Pokémon Training Before the Battle...
Elsewhere, Paul's Pokémon continued their training.
Electabuzz was practicing rapid charge accumulation, refining its ability to discreetly charge itself mid-battle before unleashing a devastating burst of electricity.
This technique was designed to complement the Unlimited Motivation Strategy, forming what Paul termed the Infinite Charging Tactic.
Meanwhile, Dewott was focused on honing the moves it had learned at the Pokémon Center. Though its move pool remained relatively small, it had already picked up Slash, Aqua Cutter, Sacred Sword, as well as Taunt and Encore.
With its innate mastery of swordplay, Dewott had already grasped the fundamentals of the first three moves. However, it still struggled slightly with Encore and Taunt, as the tactics behind these moves were not its usual fighting style.
Since Paul was preparing for a Gym Battle, the training session was not particularly intense. Instead, it was more like a warm-up—designed to ensure that his Pokémon would be in peak condition for the upcoming match.
Arriving at the Pastoria Gym
Shortly after, Paul arrived at Pastoria Gym and officially registered for his Gym Challenge.
Following the Gym staff, he was soon led into the battle arena.
Unlike previous Gym arenas, Pastoria Gym's battlefield was a massive swimming pool, with only a few white floating platforms scattered across the water. Beyond that, everything else was water.
A loud voice called out the moment Paul stepped onto the battlefield.
"Kid! You finally showed up! Let's see what your Pokémon can do!"
The man standing on the opposite side was Crasher Wake, the Gym Leader.
"You won't be disappointed." Paul replied confidently as he took his place.
The referee swiftly announced the rules:
"This will be a 3-on-3 battle! The challenger may switch Pokémon during the match. The battle ends when all three of the challenger's Pokémon are unable to continue!"
Crasher Wake then let out a booming laugh.
"Haha! The Mighty Masked Warrior has arrived!"
With a dramatic flair, he flung his cape off, revealing his muscular, bare-chested upper body before throwing his Poké Ball.
"Burn with fury—Gyarados!"
"ROOOAAAR!"
A massive Gyarados surfaced in the water, locking its intense gaze onto Paul.
"As expected… Gyarados, huh?" Paul murmured, unfazed by Crasher Wake's choice. Without hesitation, he tossed out his Poké Ball.
"Skorupi, prepare for battle!"
"Kuuu!"
A much smaller Skorupi landed gracefully on one of the floating platforms. Its eyes were sharp and filled with an eerie intensity as it stared down its much larger opponent.
Yesterday, Skorupi had performed poorly against Drapion due to its disadvantage against Poison- and Steel-types. However, against Pokémon of other types? That was a different story.
Today, it was determined to prove its strength.
The Battle Begins!
Before Paul could even give an order, Gyarados let out a furious roar, sending a wave of intimidating pressure across the battlefield.
Intimidate!
Skorupi instinctively tensed as it felt its attack power slightly decrease.
"Go ahead, Skorupi! Show us what you've got!" Crasher Wake called out, unfazed.
"Battle… Begin!" declared the referee.
The moment the words left his mouth, Paul made his move.
"Hone Claws, Acupressure, then Toxic!"
"Kuuu!"
Skorupi immediately began sharpening its claws, its attack power rising. At the same time, venom dripped from its fangs, creating a toxic mist that spread across the water. Meanwhile, the stinger on its tail pressed against its own body, triggering an Acupressure boost.
Although it appeared to be performing three actions at once, the reality was more strategic: Hone Claws was nearly instinctual, Toxic only needed to spread in the water, and Acupressure was the real mental focus.
"Tch, you sneaky little brat!" Crasher Wake smirked as he quickly saw through Paul's strategy.
"Trying to poison the entire pool? Nice try, but I ain't scared! Gyarados, use Aqua Tail!"
"ROOAARR!"
With a powerful lunge, Gyarados dove into the water and swam toward Skorupi at high speed.
Just as Gyarados emerged from beneath the floating platform, its tail wrapped in a surging torrent of water, came crashing toward Skorupi.
But at that moment—
Acupressure had activated—boosting Skorupi's defense!
Paul reacted instantly.
"Grab onto the platform and dodge!"
With lightning-fast reflexes, Skorupi latched its pincers onto the platform, using its tail to launch itself into the water. Gyarados's Aqua Tail struck nothing but air!
Paul wasted no time.
"Venoshock!"
Still clutching the platform with its tail, Skorupi swung itself into the air, opening its mouth wide before unleashing a powerful blast of purple venom straight at Gyarados.
Venoshock deals double damage against poisoned foes!
Gyarados instinctively tried to submerge itself to avoid the attack, but at that exact moment—
The poison in its body surged violently!
For just a brief instant, its movements stiffened.
"BOOM!"
The Venoshock attack hit dead-on, splashing across Gyarados's massive face!
Despite the pain, Gyarados refused to cry out and steadied itself, glaring at Skorupi.
Paul didn't let up.
"Cross Poison!"
Having sharpened its claws twice, Skorupi leaped fearlessly toward Gyarados, its pincers glowing with a deadly purple energy, forming an X-shaped slash aimed at its opponent.
"Ice Fang!" Crasher Wake countered.
Gyarados lunged forward, its fangs coated in freezing mist, clashing directly with Skorupi's attack.
BAM!
The impact sent both Pokémon flying apart—Skorupi landed back on the floating platform, while Gyarados splashed into the water, creating massive ripples.
"Dragon Rage!"
Gyarados whirled around in the water, then reared its head and spat out a burning sphere of draconic energy toward Skorupi.
Paul countered swiftly.
"Pin Missile!"
Skorupi, now unaffected by Intimidate, raised its pincers and fired a flurry of glowing projectiles toward the incoming Dragon Rage.
CRACK!
The Dragon Rage attack was completely shattered, and the remaining Pin Missiles pelted Gyarados relentlessly as it tried to retreat into the water.
Although Pin Missile wasn't particularly effective against Flying-types, Skorupi's attack had been boosted multiple times, making it far more powerful than usual.
Gyarados began panting heavily.
"That's fine! Use Thrash—" Crasher Wake started—
But then—
Gyarados suddenly seized up, its entire body trembling uncontrollably.
The poison had reached its critical point!
With one final groan, Gyarados collapsed onto the water's surface, completely immobilized!
"What?!!" Crasher Wake's eyes widened.
"Gyarados is unable to battle! Skorupi wins!"
"Return, Gyarados… you did great."
Despite his shock, Crasher Wake recalled his Pokémon with a nod of respect.
"Your Skorupi's venom… it's something else. Stronger than normal Toxic… impressive."
Paul smirked.
"Not bad."
"Kuu!"
As it sharpened its claws once more, Skorupi let out a confident hiss.
"Alright, next round! Come on out, Swampert!"
With a bright flash, a calm yet wise-looking Swampert appeared on the battlefield, standing steadily on the floating platform—completely unbothered by the poison-tainted waters beneath it…
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