The clamor outside the Gym grew so loud that it finally drew the staff outside.
A young man in blue overalls pushed open the door, took one look at the sea of people, and froze. "There—there weren't this many challengers booked for today. Where did this crowd come from?"
"We're here to watch the match!"
Someone in the throng shouted, jabbing a finger toward Lionel. "The challenger's right here!"
Only then did the attendant notice Lionel, surrounded on all sides, and the eye-catching shiny Beldum hovering at his shoulder.
He quickly spoke into his headset to the Gym Leader, then turned back. "So that's how it is. Everyone, follow me. The Leader says the crowd's too big, so the usual Trainer-transport tunnel trap test is cancelled—straight to the field."
He pressed a button beside the door; the heavy metal gate slid inward, revealing a passage laced with pipes and cables.
The crowd trailed him through the winding corridor, the air sizzling with crackling electricity.
Wall-mounted screens scrolled trivia about Electric Pokémon, all part of Mauville Gym's industrial vibe.
At the end of the passage the view opened wide.
A colossal battle arena lay ahead, its floor plated with highly conductive metal, grandstands towering on every side.
The spectators who'd entered with Lionel filed to their seats under staff guidance.
In the center, a portly middle-aged man paced with hands clasped behind his back.
His trademark Mohawk was white as frost, and a broad grin never left his face.
"A kid who smiles nonstop is just like a 100,000-volt Thunderbolt!"
The man boomed with laughter as he turned—Wattson, Leader of Mauville Gym.
Beside him stood a bespectacled young assistant clutching a clipboard: Walter.
"Leader, mind your image."
Walter adjusted his glasses and murmured.
Wattson scratched his head, surprised by the turnout. "Been ages since we've had a crowd like this, eh, Walter? Why the sudden rush for a Gym battle?"
While speaking he scanned the newcomers until his gaze locked on Lionel.
More precisely, on the shiny Beldum floating beside him.
Its silvery metal body gleamed coldly under the arena lights, red crystalline eye like a polished gem.
Wattson's chatter cut off; his smile dimmed, eyes fixed on the shiny Beldum in scrutiny and wonder.
Walter leaned in, whispered a quick explanation, and Wattson nodded repeatedly.
"So that's how it is! While I'm holed up tinkering with robots, the outside world's gotten this interesting!"
Wattson strode up to Lionel, hand extended. "You must be Lionel, from Dewford Town? Sorry to keep you waiting!"
"Good day, Leader."
Lionel shook the offered hand politely.
Wattson clapped his shoulder, voice ringing. "With this big an audience we can't disappoint. Let's warm them up with a little opening show!"
He snapped his fingers toward the field. "Raikou Unit Four, let's see you!"
At his words a seam split in the arena floor and a huge mechanical construct rose.
It was a robot modeled on the Legendary Beast of Kanto—Raikou.
Yellow plating, sparking mane-like parts, powerful limbs, piercing eyes—almost indistinguishable from the real Raikou!
"Rooo—"
The bot roared in simulation, sprang about with impossible agility.
It reared up, blasting a thick bolt that burst mid-air like fireworks, drawing gasps from the stands.
Next it slashed arcs of light across the floor with forepaws, even mimicked a Thunder Fang, maw crackling.
"Holy—look at that!"
"A Raikou robot? Leader Wattson's such a mad genius!"
"That electricity looks real—does it actually pack a charge?"
Spectators chattered, camera flashes popping.
Live-stream chat scrolled furiously:
[OMG that bot is sick!]
[Confirmed: Wattson's a tech otaku!]
[Looks just like Raikou pics—worth the ticket right there!]
[Now I'm hyped for the real match—he's got more tricks for sure!]
Wattson beamed at the awe on every face. "Pretty slick, huh? Top-tier power system and motion modules—all my own work!
All right, showtime's over—let the real deal begin!"
He sobered, eyes sharp on Lionel. "That shiny Beldum of yours intrigues me. Gym rules, remember—three-on-three, till one side's Pokémon can't continue."
"Understood."
Lionel nodded; beside him the Beldum chimed, red eye locked on Wattson, body tensed for battle.
Wattson pointed to the far side. "Positions, then. Let's see if that shiny Beldum matches Steven's!"
"Walter, you're referee."
"On it, Leader!"
Walter sped to the hovering referee platform in mid-field.
He raised red-and-green flags, directed Lionel to the challenger's box, then Wattson to the Leader's spot.
Clearing his throat, he announced, "This Gym challenge is a three-on-three battle. A Pokémon that faints may not return. Victory goes to the Trainer with Pokémon still standing!
The challenger may switch; the Gym Leader may not.
Ready—begin!"
The stands fell silent; every gaze fixed on center-field, even the live chat slowed, waiting for Beldum's debut.
Wattson tapped a Poké Ball at his belt, casual. "Know you only caught that Beldum recently, so I'll even things up.
Magnemite, you're up first—go show Beldum a good time!"
"Bang!"
Red light burst; a small Pokémon appeared.
Its body a sleek silvery sphere, cold metallic sheen, two U-shaped Magnets for arms, a bright screw on top.
A single large eye stared from the center, crackles of electricity dancing where Magnets met body.
Like Beldum, it hovered via magnetism, alert despite its cute look.
The dual Electric-Steel type—Magnemite.
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