Chapter 40: Tactical Deception

After reappearing, Kadabra struck again, hitting Kirlia with a Psychic attack that lifted it into the air. However, as Kirlia countered with its own Psychic power, it struggled briefly and broke free from the restraint.

"Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"

The Magical Leaf attack shot toward Kadabra once more. Just as before, Kadabra used Teleport to evade, but this time, Xia You was prepared. With a single thought—unspoken, yet understood perfectly by Kirlia—the Pokémon unleashed a Psychic attack the very moment Kadabra reappeared.

Caught off guard, Kadabra jolted. Although it managed to shake off the attack using its own Psychic powers, it still sustained minor damage.

At this point, the two Pokémon were evenly matched.

Sabrina said calmly, "I am surprised that you, despite having no psychic powers of your own, are able to share such a deep mental bond with your Pokémon. It seems you have raised your Pokémon quite well."

"You and your Kadabra are the truly impressive ones," Xia You replied with a polite exchange of praise. "In terms of raw psychic power, my Kirlia is no match for yours."

The corners of Sabrina’s mouth lifted slightly, though her expression remained otherwise unchanged. Even for her, receiving a sincere compliment from another trainer brought a sense of satisfaction. Nevertheless, she did not hold back in the slightest.

Kadabra’s eyes suddenly turned red, emitting waves of energy that engulfed Kirlia. This was Psybeam, a Psychic-type move capable of dealing damage while potentially confusing the opponent.

"Kirlia, use Teleport!"

Kirlia vanished instantly, narrowly dodging the Psybeam.

Xia You’s mind raced. With both Pokémon sharing the same type, relying solely on Psychic-type attacks wouldn't be enough to secure a victory. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He shouted, "Kirlia, use Psychic!"

"Still intending to use Psychic?" Sabrina remarked dismissively. "Have you forgotten what you just said? Kirlia’s strength cannot compare to my Kadabra!"

As she spoke, she used telepathy to issue a command to Kadabra. Kadabra unleashed a Psychic attack, intending to overpower Kirlia, only to find that the move coming toward it wasn't Psychic—it was Magical Leaf!

"What!?"

Not just Kadabra, but even Sabrina was stunned.

"Oh..." Xia You feigned surprise. "Kirlia, why didn't you follow my command?"

The invisible Psychic energy collided with the continuous barrage of Magical Leaf. Ultimately, the Magical Leaf prevailed, sweeping over Kadabra. As a Grass-type move, it faced no resistance or immunity, dealing full damage for the first time. Kadabra winced in pain and dropped to one knee.

Sabrina looked at Xia You, astonished. "You actually used a lie to deceive your opponent?"

"No, no, not at all!" Xia You shook his head, vehemently denying it. Seeing Sabrina’s brow furrowed in disbelief, he cleared his throat and rephrased: "Well, actually, this is a trainer technique of mine. I call it 'Divergent Intent.' Or perhaps 'Deceptive Tactics' would be a better way to put it."

Deceptive tactics? Sabrina sneered inwardly and ignored him.

A second later, a golden glow emerged from Kadabra’s body. The scratches caused by the Magical Leaf began to heal at a visible rate.

*Oh no, it’s Recover!*

Xia You shouted, "Kirlia, use Psychic!"

Before he could even finish the sentence, Kirlia had already raised its hands, firing a Psychic blast that struck Kadabra. The force knocked Kadabra to the ground; while it didn't deal heavy damage, it successfully interrupted the Recover and sent its spoon clattering to the floor.

"Now’s our chance!" Xia You’s eyes lit up. Recognizing the opening, he commanded, "Use Magical Leaf!"

The Magical Leaf swirled like a miniature tornado, battering Kadabra. Kadabra could have used Teleport to escape, but it could not abandon its spoon. It endured the full brunt of the green leaves, only moving once it had managed to grope around and retrieve its weapon. By the time the leaves dissipated, Kadabra was panting heavily and covered in wounds.

"Excellent!" Xia You shouted. "Finish it off! Use Draining Kiss!"

Kirlia let out a charming cry, and waves of pink energy rippled outward, passing right through Kadabra. Draining Kiss, a Fairy-type move, was guaranteed to deal psychological damage upon contact!

Struck by the move, Kadabra swayed unsteadily before collapsing to the ground, unable to move.

Seeing this, Sabrina’s father sighed softly, raised his right hand, and announced, "Kadabra is unable to battle! Kirlia wins!"

Sabrina withdrew Kadabra into its Poké Ball and walked slowly toward Xia You. Despite the loss, her expression remained as cold and composed as ever; she showed no signs of being upset by the outcome.

"You won. This is your reward."

With a wave of her hand, a badge flew from the side and drifted into Xia You’s palm. It was the Marsh Badge. Shaped like a circular button, it shone with a brilliant, golden luster.

Placing it in his badge case, Xia You realized this was his fourth badge. He had now defeated four Gym Leaders, leaving him halfway to the eight badges required for the Indigo League.

Waving goodbye to Sabrina, Xia You left Saffron Gym, leaving her with nothing but a confident silhouette.

After exiting the Gym, he headed straight to a nearby shop that sold Pokémon supplies. Since capturing Zapdos, Xia You had felt that his standard Poké Balls were not reliable enough, so he bought several Great Balls as a precaution, along with plenty of Pokémon storage containers for his backpack.

With everything prepared, he was on his way to the Pokémon Center to restore his team’s energy when a flash of fire caught his eye. He looked up at a nearby skyscraper, where, through a window on one of the upper floors, he saw smoke and sparks erupting. It seemed as though a battle was taking place inside.

*Can you hold Pokémon battles inside buildings?*

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. Building!