Chapter Ninety-Two: Mastering Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry

"Why didn't you use Thunder Punch just now? If you'd seized the chance, it would have been hard to predict the outcome," Zhao Fang looked at Qiansha, puzzled.

"Because Iron Palm Fighter isn't very skilled with Thunder Punch yet—it takes some time to charge, and that window is enough for your Gyarados to put distance between us," Qiansha replied cheerfully, showing no sign of frustration from her defeat, but rather patiently explaining to Zhao Fang.

"But things are about to get tough now! Shroom Cap, your opponent is weak—seize this opportunity!" As she laughed, a Shroom Cap with a green hat appeared in the arena, letting out a sharp cry.

Zhao Fang felt a headache coming. Shroom Cap, a Pokémon with Grass and Fighting attributes, should, in theory, be at a severe disadvantage against a Water-Flying type like Gyarados. However...

"Gyarados doesn't know any Flying moves, so this match is mine! Shroom Cap, use Tactic One!" Qiansha beamed with confidence. Zhao Fang could only nod helplessly. Indeed, Shroom Cap was four times weak to Flying moves, making it an unwise choice against Flying types, but the problem was, Gyarados truly didn't know any Flying moves. If he had even a simple Aerial Ace, Zhao Fang would have won this fight with ease.

"Gyarados, dodge!" Zhao Fang called out, wary, unsure what Tactic One entailed. He had learned now that calling out pre-trained tactics could prevent opponents from anticipating his moves and give him an edge—another lesson gained.

Even though Zhao Fang had picked up a new battling strategy, he still had to deal with the immediate threat. Shroom Cap raised its hand slightly, then charged at Gyarados at incredible speed—this was Bullet Punch!

Gyarados, already battered from previous attacks and drained of stamina, faced the famously swift Bullet Punch with no strength left to evade. He could only force himself, weary as he was, to use Iron Head per Zhao Fang’s command, meeting the Bullet Punch head-on.

The Bullet Punch struck Gyarados; although the damage was minimal, it still hurt him somewhat.

"Ha! Success! Shroom Cap, use Leech Seed!" Qiansha smiled broadly and issued her order.

"Dodge the Leech Seed!" Zhao Fang shouted anxiously. If Gyarados was seeded, their chances would be lost.

Gyarados raised his tail, intending to slap the ground and leap away with Splash, but his body suddenly stiffened, pain contorting his face. Leech Seed landed successfully, draining his energy and feeding Shroom Cap.

"Paralyzed? Is this an ability or...?" Zhao Fang was stunned—he could clearly see Gyarados had been paralyzed.

Paralysis was a potent effect: not only could it prevent the opponent from acting, but it also halved their speed. With Gyarados slowed and successfully seeded, Shroom Cap was sure to win this round.

"Tactic One..." Zhao Fang looked at Qiansha in silence. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense: why use Bullet Punch against a Flying-type unless...?

"Did you coat your fist with Stun Powder when closing in on Gyarados?" Zhao Fang asked.

"Yes. Are you ready to concede? Gyarados can't hold out much longer," Qiansha replied, surprised by his deduction but admitting it readily.

Zhao Fang clenched his fist. Indeed, top trainers had their unique tricks. He would remember this lesson.

"It's not so simple! Gyarados, hang in there! Use Splash to get close to your enemy!" Zhao Fang tightened his fist. Winning now would be difficult, but he wanted to test the results of his previous training with Gyarados.

Gyarados let out a roar, the scales beneath his neck shivering, as he charged at Shroom Cap, his fierce demeanor making Shroom Cap instinctively clench its own fists.

"What a strong fighting spirit! Shroom Cap, use Giga Drain!" Qiansha praised Zhao Fang, then mercilessly gave the command.

"Gyarados! Use your last strength for a Wild Charge! Take this attack and knock Shroom Cap down!" Zhao Fang shouted, and Gyarados roared in response. As Giga Drain struck him, he swung his body, smashing Shroom Cap off the platform.

"What!" Qiansha stared at Gyarados in shock—she truly hadn't expected such a move.

"Gyarados! Remember last week's training results?" Zhao Fang shouted as both Gyarados and Shroom Cap plummeted down.

The referee, looking puzzled, approached. He had overseen countless battles, but never had the Fighting Gym seen someone actively knock the opponent off the platform.

Qiansha stared at Zhao Fang, wondering if this challenger had mastered some new skill during his training.

Under the gaze of both trainers, Gyarados roared, then used Iron Head, rapidly slapping the cliff face with his tail to gain speed, plunging downward like a comet, smashing Shroom Cap into the ground headfirst.

Previously, Zhao Fang had wondered: could a Gyarados that didn’t know Flying moves find a way to soar? After much thought, he believed the best chance was Waterfall, recalling the way the Gyarados from the Unown’s memories approached enemies.

During their climbing training, Zhao Fang was also training his Pokémon, and staring at the sheer cliffs, he remembered the physics lessons from his previous life about gravitational acceleration. So the question arose.

A Gyarados weighing two hundred thirty-five kilograms, accelerating continuously, falling from seven meters high onto a Shroom Cap—how much damage would Shroom Cap suffer?

Zhao Fang didn’t know; he wasn’t a physicist. But he saw both Gyarados and Shroom Cap lose the ability to battle.

"Second round... Draw!" The referee climbed down to check, then returned to announce the result.

Zhao Fang breathed a sigh of relief—a draw was an unexpected victory for him, since he hadn’t expected to win; Gyarados had already endured a barrage of attacks.

"What an imaginative strategy." Qiansha stared blankly at the ground, then burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.

Zhao Fang laughed too. This battle had revealed new possibilities. It was only seven meters now, but could Gyarados, in the future, use Waterfall to carry opponents hundreds of meters into the sky? What kind of power would that be?

What Zhao Fang didn’t mention was that Gyarados had actually learned the move Heavy Slam during that training. Combined with this method, its power would be even greater.