Castelia City, Castelia Gym.
After several days, Derick brought Riolu and his newly captured Pokémon partner back to this Fire Gym, which symbolized flames.
"Trainer, this is your second time challenging the Gym." The Gym Leader Alex looked at the boy who was about the same age as him, grinned, and asked: "Are you fully prepared?"
"We definitely won't lose as easily as last time!" Derick clenched his fists.
"Very well." A light burst from Alex's eyes: "I'm looking forward to your performance!"
Phwee—
Along with a melodious whistle, the referee of the Castelia Gym began to read out the rules of the Gym battle.
"The rules for this Gym battle are 3v3. Each person is limited to using three Pokémon. The match will only end when all of one side's Pokémon lose their ability to battle!"
"The battle officially begins. Please send out your first Pokémon from both sides!"
Alex did not choose to change his lineup. For the first Pokémon, he still chose to send out Magby.
Because he wanted to see how the opponent would perform when facing the same tactics and opponent a second time after losing once.
More importantly, the challenger is not the only one who can grow during a Gym battle.
As a Gym Leader, while gaining battle experience, he can also gradually improve his Pokémon's tactics and address their weaknesses based on the battle situation.
Derick clenched the Poké Ball in his hand.
For the first battle, he did not directly send out Riolu like last time, but prepared to send out his second newly captured Pokémon.
"Go!"
With a light shout from Derick, the Poké Ball in his hand shot out a beam of white light.
Within the light, a Pokémon about 1.5 meters tall, with white feathers and a massive yellow beak, appeared opposite Magby.
That's...
Alex's pupils constricted. Having studied hard at the Pokémon School, he recognized the Pokémon's name at a glance.
Pelipper!
The evolved form of Wingull, its types are Water and Flying!
And along with that Pelipper's appearance, a mysterious power surged from its body in all directions.
Immediately after, a continuous stretch of dark clouds appeared out of thin air over the battlefield, covering the entire battlefield below.
In the next second, heavy rain poured down from the dark clouds.
"Is the Ability Drizzle?" Alex smiled slightly: "It seems you really did listen to me! However, it won't be that easy to defeat us!"
"Magby, Smog!"
"Pelipper, Water Pulse!"
Both sides gave their orders simultaneously.
On the field, both Pokémon moved at the same time.
Magby's gaze Lock-On to the Pelipper in mid-air and spat out a cloud of purple, murky mist.
Pelipper's body surged with deep blue water energy, and the layers of water energy then vibrated violently. The shockwaves generated by the vibration crashed toward Magby.
The purple mist was dispersed by the Water Pulse, and the surging stream of water struck Magby's body with full force.
Magby cried out in pain, its small body flying backward uncontrollably.
Alex's pupils constricted.
Derick didn't give them a single chance to react.
After the hit, he immediately ordered a pursuit of Magby.
"Pelipper, Water Pulse!"
"Magby, pull yourself together! Quick, dodge it!"
Alex reacted almost at the same time.
But it was too late!
The second Water Pulse hit Magby accurately.
The powerful impact sent its small body flying.
"Magby is unable to battle! The first round goes to the challenger, Derick!" The referee announced the result of the first battle.
Alex's expression was solemn.
So... so strong!
He looked at the boy opposite him. In just a few days, the opponent's strength had actually grown to this level.
Was he a genius at being a Trainer? This thought suddenly popped into Alex's mind.
But he soon shook his head. No... so what if he's a genius? Magby was just a Pokémon he had recently captured; it didn't represent his true strength!
"Come on, Derick, I'm going all out this time!" Alex said.
He did not hold back. With a flash of white light, his starter Pokémon and strongest partner, Emboar, appeared on the battlefield.
The heavy rain poured down, making Emboar's majestic and powerful body look even brighter.
The second battle was about to begin!
—
Year 151 of the kingdom calendar, mid-July.
Draconis, still in the castle, received news that the fleet for overseas exploration was fully prepared.
A messenger reported that there were a total of 16 steam-powered giant ships in the fleet. Each ship was equipped with 80 sailors, a first mate, and a second mate. In addition, the ships were also equipped with chefs, maintenance workers, barbers, and other professions.
Beside each sailor was a Flying-type Pokémon and a Water-type Pokémon.
The holds of the giant ships were filled with honey, cheese, coffee, carpets, and other items. These items would be transported to other places as gifts or for trade during the Great Voyage.
"Your Majesty Draconis, the fleet all set off yesterday!" Alfred reported.
Draconis nodded slightly, indicating that he already understood the details.
The Old Butler's face was tinged with worry.
Draconis couldn't help but ask: "What's wrong, Alfred?"
"Your Majesty... I'm just a little worried that if the fleet passes through some barbarian lands, the wealth on the ships will be targeted..." Alfred said.
Hearing this, Draconis smiled faintly.
"Don't worry, I have arranged everything. If we encounter people with ill intentions, the well-trained navy on the ships is not to be trifled with."
"We are going there only for friendly exchange, but that doesn't mean we can be slaughtered at will."
"Your Majesty is wise!" Alfred finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Draconis smiled slightly and turned to look out the window at the vast, boundless sky.
Which region would be the first one the fleet reaches?
Hisui? Alola? Kalos? Galar? Hoenn? Or perhaps Paldea?
However, they probably wouldn't know the answer for a short while.
This fleet would have to wait until at least next year or the year after to return to their Unova region.
Regardless, set a small goal first—to introduce all those rare and precious Pokémon from other regions that are on the verge of extinction in the future and have very small numbers into the Unova region and protect them.
Whether now or thousands of years in the future, Draconis will build the Unova region into a holy land exclusive to Trainers.
....
Power Stones PlZZZZ
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