coordinating with my move to create stronger flames."
Fire-type moves can be combined; although released by different Pokemon, they share the same fire energy. As long as they don't directly clash and explode, these moves can merge like converging rivers, resulting in a more potent flame attack.
Of course, this required practice. Lian planned to lead with his flames, guiding Ninetales' fire to create a massive wave-like inferno that would directly overwhelm their opponents.
Nodding, Ninetales responded, "I'll give it a try." With its slender body adorned by blue stripes, it swung its nine tails, unleashing a burst of fiery energy and casting Incinerate, sending fan-shaped flames forward.
Simultaneously, Lian emitted his own fan-shaped flames, swiftly catching up to Ninetales'. As they were about to merge, Lian carefully controlled both sets of flames to combine.
Boom!
Upon contact, there was immediate conflict as Lian's flames, too intense, instantly overwhelmed and dispersed the preceding ones.
It failed.
Lian hadn't managed the control well; the impact was too forceful. These weren't ordinary flames but contained concentrated fire energy, resulting in a clash of energies rather than fusion.
"Let's try again."
The first attempt's failure was expected, given that neither Lian nor Ninetales had much experience working together. They just needed time to synchronize effectively.
"Alright." Ninetales blinked and continued releasing Incinerate, while Lian unleashed his flames, seeking the optimal fusion method to create a massive wave-like attack.
Boom!
Another conflict occurred, but slightly better than before. Undeterred, Lian persisted with experimentation.
Once, twice...
After numerous attempts, Lian finally mastered the technique. With his 50% Fire-Type Mastery, it was inevitable that he would improve through such extensive trials.
"I know how to do this now," Lian said to Ninetales, explaining the precise timing for flame release. After a brief discussion, they were ready to begin anew.
In the barren land, Ninetales' nine tails swayed gracefully. Having conducted several experiments, both Lian and Ninetales understood the required synchronization of their moves.
The next moment, a fan-shaped flame shot forward towards the nearby rocks, resembling a surging wave. Simultaneously, Lian released his own flame.
Two fan-shaped flames raced ahead, one following closely behind the other. However, Lian's flame differed; instead of exerting strong impact force, its purpose was convergence.
Like two small rivers merging into one large river, the twin flames effortlessly combined. Achieving this required Lian's exceptional control; with any other Pokemon, the lack of precise mastery would have led to conflicting flames.
The merged flames did not clash at all, although some individual flames might have canceled each other out, it was imperceptible on the surface.
As they united, the Incinerate move instantly expanded several times in size. Despite intentionally reducing its impact force, the sheer magnitude and wave-like surge of flames exuded a terrifying presence.
Boom!
The flames relentlessly struck the rock formation ahead. Normally, Incinerate is not particularly strong, even when used simultaneously by both Lian and Ninetales, its power remains dispersed.
However, combining their attacks amplified the effect far beyond a simple addition.
Kalia's eyes sparkled with delight, impressed by the formidable display. Although there was no opponent present, the maneuver looked incredibly powerful.
Having successfully merged their flames, numerous moves could now be fused and released together.
However, blending moves had its drawbacks. Since it counts as a single move, if the opponent uses Protect, it would render this combined attack ineffective.
Next, Lian paused his training to attempt Fire Pledge for the first time, having not yet unleashed it before.
He instructed Ninetales to continue practicing while he stepped aside. Flapping his wings, Lian raised a claw and swiftly pressed it onto the ground, doing so primarily because it looked cool.
BOOM!
In the following moment, flames radiated outward, erupting from the earth like blossoming flowers. With a roar, these fiery blooms transformed into columns of fire shooting towards the sky.
Continuous streams of flames surged upwards, forming multiple towering pillars. These flame columns possessed astonishing power and could be controlled by Lian, effectively restricting opponents' movements.
"Fire Pledge?" Kalia exclaimed, then quickly composed herself. It seemed reasonable for Charizard to master Fire Pledge. The main concern was whether Grovyle could learn Grass Pledge; otherwise, only Charizard's mastery would be insufficient, potentially making Flamethrower a more effective choice.