"Aggron, Rock Blast!"
Although Luxray's Thunderbolt had struck first, Aggron's steel armor—further reinforced by Iron Defense—absorbed the majority of the damage.
With a roar, Aggron retaliated.
Massive stones erupted around Luxray, encircling it before detonating in rapid succession.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fragments of shattered rock slammed into Luxray from all directions. Even with its exceptional agility, Luxray couldn't avoid every impact.
Volkner's eyes lit up instead of dimming.
"Now this is exciting! Luxray — Wild Charge!"
"Aiden — Aggron, Giga Impact!"
Luxray's body crackled with violent blue electricity as it launched forward like a lightning bolt incarnate.
At the same time, Aggron's massive frame became wrapped in spiraling violet-white energy.
The collision—
Was explosive.
The shockwave rippled across the battlefield, forcing even the referee to brace himself.
Both Pokémon cried out as they were thrown backward.
But in this direct clash of bodies—
Aggron held the advantage.
Before Luxray could stabilize its footing, Aggron fired a Flash Cannon point-blank.
Luxray staggered.
Volkner's grin only widened.
"Again! Luxray — Wild Charge!"
Luxray roared, electricity bursting violently from its body. Even injured, it hurled itself forward without hesitation.
"Aggron — Double-Edge!"
Another brutal impact.
Both Pokémon were rapidly draining stamina.
"Aggron — Metal Claw!"
"Luxray — Iron Tail!"
This time, as the two clashed—
Aggron's massive claw caught Luxray's tail mid-swing.
Luxray's eyes widened.
Aiden's voice rang out sharply.
"Now! Swing it!"
With overwhelming raw strength, Aggron lifted Luxray by the tail and began slamming it repeatedly into the battlefield.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The arena trembled.
When Aggron finally released it—
Luxray lay unconscious.
Ding!
Aggron defeated Luxray.
Experience gained: 3500.
Level up! Current Level: 76.
Volkner stood still for a moment.
Then—
He smiled.
For years, he had searched for opponents worthy of him.
Yet he had forgotten something fundamental.
He was a Gym Leader.
His duty was not merely to seek strong opponents—
But to guide the next generation.
Aiden had defeated his mainstay Pokémon.
But instead of frustration—
Volkner felt clarity.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "You reminded me why I stand here."
He reached for another Poké Ball.
"Now then. My ace."
"Electivire!"
Red light burst forth.
A towering Electivire appeared, electricity surging across its twin cable-like tails.
Ding!
Pokémon: Electivire
Level: 77
Nearly peak Champion-tier strength.
Aiden tilted his head slightly.
"If you're bringing out your ace… I should do the same."
Cynthia, watching from the sidelines, felt her eyelid twitch.
She already knew what was coming.
Volkner crossed his arms confidently.
"Let's see what you've got."
Aiden calmly removed the Master Ball from around his neck.
Red light flashed.
And then—
The sky darkened.
A colossal emerald-gold serpent descended.
Rayquaza.
Its roar shook the entire Gym.
Electivire dug its hands into the battlefield to keep from being blown backward by the shockwave alone.
Volkner's eyes widened.
"…You're kidding."
He wanted strong opponents.
No one had warned him the evaluation officer was a legendary-tier trainer.
"Electivire — don't hesitate! Wild Charge at full power!"
Aiden's expression remained calm.
"Rayquaza. Give him one chance."
"Dragon Tail."
Electivire roared, electricity erupting violently as it lunged forward—
Rayquaza lazily flicked its tail.
Just a hint of dragon energy wrapped around it.
The Dragon Tail came down.
Electivire—
And its attack—
Were smashed straight into the ground.
The battlefield cracked.
Dust rose.
When it cleared—
Electivire lay unconscious in a crater.
Silence.
The entire Sunyshore Gym fell completely still.
Volkner stared at the scene.
He had wanted a powerful opponent.
He just hadn't expected—
A god.
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