This Trainer Has No Sportsmanship

"If you think only Caesar can activate its ability when changing forms, then you're gravely mistaken. Bestiari's ability activates: when it enters the field through a form change, destroy one Spell Card on the field!"

Heavenly Might's Fist

Gladiator Beast Bestiari raised a hand toward the Spell Card You Zhi had set on the field. The mechanical device around its wrist fired a small tornado.

Falkner heightened his guard, staring fixedly at that card, worried that You Zhi would seize the chance to activate it, just like the previous "Order to Retreat."

But to his relief, You Zhi did nothing, allowing the Spell Card to be shredded by the tornado. Falkner thought he had guessed right. This was probably a Spell Card that required certain conditions to activate; if the timing was wrong, it could not be used.

"Bestiari did well. Now pull back and evolve again."

Falkner used the same trick again. The tactic of Gladiator Beasts was to repeatedly evolve and devolve in order to destroy the Pokémon and Spell Cards on the field.

But just as Gladiator Beast Bestiari rose into the air to evolve, Neon Stone Sprite first unleashed Icy Wind to slow it down, then sprang up like a rocket, charging straight before Gladiator Beast Bestiari and smashing it back into the ground with one punch.

With a bang, the ground cracked apart and shattered stones flew everywhere.

"How?!" Falkner was stunned. He hurriedly ordered, "Bestiari, use Agility and get out of there!"

Gladiator Beast Bestiari tried to rise after landing, but arcs of electricity suddenly raced over its body. Its limbs went numb, and its movements slowed by several beats.

Neon Stone Sprite made a crisp turn in midair, her twin hammer braids spinning along with her. Electricity surged from both hands as she plummeted like a meteor, striking Gladiator Beast Bestiari squarely before it could dodge.

A thunderous explosion rang out. Dust billowed, a wave of mud shot three meters into the air, and the entire arena shook several times.

A moment later, when the smoke and dust dispersed, only Neon Stone Sprite remained, lying on the ground and gasping continuously, nearly exhausted. Behind her floated the phantom image of Divergent Lizard Yihao.

Recovering from his shock, Falkner looked at You Zhi and asked, "So the condition for your Pokémon's ability isn't being selected as an effect target? It can activate whenever anything, including Spell Cards, is selected as a target?"

You Zhi shook his head. "This isn't a Pokémon ability. It's the effect of a Spell Card. The card I set earlier was a Spell Card that activates when destroyed. Its visible effect just happened to resemble a Pokémon ability."

The Spell Card he had set earlier was "Heavenly Might's Peerless Fist." Its effect was naturally not to summon Heavenly Might's Ghost God to give the opponent an overbearing punch, but to interfere or strengthen according to the situation.

[Charge Spell Card: Heavenly Might's Peerless Fist]

[Effect: When there is a Pokémon without an ability on your field, negate the activation of one Pokémon ability or Spell Card; when this set card is destroyed by an opponent's effect, one Pokémon on the field can gain the power of a Pokémon without an ability]

Neon Stone Sprite's ability was to obtain the power of Water Attribute Pokémon, while Heavenly Might's Peerless Fist granted the power of Pokémon without abilities. The only one under You Zhi's command who met both conditions was Divergent Lizard Yihao, so the resulting effects were easy to confuse.

If the battle had continued, the difference would have become apparent. Neon Stone Sprite's strengthening ability only lasted for a period of time, while the enhancement from Heavenly Might's Peerless Fist lasted for the entire battle, until the Pokémon was defeated or recalled.

After hearing this, Falkner praised him. "It seems you already knew Bestiari's ability, so you used that knowledge against me. I was completely defeated in this duel."

He readily took out a C-Type Badge shaped like a pair of Steel Wings, handed it to You Zhi, and encouraged him, "Your strength is worth far more than two badges. Keep it up. I hope to see you at the Pokémon League Conference."

At the same time, thunderous applause erupted from the stands. Whether they were experts or amateurs, everyone could see how spectacular the battle had been. Some even cupped their hands around their mouths and shouted, "Why were there only two matches?" and "Falkner, are you slacking off?"

Hearing that, Falkner shook his head with a bitter smile and extended his hand. "Congratulations. Your strength has earned everyone's recognition."

"Thank you, but that was never in doubt."

As usual, You Zhi accepted the praise without hesitation, then recalled Neon Stone Sprite, who had gained a level, into her Pokémon Card.

