"Greninja vs. Rillaboom? Typing-wise, Greninja is at a disadvantage."
Dawn looked at the Greninja and Rillaboom facing off on the field.
After all, Greninja was weak to Grass-type attacks, so the battle was naturally unfavorable.
"There's still room to work with. It depends on both sides' strength and tactics, but..."
Caitlin looked at the Rillaboom on the field. That Rillaboom had a really intimidating presence.
That couldn't help but make Caitlin glance at Gloria again. This girl... also seemed to be a "monster."
Seriously, what the hell!
Caitlin looked at Gloria's sweet, clean face. Over the past year, how many of these kinds of "monsters" had she seen?
A Trainer with this kind of talent should be rare, shouldn't they?
And yet they'd run into one just exploring a ruin?
"This Rillaboom's strength should be very strong."
Dawn voiced her own judgment.
She could tell this battle was probably not going to be easy for Serena.
But that was a good thing. This girl wanted to join Team Rocket, after all. With Gloria joining, Team Rocket would only get stronger.
"Yeah, what a shame."
Damian looked at the handsome, cold Greninja and couldn't help feeling a little regretful.
He had specifically looked into it. In this world, Protean and Libero were already the nerfed versions from his previous life's Gen IX.
The original Protean and Libero Abilities were extremely strong, because when Protean Greninja used an attacking move, it would change into the same type as the move it used.
That way, no matter what move Greninja used, it could always get Same-Type Attack Bonus.
And against certain opponents, it could also use Protean to gain resistance or even immunity.
For example, when fighting Electric-type Pokémon, it could become Ground-type through its Ability. Then against Psychic-type opponents, it could switch back to Dark-type, constantly turning that advantage active and in hand.
But after Gen IX, Protean and Libero were both nerfed. In battle, the Ability could only activate once unless it was reset after switching out.
That greatly reduced the practicality of both Abilities. There was still a bit of room for play, but only a little.
Meanwhile, Torrent at least could boost Greninja's Water-type move power when it was in bad shape, giving it a chance to turn the battle around.
The battle on the field began.
Serena did not switch out Greninja. As her starter, it wasn't her ace anymore, but it was still absolutely part of her core lineup.
Serena was very confident in Greninja. Besides, it was only a type disadvantage, not like she had never fought through one before.
Greninja wasn't only Water-type; it was also Dark-type.
But this Grassy Terrain was indeed a little troublesome, because on Grassy Terrain, Grass-type moves used by Pokémon would be powered up.
Still, Greninja had the speed advantage.
"Rillaboom, Grassy Glide!"
Gloria decisively gave the order and took the initiative.
Rillaboom sprinted quickly toward Greninja. Once it got within range, it leaned back and slid low in a sudden tackle, the grass underfoot giving it the smoothest possible slide.
Normally, the Grass-type move Grassy Glide was just a regular Grass-type attack. But on Grassy Terrain, Grassy Glide became a Priority move!
That was the real value of Grassy Terrain.
Damian really clicked his tongue at the sight.
Why were Rillaboom and Incineroar able to stand alongside legendaries like Urshifu and Chien-Pao in the Pokémon games of his previous life?
Because of their strength. Pokémon power was never just about combat power alone. "Strength" was always a broad term.
A Pokémon's power depended not just on its base combat stats, but also heavily on its Ability and moves.
And Rillaboom was the perfect example. With Grassy Surge as a field-based Ability, solid Attack, access to moves like Fake Out, and most importantly Grassy Glide!
Generally speaking, aside from a few Priority moves like Extreme Speed and the conditional Dark-type Sucker Punch, Priority moves didn't have high power.
And Grassy Glide itself was a normal move, except that because of its additional effect, it also counted as a First Strike.
On top of that, Grass-type moves got a 30% boost on Grassy Terrain. Yeah, in the games, one scoop and one fat-headed fish down wasn't a joke.
It was precisely because of Rillaboom's strength that Grassy Glide got nerfed in Gen IX, dropping straight from 70 power to 60 power. Even so, Rillaboom was still strong.
