The Psychic-type moves in the Pokémon world are just too versatile.
Not only do they have a variety of unexpected uses in battle, but their effects are also bizarre and mostly provide excellent support.
Take today's featured move, Skill Swap, for example.
In theory, quite a few Pokémon can learn Skill Swap.
After all, Pokémon aren't limited to learning moves from their own type. Their ability to learn is generally very strong.
Even if they can't master moves like Psychic, as long as they're Ghost- or Fairy-types with some connection to Psychic, learning a supportive move like Skill Swap is a piece of cake.
Pokémon like Sylveon, Clefable, Chansey, and even Plusle can learn Skill Swap with enough effort.
Among the many Pokémon that can use this move, Aiden ultimately chose two optimal options.
Medicham, also known as "Indian Monk".
It's the evolved form of Meditite after rigorous yoga training.
This Pokémon may seem unremarkable at first glance, but it has an incredibly powerful Ability:
Pure Power.
This Ability is no joke—its effect is brutally straightforward:
Double physical attack power.
It's essentially the same as the Huge Power Ability, exuding sheer brute strength.
Unfortunately, due to its early origins, there aren't many Pokémon with the Pure Power or Huge Power Abilities, and those that do often have abysmally low Attack stats.
Their potential is far from fully realized.
But that doesn't matter.
Thanks to years of yoga practice, Medicham not only excels in fighting techniques but also learns to use Psychic moves through meditation.
Its Fighting/Psychic typing allows it to possess a god-tier Ability while also learning Skill Swap—a move that sacrifices itself to empower teammates.
If only Slaking could gain the Pure Power Ability...
I heard Mewtwo X has the highest Attack stat?
Let's see whose fist is harder!
As for Alolan Raichu, its usage method is slightly different.
Following the strategy centered around Slaking, Aiden's doubles lineup quickly took shape:
Slaking, Medicham, Alolan Raichu, Galarian Weezing, Pelipper, and an Indeedee.
It's practically a 5-support-1 setup, giving Slaking maximum treatment.
Since Alolan Raichu's Ability requires Electric Terrain, its ideal partner would be Tapu Koko, one of the Island Guardians, or Miraidon with the Hadron Engine Ability, both capable of setting up Electric Terrain at the start.
However, these two are currently impossible to get into the game, so Pelipper will have to manually set up the terrain.
When Aiden revealed his lineup, most viewers' attention wasn't on Slaking but on the other less common Pokémon.
[Is that Raichu? Why does it look kind of... off...]
[I think it's the Alolan form of Raichu. It's pretty rare in other regions. Apparently, some of them even surf across regions using their tails...]
[Don't get any weird ideas—it's just tanned.]
[I can understand Raichu's appearance changing a bit... but what's up with that nasty-looking Weezing?]
(A/N: Galarian Weezing, the capitalist form)
(T/N: Capitalist form is fkn hilarious lmao)
[I know this one! It's said that pollution in Galar made Weezing—the air-purifying Pokémon—work so hard that it eventually evolved into this form...]
[Don't let Galarian Weezing's ugly appearance fool you. It's actually very kind-hearted, just like Grimer—an excellent helper in purifying pollution!]
"As everyone knows, Pokémon gradually evolve into different regional forms based on environmental changes."
Seeing their interest in regional differences, Aiden quickly began explaining.
"Take Alolan Raichu, for instance. It seems to have learned to surf using its tail to travel between islands. Years of practicing under the sun also caused its skin color to change, making it look different from regular Raichu."
"However, how it managed to develop Psychic powers during evolution remains a mystery without any solid theories. It's still an unsolved enigma."
In the Pokémon world, even the most illogical things can happen. Regional form changes are already quite consistent with biological common sense.
As for other nonsensical phenomena, many still lack reliable conclusions.
It's safe to say that humanity's understanding of Pokémon still has a lot of room for improvement.
[So... if a Pokémon lives in an unfamiliar environment for a long time, it might develop a new form?]