Everything he had planned to do in Violet City was complete. The person trading the "Onix" required him to confirm the location with a medium in Ecruteak City, but You Zhi was not in a hurry to leave. He still spent another night resting at a hotel in Violet City.

Of course, he did not remain idle. He purchased ritual supplies and prepared to perform a long-overdue Spell Card summoning.

After winning the Gym battle, You Zhi's spiritual power had risen again. Although he had not yet broken through to six stars, he was not far from it. Besides, the key to summoning Spell Cards was total spiritual power, not star rank. His spiritual power was also twice the standard amount, so even B-rank Spell Cards were not impossible to summon.

"By the principles of all things between heaven and earth, by the ends of existence, decline, prosperity, and ruin, by the retribution of virtue, evil, goodness, and wickedness, by the tales of gods, wonders, ghosts, and monsters, by the laws that govern Pokémon, answer my summons!"

You Zhi had never liked gambling on luck with random summons. This time, he used Divergent Lizard Yihao as the associated medium.

As his spiritual power resonated, a C-rank card slowly condensed into form.

[Trap Card: Compulsory Evacuation Device]

[Effect: Target 1 monster on the field and activate; return that monster to its owner's hand]

You Zhi glanced at it and said in disappointment, "An upgraded yet downgraded version of Order to Retreat."

Upgraded and downgraded sounded contradictory, but it was not inaccurate when applied to this Spell Card.

Order to Retreat could only recall his own Pokémon, while Compulsory Evacuation Device could force the opponent to recall theirs. In terms of effect, it was undoubtedly an upgraded version. If used in a Card Duel, it would not be surprising for it to be rated B-rank.

But under normal circumstances, no one would use this card in a Spirit Duel. After all, switching Pokémon was itself a chance to change the course of battle. Giving the opponent a free opportunity to switch—was that because the battle was not exciting enough, and they hoped the opponent would send out something stronger and more suited to counter them?

Of course, that did not mean bouncing an opponent's Pokémon was entirely useless. If the opponent had used various Spell Cards to strengthen a Pokémon, then returning it to its Pokémon Card could reset its state and erase all enhancement effects. It was simply difficult to weigh that benefit against giving the opponent an opportunity to switch.

As a C-rank Spell Card, Compulsory Evacuation Device consumed more spiritual power and took longer to forge than the D-rank Order to Retreat, so people preferred the latter.

Out of habit, You Zhi took out his Pokédex and recorded the Spell Card's information. To his surprise, he discovered that this was actually an Associated Card of Divergent Lizard Yihao!

[Charge Spell: Compulsory Evacuation Device]

[Effect: Return 1 Pokémon to its Pokémon Card. (When "Aberrant Lizard · Demon Lizard Yihao" is on the field, the returned Pokémon can recover half of its maximum spiritual power)]

For Pokémon, spiritual power was life force. With this hidden effect added, the value of the Spell Card shot straight up to B-rank.

You Zhi held the Spell Card and examined it carefully for a while before confirming that the unlucky fellow being launched away by a giant machine in the card art really was Divergent Lizard Yihao.

The Medium's Request

After getting off to a good start, You Zhi struck while the iron was hot. However, his next two summons both failed. The third succeeded, but it was only a D-rank card.

[Charge Spell: Ice Rink]

[Effect: Transform the environment into an ice rink. Pokémon other than Water Attribute Pokémon cannot maintain their balance. (When Goblin Attack Force or Demon Lizard Yihao is on the field, your Pokémon are unaffected. When both are on the field, the opponent's non-Water Attribute Pokémon will enter a frostbite state)]

You Zhi could not tell whether he was happy or disappointed. Judging solely by the effect of "Ice Rink" itself, its versatility was actually inferior to the equally D-rank "Earthquake." Both caused those on the field to lose their footing, but Earthquake did not have the restriction of "other than Water Attribute."

However, Earthquake's effect only lasted for a period of time, while Ice Rink could continuously absorb spiritual power to maintain itself as long as it was not destroyed. Furthermore, it was associated with both Goblin Attack Force and Demon Lizard Yihao. Calling it tailor-made for the Pokémon under You Zhi's command would not be an exaggeration.

"Wait. Forget the effect of disrupting balance. Since this card can alter the environment, perhaps Neon Stone Sprite is more suited to it than Demon Lizard Yihao."

You Zhi suddenly thought of a tactic, though he would need to test it before confirming whether it truly worked.

He estimated his remaining spiritual power, removed Demon Lizard Yihao, and replaced it with Gagaga Girl.

