The outcome was beyond doubt.
A Pokémon's strength was measured not only by its Energy Level, but also by the number, combination, and proficiency of its moves, as well as its trainer's reactions, tactics, and experience.
A year was not actually that long. Give an incompetent person ten or twenty years, and their answer would still be nothing worth looking at.
But for Hongshu, that one year he lagged behind Luo Geng represented the predetermined outcome of his eventual defeat.
"Hey meow~"
"It's okay. You can win it back next time."
Hongshu held Teddiursa and softly comforted it, gently patting its back. Though he was extremely unwilling to accept it, defeat was already a fact, and dwelling on it served no purpose.
Low-level Pokémon could only cause limited destruction, so Teddiursa's injuries were not serious. It had fainted only from the impact of certain moves.
Across from them.
Unlike the regretful Hongshu, Luo Geng, who had won through Spheal's [Ice Ball], was overjoyed. The young trainer had gotten his first taste of victory and felt wonderful all over.
"Spheal!"
"Amazing!"
Luo Geng grinned as he crouched down to high-five the puffed-up Spheal. The latter stuck out its plump belly, making one wonder whether it had spent the past year doing nothing but slacking off.
In the distance.
Heiduo frowned slightly. Luo Geng was a little rusty in actual combat; evidently, he had not seriously battled anyone after returning home. At most, he had fought a few competitive matches. His Pokémon's training level, however, was within a normal range.
What had his father been thinking?
Teaching him nothing at all?
Heiduo had originally assumed Luo Geng's father would have taught him something over the past half year or so. Now, it seemed that he had taught him practically nothing.
Forget it.