Then it got nerfed a second time, from 60 power down to 55. Only then did it finally settle down.
But reality wasn't a game, and dealing with Grassy Glide wasn't actually that hard.
"Upper Hand!"
Serena immediately shouted.
Greninja stood with its arms folded, calmly watching the charging Rillaboom. The moment Rillaboom closed in—
Greninja's right hand flashed white, striking faster than the attack could land.
Smack!
A crisp slap rang in everyone's ears, and Rillaboom was sent flying by Upper Hand.
A Fighting-type Upper Hand!
This was a move specifically meant to counter First Strike, and Grassy Glide on Grassy Terrain was also beaten by Upper Hand.
Rillaboom, slapped flying by Upper Hand, lay on the ground clutching its right cheek, blankly staring at Greninja, still not having come back to itself for a moment.
The stinging pain on its face left Rillaboom a little stunned.
In truth, Upper Hand didn't beat Rillaboom very hard, so the damage wasn't that high—but that slap...
Soon, anger and humiliation appeared on Rillaboom's face. It let out a furious growl, its entire gorilla face red with rage.
Damn it, that bastard Greninja! How dare it slap me!!!
Yet Greninja still just stood there with its arms crossed, coolly staring at Rillaboom, completely unconcerned with Rillaboom's anger.
"Calm down, Rillaboom."
Gloria soothed Rillaboom while glancing slightly furrow-browed at Greninja.
As expected of an executive from that organization, its strength really was something.
Although it had only been a single probing move, Gloria had already confirmed that Serena was very strong—a rival on equal footing.
But...
That made it more interesting!
Gloria's clear eyes were full of excitement. This battle was definitely going to be fun!
As a Trainer, who wouldn't love a fight? Gloria had plenty of rivals, like Hop, Marnie, and Bede, who had long since vanished without a trace.
But no matter which of those three it was, they still weren't quite enough for Gloria.
This Serena in front of her would definitely make her go all out!
"Rillaboom, get in close, Razor Leaf!"
Grassy Terrain shimmered with green motes of light. The green motes sank into Rillaboom's body, restoring its stamina.
This was the second effect of Grassy Terrain: it could restore the stamina of grounded Pokémon.
Rillaboom waved an arm, and a mass of spinning leaves shot rapidly toward Greninja on the opposite side.
The battle continued!
Damian and the other two were sitting on a picnic blanket watching from the sidelines. Damian was even holding a cup of juice, with Terapagos in his arms, looking very relaxed.
He was in a pretty good mood right now. After all, he had gained a lot today and even "picked up" a Gloria for free. Perfect.
And now he could watch Gloria battle Serena too. It was great.
"Ge-sii～"
At that moment, Terapagos and Shadow Mewtwo seemed to pick up on something at the same time, turning their heads toward the direction behind them.
Tap... tap... tap～
Heavy hoofbeats drew near. Damian turned as well, and what came into view was a pure white horse.
Its body was extremely powerful, its fur completely snow-white without a single flaw. It wore a ferocious ice mask on its head, its tail was made of ice blocks, and its four hooves were also covered in hard ice crystals.
This was one of "The King's Proud Steed"—Glastrier!
And on Glastrier's back was a familiar Pokémon.
Seeing the approaching Pokémon, Dawn and Caitlin were both surprised.
"Calyrex, long time no see."
Damian smiled and waved at Calyrex. That's right, the one who arrived was Ice Rider Calyrex.
Last time in the Kalos desert, Calyrex had ridden Spectrier. This time, it was riding Glastrier.
Worth noting was that riding different Proud Steeds would also change Calyrex's typing and strengths.
When riding Spectrier, Shadow Rider Calyrex is Psychic/Ghost-type, and its strengths are Special Attack and Speed.
When riding Glastrier, Ice Rider Calyrex is Psychic/Ice-type, and its strengths are Physical Attack and both defenses.
"I sense Shadow Mewtwo's aura. As expected, it's you, Damian."