After gaining experience in the Challenge Tower, she had reached level 11, but she was still far from being capable in a normal battle. Summoning some Associated Cards to enhance her strength was only natural.

He then performed three consecutive summons. One failed, while two succeeded, summoning "Gagaga Thunder" and "Gagaga Shield."

[Instant Spell: Gagaga Thunder]

[Effect: Can only be activated when there is a Pokémon with "Gagaga" in its name on your field. Target 1 card on the field and destroy it]

[Charge Spell: Gagaga Shield]

[Effect: Summon a legendary magic shield. Only Spellcaster Pokémon can equip it. It can block Pokémon attacks and effect damage, and can repair itself before being completely destroyed]

Neither of these Spell Cards was an Associated Card of Gagaga Girl, but both were related to her. "Gagaga Shield" in particular did not specify "Gagaga" Pokémon. Any Spellcaster could equip it, meaning Silent Magician could use it as well. The Pokédex description of this Spell Card's effect was somewhat vague, but paired with Cheat Appraisal, it became perfectly clear.

[Normal Trap: Gagaga Shield]

[Effect: After activation, this card becomes an Equip Card and equips 1 face-up Spellcaster monster on your field. The equipped monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects up to twice per turn]

Two chances each turn to avoid destruction translated into self-repair in reality. As long as it was not attacked repeatedly in quick succession, it could continue functioning indefinitely.

Seven consecutive C-rank summons had nearly drained all of You Zhi's spiritual power, so he could only stop there. As for summoning B-rank Spell Cards, he decided to wait until tomorrow or the day after, depending on how well his spiritual power recovered.

"The success rate is far above average. It feels like my luck has improved a lot since I transmigrated."

Given how miserable the original owner's fate had been—ending up dumped like a corpse—he had clearly not been a lucky person. You Zhi felt it had to be his own contribution. When things reached their worst, they could only improve.

The next day, You Zhi set off for Ecruteak City. When passing through the Three-City Intersection, he deliberately searched the surrounding area for an entire afternoon. In the end, he failed to find a Pokémon that could replace "Sudowoodo." Instead, Gagaga Girl gained two levels from sweeping through a large number of wild Pokémon. He could only regretfully conclude that either no counterpart existed, or it had already been captured by someone else.

Of course, he was not terribly disappointed. He had already suspected as much before coming. It affected his mood less than failing his B-rank Spell Card summon that night.

With You Zhi's current total spiritual power, he could perform at most one B-rank summon. Considering efficiency, he decided to wait until his spiritual power rank improved further before trying again.

Without wasting more time searching for Pokémon, You Zhi soon arrived in Ecruteak City. He contacted the medium through his Pokédex and arranged to meet at a café.

"Over here."

The moment You Zhi entered the café, he saw a man wearing a purple sports headband across his forehead and a scarf around his neck waving at him.

"You must be 'Big Savage,' right? Haha, judging by that nickname, I thought you'd be some burly fitness fanatic."

"You do not look particularly suited to being a medium either. Compared to that, you look more like a sunny young man who enjoys outdoor sports."

As You Zhi spoke, he pulled out a chair. Yet the instant he sat down, he felt a chill—not simply a drop in temperature, but the kind of cold gloom one felt beside a grave late at night.

"All right, I take back what I said. You truly are a medium."

The other man smiled and did not take offense.

You Zhi called over a waiter, casually ordered a latte, and asked, "May I ask what Gym Leader Morty wants with me?"

Morty was not surprised that his identity had been recognized. Rather, it would have been unbelievable if a trainer from the Johto Region did not recognize a Johto Gym Leader.

"I read the report you submitted. You cleared an Anomaly in Azalea Town."

Only administrators could view the detailed contents of the report, but related notices—such as the location and scale—were public.

You Zhi said, "It was only a few days ago. I got dragged into it by accident. I had not planned to come into contact with Anomalies so early."

"As expected of a newcomer recommended by Pegasus. You really are extraordinary."

"Does Gym Leader Morty know Mr. Pegasus?"

"Just call me Morty. Strictly speaking, it wasn't me. My uncle had dealings with the Crawford family. When I was young, I met Pegasus and his wife—well, she was only his girlfriend at the time—at a banquet. Then my Pokémon told me that Pegasus's girlfriend carried the aura of death, so out of curiosity, I performed a divination... I'll skip the middle part. In any case, I eventually had my uncle give him some advice. I hoped he would take his girlfriend to the hospital for an examination. After that, the two families began interacting much more frequently."

