To Cain's surprise, Bronzong's Confusion attack was not completely nullified by Drapion's Dark typing. Instead, it managed to push Drapion back a meter before gradually dissipating.
Although Drapion didn't take real damage, it was clear that Bronzong's psychic powers were strong enough to affect a Dark-type Pokémon like him to some extent.
This meant that the offensive capability of Confusion had surpassed the usual immunity limits of Dark-type Pokémon.
Slowking was also surprised.
Even when he attacked Drapion, he had to use Miracle Eye for his Psychic-type moves to take effect.
It seemed that, for some reason, this Bronzong had experienced a massive boost in its psychic abilities.
However, now was not the time to dwell on that.
The opponent had already launched two attacks, while Cain and his team had yet to counter even once. This was clearly unacceptable.
Even though the trio of Pokémon did not have the advantage, it didn't mean they had no chance to fight.
"Slowking, use Nasty Plot and then Skill Swap on Bronzong!"
"Florges, use Camouflage and Energy Ball!"
"Drapion, close in quickly and use Taunt!"
With telepathy activated, Cain established a connection with his Pokémon and transmitted his orders directly into their minds.
Although Bronzong had a double weakness to Ground-type moves, its Levitate ability rendered them ineffective. The first step was to bring it down to the ground.
Additionally, Bronzong clearly had considerable weight. If it lost Levitate, it would also lose mobility, leaving it completely vulnerable to attacks.
Slowking's psychic power surged rapidly, and after using Nasty Plot, a spark of wisdom shone in his eyes, enhancing his command over his moves.
Then, Skill Swap was directly used on Bronzong.
Slowking gained the Levitate ability, floating gently in the air, while Bronzong, with an incredulous look, dropped to the ground with a dull thud.
Bronzong attempted to hover using its psychic power, but it wasn't accustomed to relying on its own energy to levitate.
Other Pokémon like it, who lack Levitate as an ability, develop the habit of using their psychic power to stay airborne. But this Bronzong, which had always relied on Levitate, was completely disoriented by the sudden loss of its ability.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Drapion lunged forward with great force and, in an instant, reached Bronzong.
Using Taunt, it prevented Bronzong from using non-offensive moves, forcing it to stay grounded.
Immediately, Florges' Energy Ball attacks began striking Bronzong directly.
Each glowing green orb hit Bronzong's surface, producing a sound similar to striking an ancient gong with force: Dong! Dong! Dong!
Although the noise was impressive, the actual damage to Bronzong was minimal.
Cain adjusted his orders. His psychic power, now stronger after reaching the intermediate level, activated telepathy once more.
Following the new commands, the Pokémon changed their tactics.
Drapion retreated a few steps and began forming a dark sphere in front of its mouth—Shadow Ball.
Meanwhile, Slowking puffed up its cheeks, a wisp of smoke escaping its mouth before releasing a large stream of fire toward Bronzong.
But before the attacks could land, Bronzong unleashed an extraordinarily powerful wave of psychic energy.
Even though Confusion was a basic Psychic-type move, it carried an intensity that could only be matched by Slowking's strongest psychic attacks.
Drapion's Shadow Ball struck Bronzong, but at the same time, Drapion was hit by Bronzong's Confusion, which pushed it back without causing significant damage.
Slowking's Flamethrower managed to inflict some harm on Bronzong, but not enough to take it down.
Bronzong then released another burst of psychic power, breaking the effect of Taunt.
Now, Bronzong attempted to levitate again. Cain knew that keeping it grounded was crucial. If it managed to lift off, its weight and slowness would no longer be disadvantages.
Fortunately, under Cain's direction, Florges quickly changed tactics, using Grass Knot to summon roots from the ground, binding Bronzong and immobilizing it once more.
Bronzong, its red eyes gleaming intensely, was experiencing the discomfort of being at a disadvantage for the first time.
But it had no intention of surrendering. It began spinning rapidly, activating Gyro Ball.
Cain ordered an all-out offensive as Bronzong struggled to free itself.
Drapion attempted to use Taunt again, but this time, it failed.
The roots shattered, and with its rapid rotation, Bronzong crashed into Drapion, sending it flying.
"Chaaa!" Drapion cried out, struck hard, nearly losing its breath and teetering on the edge of being unable to fight.
Gyro Ball grows more powerful the greater the speed difference, and thanks to this effect, Drapion had taken considerable damage.
Cain reacted swiftly, commanding Florges to use Grassy Terrain to heal Drapion. He also had her use Lucky Chant to protect against a critical hit.
With this support, Drapion managed to recover just enough to continue fighting.
The battle against Bronzong was proving to be far more challenging than Cain had anticipated. This wild Pokémon possessed an unusual level of strength and skill, almost as if it had been trained.
Although Cain ultimately managed to coordinate his three Pokémon to defeat Bronzong, it was not an easy victory. Drapion and Slowking were severely injured, and Florges had only emerged unscathed thanks to her defensive positioning.
This experience taught valuable lessons to both Cain and his Pokémon, strengthening their teamwork and strategic abilities.
(End of chapter)