Chapter 28: Destroying Song Tactics
Judging from the strength of this Garchomp's Bite attack, the opponent must have chosen a Life Orb. Since there are no Gengarite items for Mega Evolution in the game, Lu Ye opted for a Focus Sash.
In the game, the Focus Sash ensures a Pokémon survives a lethal hit with 1 HP remaining. Translated to real life, this means hanging on by a thread of stamina.
Pale-faced, Gengar let out a retching sound and spat out a headband from its huge mouth. Shakily, it tied it around its forehead. Its eyes ignited with the fire of battle, and Gengar regained its fighting spirit!
"I can't help but roast this cutscene every time," Lu Ye sighed. "They really went this far?!"
In real-life battles, Trainers always try to keep their Pokémon's held items a mystery to the opponent.
For example, hiding a Life Orb in a concealed spot or disguising Mimikyu's Disguise ability as a Decidueye cloak…
For a Pokémon like Gengar, with its unique interdimensional stomach, Lu Ye figured it could probably carry 4 or 5 Sitrus Berries without issue.
Of course, that tactic felt too cheap, and Lu Ye's conscience wouldn't allow it.
Then again, would the referee even check the number of items a Pokémon is carrying? Should I try it next time?
In the virtual match, the countdown timer on Garchomp's forehead dropped below 1 minute, and the opponent launched a barrage of relentless attacks.
Gengar weaved and dodged, defending itself, and dragged the battle into the final 10 seconds.
10!
9!
"Garchomp, Dragon Claw!"
"Gengar, Double Team!"
The emerald green Dragon Claw tore through the air, but Gengar, thanks to Double Team, dodged nimbly. It stuck out its tongue and made a silly face as it evaded.
5!
4!
Cynthia furrowed her brow, attempting to recall her airborne Garchomp.
But just then, a pitch-black shadow spread from beneath Gengar's feet, creeping toward Garchomp.
Countless arms emerged from the shadow, grabbing onto Garchomp tightly, preventing Cynthia from recalling it!
The countdown hit 0. Exhausted and out of will to fight, Garchomp yawned and lazily fell from the air.
At the same time, the system announced Lu Ye's victory.
"Whoa, Mean Look and Perish Song?"
"That means the opponent can't even switch out?"
"They really did that?!"
"Teacher Lu, can this combo work in real life?"
Lu Ye pondered for a moment. "Theoretically, yes."
"Perish Song is a psychological attack, and if the opponent loses their will to fight, it counts as a victory in official battles too."
"It's not like a regular battle—it's more of a sneaky tactic, like using Attract or Cute Charm."
"But once you've pulled it off, all that's left is to hold the line, no matter what!"
The chat exploded with comments, and the stream's viewer count surged past the 1 million mark again.
Witnessing Teacher Lu's new strategy firsthand, the hype soared beyond 2 million viewers!
"I got it! Time to try this on a Gym Leader!"
"Teacher Lu is a genius! Is this his third strategy?"
For an ordinary Master-level Trainer, mastering 2 distinct strategies is already impressive.
Battle styles are tough to change; most Trainers stick to a single team and charge ahead.
But Teacher Lu managed to come up with 3 distinct strategies in just 2 months and even shared them all without holding back…
It's beyond selflessness.
Teacher Lu truly is the God of Sneaky Strats!
The screen filled with special effects as gifts flooded in. Lu Ye glanced at the system.
[First-time stream viewership surpasses 2 million! BP Points +1000!]
[...]
[Incredible command skills! BP Points +200!]
[Remaining BP: 5780]
Gaining over 2000 BP in one night was beyond Lu Ye's expectations.
But thinking about it, this was likely the first time a Perish Song team had been showcased to the public like this.
While some Trainers have used Perish Song teams in real life, the exposure never matched the impact of Lu Ye's livestream.
Tonight's 2000 BP was just the start. Once the video was edited and posted, the growing influence would only accelerate. Redeeming the TM for "Protect" was just a matter of time!
Lu Ye glanced at Gastly, who was staring blankly at the screen where the triumphant Gengar stood proudly. It was even drooling a little.
Lu Ye chuckled and poked Gastly.
"Don't worry, someday you'll be just as sneaky!"
"Gastly!"
Lu Ye returned to the camera and cleared his throat. "Alright, that's it for today's stream."
"If you haven't subscribed, hit that button. See you all tomorrow!"
Ending the stream with practiced speed, Lu Ye logged off, leaving behind a barrage of question marks and a loyal fanbase.
"All rise!"
"Tears of joy!"
"See you next time, Teacher Lu!"
Cynthia stared at the "Defeat" message on the screen in disbelief.
She removed her hairband and lay back on her pristine white bedsheets, tossing the controller aside as her golden hair spread out.
"Ugh…"
If this were a real battle, her Garchomp would've shredded that Gengar into swiss cheese.
But even in reality, the Perish Song strategy had its merits.
Morty, the Ghost-type Gym Leader of Ecruteak City, was a devoted advocate of Perish Song teams. And Lorelei, the Ice-type Elite Four member of the Sevii Islands, used her Lapras and Dewgong as the core of her Perish Song strategy, alongside her unparalleled Ice expertise.
As a game, Pokémon: Battle couldn't fully replicate real-life matches.
Even so, losing in the game still left Cynthia a little upset.
She sighed and picked up her phone, intending to complain to Diantha. Instead, she saw a call from Professor Rowan.
"A new batch of inscriptions has been unearthed in Celestic Town. Can you come to the museum?"
"Are you done with your visit to the Eastern Region?"
"Yes… quite fruitful!"
Professor Rowan sounded reflective. "The scholars in the Eastern Region excel in various fields, and the academic atmosphere is incredibly vibrant."
"To be honest, I invited a student to be my assistant this time, but I was rejected."
Cynthia was surprised. "Didn't you say you weren't accepting assistants anymore?"
As the authority on Pokémon studies in Sinnoh, countless people dreamed of apprenticing under Professor Rowan. Overwhelmed by the demand, he'd publicly declared he wouldn't take on any more assistants.
But now, not only had he extended an invitation, it had been turned down?
Professor Rowan sighed. "He has an impressive understanding of Sinnoh mythology. I thought he might be able to help you."
"But he's not interested in becoming a researcher—or even a Trainer."
Cynthia smiled knowingly. "To each their own."
Back when Cynthia defied her grandmother's objections to pursue her journey through the Sinnoh League, it was her love for Pokémon and passion for battles that carried her forward.
Everyone has the right to chase their own dreams, and Cynthia deeply understood that.
"Maybe so." Professor Rowan shook his head. "What's next on your schedule?"
"I'm judging the Specialist Type Competition in Celestic Town this December."
Professor Rowan nodded, then paused. "Wait, are you planning to take a 3-month vacation?"
Cynthia evaded, "Professor, my phone's dying. Gotta go!"
Hanging up, Cynthia reopened her game interface.
Thinking back on the earlier battle, she pondered for a moment and clicked the "Add Friend" button.