"Gym Apprentice Kiera's Magnemite is unable to battle. Please send out your next Pokémon."
The referee's voice pulled Kiera out of her moment of stunned silence.
She had clearly heard the murmurs from the audience, and naturally felt unwilling to accept such a quick defeat.
Unfortunately, Ground-type Pokémon completely counter Electric types. She could only hope that Silas wouldn't send out another Ground-type Pokémon for the next round.
Silas recalled Sandile and clipped the Poké Ball back onto his belt before taking out another Luxury Ball.
"Umbreon, you're up."
A graceful figure leapt lightly onto the battlefield.
The dark, elegant Pokémon immediately drew countless gazes from the audience.
Umbreon.
For most ordinary spectators who didn't understand Pokémon battles very well, visually appealing Pokémon naturally attracted more attention.
Kiera quietly let out a breath of relief.
As long as it isn't another Ground-type… there's still a chance.
She accepted another Poké Ball from the Gym staff. Just like before, it contained a Pokémon randomly assigned by the Gym with a level similar to Umbreon's.
Usually, this system relied heavily on luck, since her own main Pokémon were all around level 40 and couldn't be used in these matches But when she saw the Pokémon she received, she couldn't help thinking:
What a coincidence.
"Jolteon, prepare for battle!"
A sharp, lightning-colored Pokémon appeared.
Its yellow fur stood upright like needles, and white fur circled its neck like a collar.
Jolteon.
...
Eeveelution Rivalry
The moment Jolteon appeared, its fur crackled with electricity as it glared fiercely at Umbreon.
Umbreon simply glanced at it calmly, its cold, proud gaze sweeping across the battlefield.
The charm of Eevee's many evolutionary paths was on full display.
Whether it was:
the gentle nature of Leafeon
the cold elegance of Umbreon
or the fierce energy of Jolteon
Each evolution pushed Eevee toward its full potential.
That was one of the reasons Eevee was so beloved among trainers,not just its cute appearance, but the mystery and diversity of its evolutions.
Silas's expression grew slightly serious.
This Jolteon's level wasn't low.
It was nearly the same as Umbreon's.
Around level 28 or 29.
....
The Second Battle Begins
At the referee's signal, both trainers gave their commands.
A dark sphere of energy instantly formed.
"Umbreon, Shadow Ball!"
The ghostly projectile shot forward.
Shadow Ball was one of Umbreon's few offensive moves, but after recent training it had become extremely reliable.
At night, its concealment was even greater opponents often couldn't even tell where the attack came from.
Ghost-type attacks were extremely useful in nighttime battles.
"Jolteon, use Pin Missile!"
Jolteon fired several glowing green needle-like projectiles.
Three of them struck the incoming Shadow Ball mid-air, successfully intercepting it.
Jolteon could learn both:
Pin Missile (Bug-type)
Double Kick (Fighting-type)
Both types were effective against Umbreon's Dark typing, which slightly boosted Kiera's confidence.
...
Yawn Strategy
"Umbreon, use Yawn!"
Silas wasn't surprised his attack had been blocked.
Umbreon excelled not in offense but in support and disruption.
Umbreon lazily stretched and let out a deep yawn.
A wave of drowsiness spread through Jolteon's body.
This inherited move was even more practiced than Shadow Ball.
Silas smiled slightly.
"Strike while it's weakened. Dark Pulse!"
Umbreon released a surge of dark energy filled with malicious intent.
The dark shockwave rushed toward the increasingly sleepy Jolteon.
"Jolteon, Protect!"
Kiera shouted urgently.
A green barrier appeared just in time, barely blocking the attack.
Jolteon was very fast at gathering energy.
...
Speed vs Strategy
"Close in! Use Double Kick!"
Jolteon dashed across the battlefield.
With a base speed of 130, Jolteon easily outpaced Umbreon.
Seeing there wasn't enough time to counterattack, Silas gave a different order.
"Umbreon, Double Team!"
Umbreon instantly created several clones.
As one of the earliest TMs Umbreon learned, it could now produce over five realistic illusions.
Jolteon, confused, randomly kicked two clones.
"Umbreon, Pursuit!"
Taking advantage of Jolteon's close range, Umbreon suddenly leapt forward.
Spinning gracefully, it struck Jolteon with its fluffy tail.
Silas continued immediately.
"Don't give it time to react—keep attacking!"
Another Dark-type attack landed.
With STAB power, the attack dealt significant damage.
Jolteon staggered and fell to the ground.
....
Jolteon's Last Attempt
"Give it everything! Jolteon, Thunder Fang!"
Kiera knew the entire match was being recorded.
She could only pray that the defeat wouldn't be too humiliating.
Seeing the opponent already losing momentum, Silas gave a final command.
"Umbreon, defend—then finish it."
"Dark Pulse!"
"Follow with Shadow Ball!"
Jolteon's spiky fur gradually softened as its electricity faded.
Without the energy supporting it, the once sharp fur became loose.
Jolteon collapsed onto the ground.
Its eyes spun in circles.
....
Match Result
"Jolteon is unable to battle!"
"Umbreon wins!"
"The challenger has won the first two rounds!"
"Therefore, the winner of this Gym challenge match is Silas!"
The referee announced the result calmly, his headset blocking out the loud cheers from the crowd.
A nearby attendant stepped forward carrying a tray.
On it rested the proof of victory The Dynamo Badge.
Silas smiled as he accepted it.
Under the stadium lights, the badge shone with a golden glow.
"Thank you."
Silas bowed politely to the referee and the attendant before leaving the battlefield.
....
After the Battle
With the match concluded, Arena No. 6 entered its intermission period.
The next Gym apprentice for this arena would most likely not be Kiera.
After fighting three challengers in a row and even losing a badge she was probably both physically and mentally exhausted. But none of that concerned Silas.
Instead of leaving immediately, he returned to the audience seats to continue watching.
Gym challenge battles were actually quite valuable learning experiences.
Sure enough, after the 15-minute break, a different Gym apprentice replaced Kiera.
She had likely gone backstage to rest.
Being a Gym apprentice isn't easy…
Silas watched the intense battles happening on the field and sighed quietly.
After collecting his reward–a TM for Thunder Wave,Silas finally left Mauville Gym.
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At every 50 power stones = 1 bonus chapter
(End of chapter)