After Clodsire endured another Ice Beam, it retaliated by inflicting Toxic on Ludicolo.
After exchanging blows, Aiden recalled Clodsire again and brought in Chansey to jointly defend against the next Ice Beam.
For Chansey, whose Special Defense was maxed out, this was like being tickled.
After countering with a Light Screen, the rain effect finally ended.
"This is troublesome..."
Wallace sighed in frustration.
Facing Chansey, he didn't have many good options and could only switch again.
The match had just begun, but due to various reasons, he had already switched countless times.
The opponent's ability to control the rhythm was top-notch; his predictions of Wallace's thoughts during the previous attempts to seize the initiative made him extremely uncomfortable.
What kind of trainer would put together such an absurd defensive lineup...
Strong in power, yet not fond of winning in orthodox ways, instead consolidating their advantage through unexpected moves.
Most likely a master poison-type trainer?
Due to some bias towards certain types, elite trainers specializing in poison-types were actually very rare.
The only one Wallace could think of was Koga, the poison-type master from Kanto.
However, it probably wasn't him.
That senior was from Kanto and wasn't familiar with Pokémon like Glimmora and Clodsire.
Moreover, compared to speculating who the opponent might be, focusing on securing this victory was more important.
After taking a deep breath, Wallace quickly adjusted his state.
Frequent switching had completely disrupted his offensive rhythm. To win the match, he could only speed up and take a risk.
If this kept up, Wallace felt he might also start developing a bias against poison-type Pokémon...
Encountering such a nasty tactic, it was hard not to dislike them!
"It's decided, Politoed!"
Due to the dual layers of Toxic Spikes previously laid by Clodsire across his field, Politoed's soles were pierced by the spikes upon entry, simultaneously falling into a badly poisoned state.
Soon, dark clouds reappeared overhead, and drizzling rain began to fall again.
[Is that really Wallace? Why send out Politoed despite the Toxic Spikes? Ain't there Gyarados?]
[But then again, although this team is somewhat crazy, it seems they can really win. Wallace has been tormented to the point of losing his mind]
[Such dirty tactics, if I don't learn them, others will! So to avoid being on the receiving end, I must inflict it on others first!]
[Valid, I've already started taking notes!]
"What do you mean losing his mind? I think Wallace is very clear-headed!"
The chat couldn't see through Wallace's thoughts, but how could Aiden not understand?
If he avoided sending out Politoed because of Toxic Spikes, once Gyarados was dealt with, the remaining Pokémon would still have to step on the spikes.
Because his side wouldn't give him a second chance to start the rain again.
Therefore, sending out Politoed now was Wallace's best and only choice.
"Politoed, Encore!"
Wallace quickly issued a command.
The last move used by the opponent's Chansey was Light Screen. If he could lock it into that move, he could bring in Gyarados to use Dragon Dance to strengthen and prepare for sweeping the team.
This was the only way he could think of to turn the tables.
Therefore, before confirming the opportunity to strengthen, he absolutely wouldn't send out Gyarados, his team's only hope.
"Come back, Chansey."
Before Politoed could use Encore, Aiden decisively recalled Chansey.
After setting up Light Screen, its task was more than halfway done.
After all, today's MVP wasn't Chansey.
"Go, Garganacl!"
A giant composed entirely of rock and white salt bricks appeared on Aiden's field. After enduring Politoed's Encore, it remained completely unfazed.
Salt King, making his appearance!
Since it hadn't used any moves after appearing, the effects of Encore had no impact on it.
[A pure Rock-type Pokémon feels a bit disadvantageous in this situation, are we really going to force it?]
[Don't rush, after being mentioned by the streamer earlier, I specifically looked up the effects of Salt Cure. Let's just say... I hope Wallace is alright.]
[Alright alright, quickly use Salt Cure on Wallace, Garganacl!]
Even many in the chat could guess what Aiden was about to use next.
Aiden expressed great satisfaction at this.
These kids are finally looking up Pokémon and moves in the Pokédex. It seemed his streams had been quite helpful to them recently!
"Garganacl, Salt Cure!"
"Politoed, Hydro Pump!"
Another round of strategic commands.
Garganacl wasn't known for its speed; its bulky body moved rather inconveniently and was quickly hit by Politoed's Hydro Pump.
The power of Hydro Pump under the rain was extremely terrifying. Even though Light Screen mitigated some of the damage, it still instantly halved Garganacl's HP.
And its counterattack soon began.
With a wave of Garganacl's large hand, countless tiny salt crystal particles flew out with its motion and quickly touched Politoed's surface.
Being a Rock-type move, the damage caused by the move itself was negligible, even less than the continuous tick from Toxic.
However, soon, as these inconspicuous salt particles gradually accumulated and formed crystals all over Politoed's body, Politoed immediately let out a painful cry.
Its HP was rapidly draining under the dual torment of Salt Cure and Toxic.
?
Wallace frowned, realizing that things might not be simple.
At this moment, he couldn't care less about the ongoing battle and immediately switched screens to look up information about Garganacl.
Due to his lack of familiarity with Paldea, Wallace's knowledge of this Pokémon was limited to just its typing.
Not knowing was bliss, but once he looked it up, it really gave him a shock…
The Salt Cure move used by Garganacl just now, besides causing negligible damage, would also put the opponent in a special "Salt Cure" status, causing continuous damage similar to being poisoned.
Moreover, it was particularly effective against Water and Steel-type Pokémon.
"What a hellish move…"
Wallace's lips twitched; wasn't this move blatantly targeting him and Steven?
And he actually matched with it, how absurd!
All the setups earlier were for this moment when Salt King could successfully stay in the field and unleash this Salt Cure…
Now Wallace finally had a moment of enlightenment.
But due to the information gap, by the time he realized, it was already too late.
Under the dual pressure of Salt Cure and Toxic, the HP of his Politoed was draining at a terrifying rate.
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