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Soon, the two trainers arrived at the Cinnabar Gym. Looking at the familiar building before them, Ash stepped forward without hesitation and pushed open the entrance doors.
"Master Blaine, I'm here for my gym challenge!" Ash called out confidently as he entered the facility.
The lights throughout the gym suddenly illuminated, revealing Blaine and Elite Agatha standing before them, appearing as though they had been awaiting Ash's arrival for quite some time.
"You're finally here, Ash! I've been anticipating this battle eagerly. Come on, let me escort you to our competition venue!"
Blaine announced, then began walking toward the gym's exit rather than heading to the volcanic cave behind the building.
"Wait, Master Blaine? Aren't we going to the usual battle arena?" Green asked with obvious confusion upon witnessing this unexpected direction.
"Well, due to yesterday's incident, the standard venue hasn't been fully repaired yet, so I'm taking you to an alternative location!" A mischievous glint flashed in Blaine's eyes as he spoke.
Elite Agatha's expression also shifted slightly. Since she had been present during the entire previous day's events, she naturally knew whether the venue had actually been repaired or not. In fact, the arena had been completely restored to working condition. However, it was unclear why Blaine was claiming otherwise. Perhaps he had his own strategic intentions for this choice.
"I see!" Green didn't pursue the matter further after hearing his explanation, and Ash remained equally unconcerned. The specific venue didn't matter to him in the slightest.
After departing from the Cinnabar Gym, Blaine led the group up the mountainside. As they climbed higher outside the volcanic area, they could feel the ambient temperature growing increasingly intense with each step. They crossed a sturdy bridge and continued their ascent up the mountain path. After approximately half an hour of steady climbing, the group finally reached the summit.
"This is incredible!"
Green gazed at the volcanic crater opening before them, her face displaying unmistakable amazement. The bottom of the crater was filled with bubbling, molten magma. Simultaneously, except for the outer rim, the center of this volcanic mouth appeared remarkably spacious and open.
Within the middle of the crater, numerous irregular stone pillars rose like natural stepping stones. Each rocky column occupied a relatively narrow position and was completely surrounded by the flowing magma below.
"Isn't it absolutely magnificent? This is a location I discovered by pure chance. This entire arena was formed completely by natural forces. Even after visiting here countless times, I continue to marvel at nature's incredible craftsmanship!"
Blaine observed Green's astonished expression with evident satisfaction, then turned his attention toward Ash with anticipation.
"Ash, let's settle our battle right here!"
"Agreed!" Ash stepped forward and positioned himself at the edge of the volcanic crater, while Blaine moved to the opposite side of the natural arena.
Green and Elite Agatha took positions nearby to observe the upcoming contest between the two trainers. It was clearly apparent that Blaine's choice of such a challenging location was significantly more difficult than the standard gym venue, demonstrating that he had absolutely no intention of holding back during this battle.
Elite Agatha was particularly eager to see whether Ash could successfully handle Blaine under these demanding conditions.
"The number of Pokémon permitted in this competition is limited to three total. Additionally, the rules for this match specify one-on-one battles exclusively. As soon as either side defeats their opponent's Pokémon, the winning trainer must also recall their victorious Pokémon and cannot use it in subsequent rounds."
Blaine began explaining the battle regulations with a serious, professional demeanor. Green felt slightly surprised upon hearing these specific rules, as they differed from the standard format she had experienced during her own gym challenge.
However, she wasn't truly shocked by this variation, since gym battle rules were ultimately determined by each individual gym leader. If all challenges followed identical formats, it would become far too predictable and monotonous. This approach also tested each challenger's adaptability and strategic thinking.
The format required three Pokémon total, but structured as individual one-on-one matches. In other words, victory would be determined by accumulating points, with whoever achieved two wins claiming overall triumph.
Such regulations were absolutely fair and impartial. They represented a pure competition of raw strength and skill, unlike endurance battles where the trainer who won first gained significant advantages.
In typical wheel battle formats, the victorious trainer could allow their undefeated Pokémon to continue wearing down the opponent's freshly sent replacement. However, under these specific rules, even defeating an opponent without sustaining damage became meaningless, as both Pokémon would be withdrawn regardless of the outcome.
"Do you have any questions about these conditions?" After completing his explanation, Blaine looked directly at Ash and awaited his response.
"None whatsoever!" Ash remained completely composed and shook his head calmly.
"Excellent! Then let's begin! My first Pokémon is..."
Blaine smiled with genuine appreciation after hearing this confident response, then began his announcement. Before he could complete his statement, the magma beneath the numerous stone pillars suddenly began pulsing with increased intensity.
WHOOSH!!!
The rhythmic beating of the molten rock created powerful waves, and then a blazing fireball of magma erupted upward. A imposing figure burst forth from the flames and lava, landing gracefully on one of the stone pillars. Its entire body appeared to be wreathed in fire, radiating the intense heat of the volcanic magma itself.
The space surrounding the Pokémon seemed distorted by the tremendous high temperature emanating from its form. It was the same Magmortar from their previous encounter.
"He's sending Magmortar as his opening choice?" Green looked surprised by this dramatic entrance, not having expected Blaine to deploy Magmortar from the very beginning.
She distinctly remembered that during her own gym challenge, he had saved Magmortar as his final, most powerful team member.
Observing the Fire-type Pokémon that Blaine had selected, Ash calmly retrieved his Poké Ball without any hesitation and looked forward with determination.
"Squirtle, I choose you!" For the opening battle, Ash selected his reliable Water-type partner. Brilliant light flashed as Squirtle materialized and quickly landed on its designated stone pillar with practiced agility.
"Squir-tle!"
"Squirtle? Just as I anticipated—you're leading with a Water-type Pokémon."
Blaine showed no surprise whatsoever upon seeing Ash's first choice. It was perfectly logical to open with a Water-type against his Fire-type gym.
In reality, he had encountered countless trainers who came to challenge the Cinnabar Gym, and they universally brought out Water-type Pokémon immediately. Some challengers even used teams consisting entirely of three Water-types, so witnessing Ash's selection was completely expected.
"Very well, Ash! You're welcome to launch the first attack!" Blaine graciously offered the opening move rather than taking the initiative himself.
"Thank you for the courtesy! Squirtle, use Water Gun!"
Ash didn't hesitate to accept the generous offer. After hearing Blaine's invitation, he immediately launched into action. Squirtle responded instantly by puffing up its cheeks, then unleashing a powerful blue water column that blasted directly toward Magmortar's position.
"Ash, relying on type advantage is certainly sound strategy, but sometimes battles involve much more than simple type matchups."
Facing Squirtle's Water Gun assault, Blaine displayed no fear and remained completely calm. He spoke with confidence only after observing the incoming water attack.
"Magmortar, use Flamethrower!"
BOOM!!!
The opposing energies of water and fire collided dramatically in the center of the arena, generating thick clouds of steam in an instant. Both forces struggled against each other in apparent stalemate. Soon, however, Magmortar's flames began gradually overpowering the Water Gun and surged toward Squirtle at high speed.