You Zhi suddenly understood. So this was where Pegasus's turning point in fate had occurred. Then he truly ought to thank Morty properly. After all, the man had stopped Pegasus from embarking on the road to becoming a villainous boss.

"Since you're Mr. Pegasus's friend, you're my friend too. Just call me You Zhi. What can I help you with?"

"Then I'll get straight to the point. Not long ago, I discovered a place that seems to be an Anomaly. I hope you can help investigate it."

Burned Tower

"May I ask why me?"

You Zhi did not simply thump his chest and agree. Instead, he asked cautiously, "Although I have a successful precedent, one must know one's limits. That time, I worked with others; it was not my achievement alone. And the Spirit Realm we entered could only be considered below average. If it had been more dangerous, I might not have returned. Even if you cannot go yourself, you could find other experienced trainers on the forum."

"The more cautious you are, the more relieved I feel," Morty explained. "The place that needs investigating is extremely strange. Trainers above six stars cannot detect anything unusual after entering it. Only trainers below seven stars can trigger it, though the specific reason is unknown. That is why I cannot go personally, nor can I ask the experienced people on the forum. I can only turn to a newcomer like you."

"The place you mentioned is?"

"Burned Tower. It was originally called Clock Tower, but it was destroyed in a fire over a hundred years ago. Now, only the first floor and the basement remain."

You Zhi asked curiously, "Why has the ruin of a tower destroyed more than a century ago been preserved until now?"

Morty recalled, "At first, it was because that place was where a god resided. Out of reverence, people did not dare alter it without permission. Later... actually, just recently, someone in the city proposed rebuilding Clock Tower and put construction contracts up for bidding. Then construction workers began disappearing under mysterious circumstances.

"At first, I suspected an Anomaly had appeared. But even after searching every inch of the two floors, we could not find it. Even the Pokédex showed no reaction. Yet the disappearances continued. In the end, we sought help from shrine maidens, and after a series of complicated investigations, we reached the conclusion I mentioned earlier.

"The Anomaly does exist, but it senses fluctuations in external spiritual power. If a high-star trainer appears, it automatically conceals itself. It only manifests when the opposite is true. Honestly, this is the first time I've encountered such a situation."

As Morty spoke, You Zhi gradually remembered. Wasn't this Burned Tower the plot location where players encountered the Legendary Beasts in the Pokémon games?

According to the game setting, Ecruteak City had two towers: Clock Tower and Bell Tower, standing separately on the eastern and western sides. They had been built to commemorate the friendship between humans and Pokémon. The eastern tower was used to awaken Pokémon, while the western tower put Pokémon to sleep. Ho-Oh resided at the top of Bell Tower on the eastern side.

One hundred and fifty years ago, lightning struck the tower on the western side, instantly turning it into a sea of fire. The blaze burned for three days and three nights before heavy rain finally extinguished it. However, three unknown Pokémon had burned to death in the flames. Ho-Oh happened to pass by at that time and used divine power to revive them. Those three Pokémon were Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, collectively known as the Legendary Beasts, or Ho-Oh's Three Messengers.

In the game, when the player first reached the basement, they encountered the Legendary Beasts. The three would flee from the tower and begin roaming throughout the Johto Region. From then on, players had a chance to encounter them in wild grass.

Incidentally, when entering Burned Tower, the player-controlled protagonist was also forcibly required to battle their rival.

"You said that tower was where a god resided. May I ask which god?"

Morty froze for a moment. He had expected You Zhi to ask about information regarding the Anomaly, not suddenly veer toward something so seemingly irrelevant. But on second thought, perhaps You Zhi had his own considerations, so he answered, "One of the Three Egyptian Gods: The Winged Dragon of Ra."

You Zhi nodded. That answer matched his prediction.

From a lineage perspective, Ho-Oh was Flying-type and Fire-type, while The Winged Dragon of Ra could both fly and breathe fire. It was highly likely that it too had dual Flying-type and Fire-type attributes. Ho-Oh's prototype was the phoenix, king of birds, while although The Winged Dragon of Ra had "dragon" in its name, its true form was actually the Immortal Phoenix. They were very similar in that regard.

The remaining question was which three Pokémon would serve as counterparts to the Legendary Beasts.

According to the game setting, no one should have seen the Legendary Beasts yet. Even if someone had occasionally encountered one in the wild, they would only have treated it as an unfamiliar new Pokémon and would not have connected it to The Winged Dragon of Ra.