Simply put, a Pokemon's move pool is a reserve. How to probe in battle, how to choose moves to counter the opponent's lineup, how to cleverly utilize move combinations, how to force the opponent to choose unsuitable moves, and so on, are all skills for a Trainer, and also the true strategic depth of a match.
Otherwise, if all Pokemon just used Substitute, Protect, Endure, Light Screen, Reflect, and similar moves from the start, the matches would inevitably be long and lack spectacle.
If we have to make a comparison, this feeling is somewhat similar to esports matches in my previous life.
The Trainer is the coach who strategizes and deploys, while the six Pokemon in their hands are the players controlling the heroes. Each player has heroes they excel at, which corresponds to the moves a Pokemon excels at.
The significance of a Trainer's existence is to conduct daily training to make their Pokemon proficient in their moves to expand their move pool, while also fostering bonds, leading to more astonishing performances in matches.
This is similar to how a coach urges players to expand their hero pool and build rapport, so that they fully trust the coach and execute tactics strictly and efficiently during matches.
After understanding this principle, Marcus also found the thrill of using wisdom to strategize, similar to in games. Predicting the opponent's move choices, switching for defensive coverage, and other such operations are undoubtedly clashes of intellect, which is what high-level Trainers truly need to possess.
Otherwise, if it were just about a Pokemon's strength, couldn't anyone just casually grab an Elite Four or Champion-level Pokemon and become an Elite?
This is where the importance of a Trainer's level is reflected. In the hands of a truly powerful Trainer, all Pokemon are wholeheartedly convinced.
Because they know that he can lead them to victory.
Conversely, a foolish Trainer will only face resistance from their Pokemon.
With this thought, Marcus also began to ponder tactics.
He had just seen the moves of both Pokemon; the dozens of moves listed made his scalp tingle. (Didn't write them out, afraid you'd say I was padding the text~)
This means that in battle, he needs to choose suitable moves from them to counter or suppress the opponent.
"You can go first."
Norman folded his arms, looking confident.
"..." Marcus pondered for a long time before speaking, "Miltank, use Defense Curl!"
Hearing this, Miltank curled herself up, becoming a large pink ball, emitting a glow indicating her defense had risen.
The proficiency of this move was extraordinary, and Miltank completed the boost in an instant.
"Planning to use her best combo, huh..." Norman raised an eyebrow, "Use Encore!"
Encore: Applauds and encourages the opponent, forcing them to repeatedly use the move they just used three times. It's a form of control move.
Norman's idea was simple: facing Miltank's signature Defense Curl + Rollout combo, he just needed to seize the opportunity to break it, then attack continuously.
Vigoroth was seen happily clapping its hands, while Miltank cheerfully continued using Defense Curl, curling herself up and remaining motionless.
Norman seized the opportunity and ordered, "Charge forward like this, then use a maximum power Focus Punch after Bulk Up!!"
Bulk Up: Boosts one's Attack and Defense by striking a bodybuilding pose.
Focus Punch: A powerful Fighting-type physical attack move with 150 power. It requires charging beforehand and unleashes a full-power strike concentrating all of one's strength!
The move Focus Punch is truly strong, but its drawback is also obvious: it's easily interrupted while charging.
And Norman, while controlling with Encore, first boosted himself, then charged to unleash a finishing blow!
Fighting-type moves have a double effectiveness against Normal-type Miltank! With this hit, Miltank might find it hard to withstand!
Caroline on the side gave Norman a reproachful look. The opponent was clearly just an inexperienced child; being this serious would inevitably discourage him.
"Awoo—"
Vigoroth charged forward, swinging its muscular arms. Having used Bulk Up, its bulging muscles looked somewhat menacing. Dust scattered along the way, but it couldn't conceal its fist, which was gleaming with dazzling light.
"Miltank, continue using Defense Curl!"
Struck by the terrifying momentum, Marcus's expression was surprisingly calm, his gaze fixed on Miltank.
He muttered to himself in a voice only he could hear, "Miltank, Base HP 95, Defense 105, Speed 100. Vigoroth Base Attack 80, Speed 90. Under equal conditions, our speed is slightly faster...
3 uses of Defense Curl increase Defense to 2.5 times. The opponent's physical attack is boosted to 1.5 times, with a double weakness, meaning triple damage...
The calculated result should be... she can perfectly withstand this hit!"
Having reached his conclusion, Marcus's face once again showed the strong confidence of someone in control, and he spoke with conviction, "Miltank, take this Focus Punch!"
Boom—
Before the words finished, the long-charged Focus Punch had already struck heavily!
"Bang!"
Miltank's rounded form was thrown high into the air and slammed directly into the wall at the edge of the arena, embedding deeply into it.
Fine cracks spread rapidly like a spiderweb, and with a tremor, the wall shattered.
For a moment, smoke filled the air, obscuring Miltank's figure, while Vigoroth was breathing heavily, the use of such a powerful move also being a considerable burden on it.
"Use Milk Drink!" From within the smoke, Marcus's voice suddenly rang out.
Milk Drink: Restores 50% of maximum HP by drinking its own milk. In reality, it restores a portion of stamina, related to proficiency.
"What?!" Norman was startled. Could it be that Miltank hadn't been knocked out?
"Vigoroth, quickly use Bulk Up!" His reaction was undoubtedly fast. If even Focus Punch couldn't knock out the opponent instantly, he could only increase his attack power by accumulating attack stages.
At this moment, the smoke finally dispersed, and Miltank stood on the spot covered in injuries. Just as Marcus had calculated, she had not fallen.
Marcus grinned and praised, "Well done, Miltank! Stay curled up, roll over there, and then use Body Press!"
At this moment, Marcus finally revealed his third move, and it was his true killing blow!
Body Press: A Fighting-type physical attack move with 80 power. Its characteristic is that the attack is calculated based on one's Defense stage! In other words, the higher the Defense, the stronger the attack!
In his previous life, the Iron Defense + Body Press strategy was a very popular tactic, but Miltank couldn't learn Iron Defense, so Marcus chose Defense Curl as a substitute.
"It's Body Press!!"
Norman had thought he would choose Miltank's signature Rollout, but now, after four Defense boosts, Body Press had reached a power that Vigoroth would find hard to withstand!
"Go for it! Vigoroth, show some guts, use Focus Punch!!"
Dazzling light shone from Vigoroth's fist once again, while Marcus quietly watched Miltank, who was rapidly approaching the opponent after using Defense Curl. There was no triumphant look of suppressing the opponent in his eyes, but rather a gleam of wisdom.
"He still has one last move... which move will he choose to turn the tables?"
"Moo!" After approaching the opponent, Miltank stretched out and lunged towards Vigoroth like a Body Slam.
Vigoroth's Focus Punch was also finally fully charged at this moment, meeting Miltank's attack head-on.
"Boom—!!"
Both were simultaneously sent flying backward, leaving two deep marks on the ground before regaining their footing.
And the next moment, Norman also revealed his final move: "Now! Use Payback!!!"