Chapter 40: Tactical Deception

After appearing, Abra struck again, launching another Psychic attack that sent Kirlia into the air. However, once Kirlia countered with its own Psychic energy, it managed to break free from the restraint after a brief struggle.

"Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"

Magical Leaf shot toward Abra once more, but just as before, Abra used Teleport to dodge the attack. This time, however, Xia You was prepared. With a mere thought—though he spoke no words—Kirlia understood his intent and launched a Psychic attack the very instant Abra reappeared.

Caught off guard, Abra’s body jolted. Although it used Psychic to break free, it still sustained minor damage.

At this point, the two Pokémon were fighting on equal footing.

Sabrina said in a calm tone, "Even though you possess no psychic powers yourself, you are actually able to connect with your Pokémon's minds. That surprises me. It seems you have trained your Pokémon quite well."

"You and your Abra are the ones who are truly impressive!" Xia You offered a polite compliment in return. "In terms of pure psychic power, my Kirlia is no match for yours at all."

The corners of Sabrina's mouth curled up slightly, though her expression remained unchanged. Even she would feel a sense of pleasure being praised directly by another trainer.

Nevertheless, when she made her move, she showed no mercy.

Abra's eyes suddenly turned red, emitting streaks of light waves that enveloped Kirlia. This was Confusion—a Psychic-type move that could deal damage while carrying a chance to cause the opponent to fall into a state of confusion!

"Kirlia, use Teleport!"

Kirlia's body suddenly vanished, dodging the Confusion waves.

Xia You's mind raced. Now that both Pokémon shared the same type, winning the battle would be impossible by relying solely on Psychic-type attacks.

As he thought, a solution occurred to him. He shouted loudly, "Kirlia, use Psychic!"

"You plan to use Psychic again?" Sabrina said dismissively. "Have you forgotten what you just said? Kirlia's power cannot compare to my Abra's!"

As she spoke, she issued a command to Abra through telepathy.

Abra unleashed its Psychic energy, intending to clash with Kirlia once more. However, just as its attack was launched, it realized that the incoming move was not Psychic, but Magical Leaf!

"What!?"

Not just Abra, but even Sabrina was stunned.

"Ah..." Xia You feigned surprise. "Kirlia, why aren't you following my commands?"

The invisible Psychic energy collided with the continuous Magical Leaves, but the Magical Leaves ultimately prevailed, sweeping over Abra's body. As a Grass-type move, and since there was no direct type advantage or resistance, it finally dealt more than just half damage to Abra.

In pain, Abra fell to one knee.

Looking at Xia You, Sabrina asked in surprise, "You actually used a lie to deceive your opponent?"

"No, no!" Xia You shook his head quickly, denying it outright.

Seeing that Sabrina's brow had furrowed—clearly not believing his excuse—Xia You cleared his throat and re-explained, "Alright, actually, this is my special trainer move. I call it 'Inconsistency'—or maybe 'Lip Service' works too. But if possible, I'd prefer you call it... Tactical Deception!"

*Tactical Deception?* Sabrina sneered inwardly and ignored him.

In the next second, a golden light erupted from Abra's body. The scratches caused by the Magical Leaf were repairing themselves at a visible speed!

*Oh no, it's Recover!*

Xia You shouted urgently, "Kirlia, use Psychic!"

Before he could even finish his sentence, Kirlia had already raised its hands, releasing a burst of Psychic energy that struck Abra. The force knocked Abra to the ground; while it didn't deal much damage, it interrupted the Recover process and knocked Abra's spoon onto the ground.

"Now's the chance!" Xia You's eyes lit up. Realizing the opportunity was fleeting, he commanded decisively, "Use Magical Leaf!"

The Magical Leaves swirled like small tornadoes, blowing against Abra. Abra could have used Teleport to escape immediately, but it could not abandon its spoon. It endured the full brunt of the damage amidst the green leaves before it could lean down to fumble for its spoon.

By the time the Magical Leaves dissipated, Abra was panting heavily and covered in wounds.

"Excellent!" Xia You shouted. "Finish it! Use Charm!"

Kirlia let out a charming cry, followed by pink sound waves that rippled outward, passing through Abra's body. Charm, replacing Shadow Ball, was a Fairy-type move that was guaranteed to cause mental damage upon contact!

Struck by the move, Abra's body swayed back and forth before finally collapsing, unable to move again.

Seeing this, Sabrina's father sighed softly, raised his right hand, and announced loudly, "Abra is unable to battle. Kirlia is the winner!"

Sabrina took out a Poké Ball, recalled Abra, and walked slowly toward Xia You. Although she had lost the match, her expression remained as usual—cold and devoid of any particular emotion.

"You won. This is your deserved reward."

With a wave of her hand, a badge flew from the side and drifted slowly into Xia You's hand. It was, naturally, the Gold Badge.

The Gold Badge was shaped like a circular button, and its color lived up to its name, radiating a brilliant golden glow.

Placing it into his badge collection box, Xia You now possessed four badges. This meant he had defeated four Gym Leaders and was halfway to the eight badges required to participate in the Indigo League.

Waving goodbye to Sabrina, Xia You left the Cerulean Gym with Kirlia, leaving her only with his departing silhouette.

After leaving the Gym, he went directly to a nearby shop that sold Pokémon items. Since capturing Zapdos last time, Xia You had felt that standard Poké Balls weren't quite reliable enough, so he bought several Ultra Balls just in case. He also bought many Pokémon Pockets to store in his backpack.

With everything prepared, just as he was about to head to the Pokémon Center to recover, a sudden flash of fire caught his eye.

He looked up toward a nearby skyscraper. On the tenth floor or so, he could see bursts of smoke and sparks through the windows, as if a battle was taking place there.

*Can Pokémon battles be held inside a building?*

Xia You shook his head and was about to continue walking when he suddenly stopped, turning to look at the name of the high-rise.

—Silph Co.!