Chapter 45. Dominate the Academy
If a Trainer were commanding, then with Meganium's naturally learned move pool—making good use of moves like Growl, Poison Powder, Reflect, Leech Seed, Light Screen, and Synthesis—defeating Dragonair would be incredibly easy, relying on the level difference and her already high defensive stats. Even a Trainer like Ash, who isn't very skilled at using these moves, could remind Meganium to evade Ryū's attacks coming from above, avoiding subsequent damage.
"Bay!!"
A surge of ice-blue cold air struck down onto the top of Meganium's head. The Ice-type attack dealt double damage to the Grass-type Meganium. Even with a level difference, this hit would be quite painful for Meganium. Unfortunately, this move wasn't a critical hit. Perhaps because the effect of Hone Claws was applied to the Twister just now.
[Dragon Tail]
After landing a hit, Ryū didn't stop. Instead, seizing the moment of Meganium's painful stiffness, he swung out his long tail. Non-turn-based battles don't have the rule that you must wait for the opponent to act before acting yourself. A faint purple glow lit up on Ryū's tail. The strong and powerful tail forcefully whipped against Meganium's chest, dealing a second instance of damage.
Large physique. Although the area of impact was also enlarged, the attack range and move range were similarly increased. There are pros and cons. The degree of pros and cons also differs for different Pokémon. For Pokémon like Venusaur, Torterra, and Torkoal, who aren't good at dodging and would choose to tank hits anyway, a larger physique is naturally better.
After two consecutive hits, Meganium's condition was clearly not looking good. First, she took double damage from an Ice-type move, and then was hit by a Dragon-type physical move. You should know that she had just had her physical defense lowered by Ryū using Glare.
"Bay!" Meganium was clearly a bit angry. In a fit of rage, countless pink petals shot out from the large flower around her neck. The sky-filling petals danced with the wind and 'drifted' towards Ryū.
[Petal Dance]
This is the Grass-type ultimate move that Meganium naturally learns upon evolution, with power equivalent to Solar Beam. The two moves each have their pros and cons. In terms of performance in the game, the latter is clearly more useful. But it's hard to say in reality. The reason for using the word 'drift' to describe those petals is because the trajectory of these petals is unpredictable. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes gracefully maneuvering, sometimes surging forward, and it lasts for a period of time.
This kind of move is quite difficult to evade. Within a limited area, even Teleport isn't very effective. Knowing Protect is also useless. In reality, Protect can only block the first hit, but Petal Dance attacks countless times. Ryū currently didn't have a good way to deal with this move.
'Tsk.'
Ryū struggled, flipping back and forth in the air, but was still hit by many petals, causing him some injuries. If he could learn the Dig move, he could easily evade these petals.
"Good opportunity." Ryū endured until the effect of Petal Dance ended, and his gaze fell upon Meganium, who had fallen into a 'confusion' state. The effect of Petal Dance is like this: after use, it causes the user Pokémon to enter a 'confusion' state for a period of time. Pokémon in this state lose control over their bodies. They can't be sure what move they'll use or who they'll use it on; it's basically all up to luck.
[Hone Claws]
[Icy Wind]
Taking advantage of the ample time, Ryū used a combo move again, using an Ice-type move on Meganium, who was shaking her head and wobbling in place. Meganium's luck in the confusion state was clearly not very good. In her confusion, she actually used the move Tackle, charging straight into the Icy Wind Ryū sprayed out.
It was super effective!
A critical hit!
"Bay!" After a cry of pain, Meganium staggered two steps, then fell to the ground. The type advantage and critical hit ended Meganium in her state of confusion. The winner was decided.
"Aran is the best!" Ryuuki, who had been watching, suddenly jumped out, rushed over, hugged Ryū, and kissed him twice fiercely. She was even more excited than Ryū. Anyone who didn't know would have thought she was the strongest Pokémon student at the Pokémon Academy.
'Personal Panel.'
[Dragonair]
[Potential]: Purple
[Level]: Lv. 33
[Attribute]: Dragon
[Ability]: Shed Skin
[Height]: 9m
[Weight]: 38kg
[Moves]: Hone Claws (Inherited), Wrap, Glare, Twister, Thunder Wave, Dragon Tail, Agility, Slam, Icy Wind, Aqua Tail
"As expected, I leveled up and even learned Aqua Tail. My attack coverage is wider now." Ryū looked at the panel and happily smiled. Defeating Meganium while being at least 7 or 8 levels lower, plus the growth boost effect from Dragon Power. If that still didn't give him a level up, then Ryū would truly have reason to be angry.
Around them, one by one, the Pokémon let out meaningless, spirited roars. They were probably celebrating the birth of the new overlord of the Pokémon Academy.
From the distant bush, the peeping scholar duo couldn't help but click their tongues as they watched the scene. "If I recall correctly, Lord Aran was still a nursing baby just over 3 months ago?"
"Yes."
"So, he grew to the point where he can already fight on the battlefield in just 3 months?"
"Yes."
"..."
"..."
The two scholars exchanged glances, both detecting shock in the other's eyes. They had also been at this Pokémon Academy for 3 years. And that Meganium entered this academy at the same time as them. In other words, the level that Meganium reached in 36 months, Ryū reached in just over 3 months.
"Even the most talented Pokémon should have a limit. There must be a reason why Lord Aran is growing so fast."
"If you want to talk about the difference between Lord Aran and other Pokémon, it's undoubtedly his warlike nature. Other sub-adult Pokémon might only have battle training 2 or 3 times a week, but Lord Aran started battling 4 or 5 times a day from the moment he left his infancy. The most exaggerated instance was 17 battles in one day!"
One scholar took out his observation notebook. It recorded the data they had secretly observed and noted down on a daily basis. Regarding diet, he didn't think the special Pokémon food here at the Pokémon Academy would be inferior to that in the Royal Palace. Therefore, the difference brought about by diet should be ruled out first. Then the only other difference left is 'battles'.
"So, there's a reason why Lord Aran has been frequently seeking out other Pokémon to fight. This can greatly accelerate his growth rate! Lord Aran has always been smarter than other Pokémon; he must have been aware of this, which is why he fought so frequently!"
"This is a huge discovery! I never expected Pokémon to have this kind of characteristic!" The two scholars exchanged excited glances, having discovered something incredible. Because in this world, whether it's humans or plants and animals, they all grow naturally. Battles do not accelerate their growth; they might even have a negative effect.
But they hadn't expected that the characteristics of Pokémon are different from humans and ordinary plants and animals. They can accumulate experience through battles and accelerate their growth!
"We must immediately inform Lord Liz of this discovery!"
"Yes, making good use of this information might allow our Trainer army to far surpass the Earth Kingdom in strength!"