[No wonder Teacher Azure explains things so professionally—it's so easy to understand!]
[Teacher Azure, why don't you come teach at Naranja Academy? We'll definitely nominate you for principal!]
[Blueberry Academy students watching in envy—can we borrow you for a bit?]
[Something feels off about you, but I'm really craving Teacher Azure!]
The long-awaited return of Teacher Azure's mini-class had viewers shouting, "My youth is back!"
Actually, I'm already an honorary teacher at Naranja Academy...
Aiden silently complained in his mind.
Amidst the lively barrage of comments, he soon matched with his first opponent of the day.
No, perhaps "victim" would be a better term.
After the match-up screen displayed for a few seconds, the trainer's avatar and ID appeared on the screen.
Wearing a tight red suit, with light purple hair draped over his neck, and simple glasses unable to conceal his determined gaze—
A young man exuding confidence pointed at Aiden through the screen.
Trainer ID: Sinnoh Elite Four Lucian.
[This trainer looks familiar—I think I've seen him on Sinnoh's Victory Road...]
[His ID says it all—he's one of the three new Elite Four members of Sinnoh, specializing in Psychic types, Lucian!]
[Hah, just an Elite Four member? Not even worth Teacher Azure's time!]
Ah, another familiar face.
Aiden raised an eyebrow.
So trainers who specialize in Psychic types really prefer doubles, huh?
Then, let me test this Sinnoh Elite Four member's strength on behalf of Cynthia!
...
Sinnoh Region, Sunyshore City.
It was already 2 AM, but Lucian's private villa was brightly lit.
"Whoo—what a rush!"
After downing an ice-cold drink, Flint comfortably shivered on the sofa.
"It's winter—ice-cold drinks are the way to go!"
Seeing him completely buzzed, Aaron scratched his head and awkwardly chuckled:
"Aren't you worried about catching a cold tomorrow?"
"And why does drinking juice make you act like you're drunk..."
"What do you mean 'drunk'? I'm having the time of my life!"
Flint laughed heartily, then slung his arm over Aaron's shoulder, shouting loudly.
"Don't worry! We finally have a break—we can't waste a single second. Let's have some fun!"
"Alright, you're right!"
Infectiously invited by Flint, Aaron quickly joined in the excitement.
"…"
On the other side, still dressed in a suit and exuding elegance, Lucian sat apart, visibly out of place.
What exactly are these two doing?
Ever since Cynthia went to Paldea for the Master Tournament, at least 80% of the work over the past month fell on me...
Why are they acting like they did all the work?!
But Flint does have a point. Once our leader Cynthia returns, I can finally enjoy the last bit of vacation.
Thinking this, Lucian's lips unconsciously curled upward.
He felt fine after a month of intense work, but his daily training as a trainer inevitably lagged behind.
To advance further in this year's evaluation, he needed to double his efforts.
Rest? That doesn't exist!
Until his strength matches Cynthia's, he won't relax for a single day!
"…"
For some reason, Flint suddenly shivered and instinctively glanced at Lucian.
With just one look, Flint immediately saw through his thoughts:
Unbelievable. As expected of the undisputed grind king among Sinnoh's Elite Four—planning to keep grinding even during vacation?
"You guys keep playing. I'm going upstairs to play some games."
Lucian's tone was calm, seemingly casual.
But after he spoke, an eerie silence fell over the room.
Not only Flint, but even Aaron looked at him with a complicated expression.
"You're secretly grinding again, aren't you!"
For someone as work-obsessed as Lucian, they didn't even need to guess what game he'd play!
Besides Pokémon Champions, what else could it be?
"No way, I'm coming to spectate!"
Flint immediately reacted and followed Lucian upstairs.
We're all new Elite Four members of Sinnoh. If only you secretly improve, won't other trainers think we're slackers?
No way—you grind, and I'll grind too!
"…Suit yourselves."
Lucian remained expressionless, lightly nodded, and walked upstairs.
Come to think of it, their styles somewhat clashed, so they often sparred with each other.
