Today was the last day of the Freshman League, with the final match about to begin.
One of the finalists was, without question, Xuan Yuan Nian. Her Psychic-type Hattrem had practically steamrolled the competition.
The other, surprisingly, was Song Yu from Chen Guang Pokémon University. Aside from Pikachu, his other Pokémon was Flaaffy.
It was Mareep's evolved form. Its base stats were not particularly high, but its Special Attack was excellent, and its final evolution, Ampharos, was also very powerful.
Most importantly, Mareep was even easier to raise than Starter Pokémon, making it ideal for beginners. Its pure Electric typing was just a little lackluster.
"If he had Elekid instead, his chances of winning would be better. With Flaaffy, though, it'll be tough," Xiao Ran said from the stands as he watched the two contestants on the field.
"Why?" This time, it was Ning Xiao who asked. He had been eliminated early, and since Song Yu also specialized in Electric types, he naturally wanted to learn more.
"That comes down to the differences in each Pokémon's own stats." Xiao Ran did not mind explaining, so he began at an unhurried pace.
"Electabuzz and Flaaffy are both Electric types, but Electabuzz is a mixed attacker, while Flaaffy primarily relies on Special Attack."
"That's where the difference lies. A Special Attack specialist might have powerful energy-based moves, but it struggles against Pokémon with high Special Defense, like Hattrem."
"Don't be fooled by its weak defenses against physical attacks. It has tremendous resistance to energy-based moves. A Thunderbolt might actually hurt it less than a Thunder Punch."
"Besides, Hattrem's Misty Terrain can weaken energy-based moves, increase its own resistance, and grant immunity to control effects."
"Flaaffy's moves would barely tickle it! That's why I said it would be tough!"
After hearing Xiao Ran's