The gentle telepathy reached his ears. Ice Rider Calyrex slowly walked over, while Glastrier's normally ferocious eyes stared at Damian and the others with curiosity.
Glastrier's personality is actually very rough and battle-hungry, the complete opposite of the quiet Spectrier.
After the battle in Kalos, after hearing Calyrex explain what had happened, Glastrier was truly filled with regret. Why had it left Crown Shrine to go rampaging around?
Then wouldn't it have been able to battle properly and to its heart's content?
"I didn't expect your sensing ability to be this strong, Calyrex."
"Since you've come to the Crown Tundra, why not come have a chat with me?"
Calyrex slowly floated up from Glastrier's back, then landed on the picnic blanket, asking as if displeased.
Ever since the kingdom collapsed, Calyrex had been quietly slumbering in the ruined Crown Shrine, living apart from the world.
It only woke up last time when Hoopa Unbound forcibly "drafted" it. In truth, for Calyrex, who was used to solitude, anyone it would take seriously was someone it valued.
And besides, it had clearly said before that if Damian came to the Crown Tundra, he should come look for it.
"I only just got here too. I was planning to come find you at the Temple tomorrow. Didn't expect you to show up first," Damian replied with a smile.
"My Temple is already in shabby condition, so I couldn't properly welcome you."
Calyrex replied helplessly. Its Temple had weathered the ages, and hadn't collapsed, which already counted as pretty good quality.
Not to mention the Temple it lived in was on a mountaintop, where the snow and wind were strong, so it wasn't really suitable for welcoming guests anyway.
"No worries. I mainly came to see you, and now here we are."
Damian didn't mind at all. He took out a bottle of juice, some Pokéblock, and Pokémon snacks from his bag, and handed them to Calyrex.
"Want to try these? I don't think you'd hate them."
"I do not need to eat."
"Food isn't just about satisfying bodily needs. It's also about the spirit, and simple indulgence."
Damian poured a bowl of Pokéblock for Glastrier too. Glastrier sniffed it, then immediately started munching on it eagerly, seeming to really like it.
Before long, the entire bowl of Pokéblock was gone.
"You see? Glastrier eats with real enthusiasm."
Damian pointed at Glastrier. No wonder Glastrier kept sneaking off to steal Iceroot Carrots in the games. This thing was a total glutton.
"What you say makes sense."
Seeing that, Calyrex couldn't help but smile and shake its head. It picked up a piece of dessert, tasted it elegantly, then nodded after savoring it carefully.
"It tastes very good."
"Neigh~"
Glastrier let out a whinny and asked Damian for more food.
"Don't rush. First freeze this a bit, and keep an eye on the temperature."
Damian handed a few bottles of juice and soda over to Glastrier.
Glastrier tilted its head, thought for a moment, then carefully exhaled a breath of cold air, instantly frosting over the surfaces of the bottles.
"Not bad. You've got a future," Damian said with satisfaction, then poured another bag of Pokéblock into the bowl in front of Glastrier.
"I didn't expect the food out there to become this delicious."
Calyrex took another sip of the chilled soda, feeling the fizzy sensation on its taste buds. It found it rather novel.
"After all, it's been far too long since your kingdom's era, Calyrex. Things have changed a lot now," Damian replied casually.
"How about it? Want to come out and take a look around with me? You're stuck here in the Crown Tundra being bored every day anyway, either sleeping or doing nothing. What's the point?"
Damian invited Calyrex with teasing words.
"Go out and take a look around?"
At those words, Calyrex fell into thought. It had not never considered leaving the Crown Tundra, but going out alone also seemed to have no real meaning.
But if it was with Damian, then that didn't seem impossible.
Calyrex glanced at Terapagos in Damian's arms, happily squinting its eyes as it chewed on its food, and its expression gradually became strange.
If it remembered correctly, the last time during the desert big battle, this Terapagos was not like this.
--------------------------------------
No More Waiting - The Story is Complete!
Love what you're reading? Get instant access to the entire story—all 200+ chapters are available right now!
👉 Unlock everything: patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
--------------------------------------