Flint specialized in Sunny Day teams, favoring brute force and launching aggressive attacks right from the start.
Fire-types naturally countered Aaron's Bug Pokémon, and Baton Pass teams needed time to ramp up, making matches against Flint extremely difficult.
As for Lucian's Psychic-types and Trick Room teams, they perfectly neutralized Flint's speed-based tactics, forcing him to rely on strategy instead.
But Flint's brain...
Well, you get the idea.
On the other hand, Aaron's Bug Baton Pass team severely countered Lucian. Setting up Trick Room always gave Aaron a chance to boost his stats, and Bug-type moves posed a threat to Lucian's Pokémon.
An odd cycle of mutual counters formed.
Still...
Having the right opponents was essential for continuous growth as a trainer.
Unless you were like Cynthia, who had absurd natural talent.
Speaking of which, the Paldea Gym Leader who teamed up with Cynthia during the Dragon Master Tournament and made waves with Pachirisu—wasn't that the streamer Cynthia recommended to Aaron?
Not only skilled in singles, but also seamlessly cooperating in doubles with a Champion, leaving two veteran Elite Four members struggling...
Such an outstanding trainer—if only he could join Sinnoh's Elite Four!
Upon reaching Lucian's study on the third floor, Flint was dumbfounded—
"Why do you only have one computer here?"
To this, Lucian simply raised an eyebrow and pointed to his temple.
"Are you alright in the head? I live here alone—why would I need two computers?"
"True…"
Flint scratched his head, awkwardly chuckled, and sat behind Lucian.
"Then Aaron and I will just watch you play!"
"Good. I want to see if Lucian's Trick Room team has any new insights."
Aaron also brought over a small stool and sat on the other side.
"Hope you match with stronger opponents and show us your ace in the hole!"
"…"
Feeling the intense gazes from both sides, Lucian's lips twitched. His hand, originally about to start matchmaking, suddenly switched the mode to doubles.
"I'll play doubles today to broaden my horizons."
What a joke—why would I reveal my tactics to you two ahead of time?
You'll experience them firsthand during our next sparring session!
"Tch…"
Aaron rolled his eyes and quietly waited for Lucian's opponent.
Unfortunately, there don't seem to be many skilled doubles players around. Can't push Lucian to reveal his hidden tactics.
Wait…?
Aaron suddenly remembered something and quickly pulled out his phone to check the time.
"Isn't Teacher Azure streaming at this time?"
At this, Lucian and Flint simultaneously froze, instinctively looking at their phones.
Flint immediately opened PokéTV and sure enough, saw the familiar stream on the homepage.
"Holy crap, Teacher Azure is back!"
The three of them were no strangers to "Azure Wings," or Teacher Azure.
After all, Cynthia had once asked him to give advice on Aaron's team. A significant portion of Aaron's current Bug Baton Pass tactics were inspired by him.
Not to mention, during the Dragon Master Tournament, he teamed up with Cynthia and gained even more fame.
"Teacher Azure seems to be playing doubles too?"
After entering the stream, Flint quickly noticed Aiden's matchmaking interface.
Lucian suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, a strange sense of anxiety rising within him.
Psychic users often unconsciously trigger abilities akin to "sixth sense," a degraded version of Future Sight.
Could it be... he's about to match with Teacher Azure?
A foreboding feeling rose in Lucian's heart. At the same moment, he matched with an opponent.
Trainer ID: Azure Wings.
"Oh ho!"
Flint and Aaron burst into laughter.
You wanted to hide your tactics? Now you're facing the BOSS!
"…"
Lucian's lips twitched.
Was my premonition correct?
But…
If it's doubles, I definitely have a chance to win.
With my Psychic-type calculation abilities, I have a huge advantage in doubles battles—even against a Champion, it's not impossible to win!
Thinking this, Lucian's gaze gradually became focused.
If I can beat Teacher Azure, wouldn't that prove I'm much stronger than these two clowns?
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