With over one thousand Combat Points remaining, Lian decided not to use them yet. He would save them for accumulating more points before gradually increasing his Control Rating.
Next, Lian began practicing dragon-type moves. Possessing such high Dragon-type Control Rating, it was only natural to explore and experiment with creating various innovative dragon-type techniques.
Until he was forcibly ejected from the system space, Lian continuously tried different applications of Dragon-type energy. This type of energy possesses a dominant and forceful nature, making it unsuitable for generating explosive effects like Fire-type energy.
For special attack moves, Dragon-type energy is better suited for wave-like releases, similar to shockwaves or breath attacks, such as Dragon Pulse, Dragon Breath, Twister, etc.
In terms of physical attack moves, they typically exhibit overwhelming power, filled with rage and aggression, examples include Outrage, Dragon Rush, etc.
Dragon-type moves are relatively scarce; aside from some exclusive moves reserved for Legendary Pokemon, there are only about a dozen available. Among these, the strongest Special Attack move is undoubtedly Draco Meteor. However, in Lian's view, Draco Meteor is too powerful and requires a high level to learn effectively.
Apart from Draco Meteor, Dragon Pulse stands as the most potent Special Attack move within the Dragon-type repertoire, excluding those exclusive to Legendaries.
To acquire stronger Dragon-type moves, Lian must start by mastering Dragon Pulse. By altering its release form and enhancing its potency, he can improve its effectiveness.
However, this process requires patience and time to incrementally increase his Control Rating, allowing for gradual experimentation and refinement.
***
The Fire-type Gym was located in the western region of Ruby City, near Steel Fire Mountain. The Gym Leader had been serving for over twenty years, making them one of the most experienced and senior Gym Trainers within the League's gyms.
The Gym Leader's name was Kanron, a middle-aged man known for his friendly smile. He had been the Fire-type Gym Leader since his youth, continuing to hold this position until present day.
Early in the morning, after finishing her breakfast, Kalia headed towards the Fire-type Gym situated on the west side of Ruby City.
After some time, Kalia arrived at the Fire-type Gym by foot. At the Silver Rank level, all gym battlefields became open-air arenas. This change accommodated Trainers who gradually started utilizing various weather-related moves, as these strategies required an outdoor environment. Without it, many weather-based moves and abilities would be ineffective, diminishing the excitement of battles.
Although Move Disks for weather-related techniques were rare, certain Pokémon could still independently learn moves like Sunny Day or Rain Dance.
The Fire-type Gym stood amidst rocky terrain, surrounded by fiery red volcanic rocks, adjacent to Steel Fire Mountain's vicinity.
The architecture of the Fire-type Gym closely resembled flames, with its vibrant fiery-red design exuding a sense of intensity. From afar, it appeared like an incessantly bursting flame, topped by a Poké Ball emblem, clearly indicating its status as a Fire-type Gym.
Upon entering the gym, Kalia noticed a stern-looking middle-aged man seated at the center. In front of him were four or five students, suggesting that Gym Leader Kanron was conducting a lecture.
Reflecting back, Kalia seemed to recall meeting Gym Leader Kanron before, but it was quite some time ago. Her memory was hazy, but she remembered her father Karley being acquainted with him.
The sound of Kalia opening the door drew attention from everyone inside. Kanron glanced over; since the gym was open-air, he could clearly see Kalia's face.
Seeing Kalia, Kanron briefly hesitated before saying, "Please wait for your Gym challenge momentarily. I need to finish this lesson first."
Kalia nodded slightly, moved to a nearby seat, and patiently waited while Kanron continued teaching the students.
Due to financial constraints, many aspiring Trainers could not afford to attend Pokemon Academies. Consequently, ordinary civilian Trainers seeking knowledge had no choice but to join gyms as students under Gym Leaders.
This was the common path chosen by most Trainers. Kalia, undoubtedly fortunate, grew up learning about Pokemon from her father, who himself was a Gym Leader. Although it wasn't as comprehensive or systematic as education at a Pokemon Academy, it provided her with a solid foundation.
After some time, Gym Leader Kanron concluded his lecture and approached Kalia. Staring intently at her, he remarked, "You give me a sense of familiarity."
Kalia realized that Kanron must have recognized her, although given how much she had grown, it was understandable if he initially didn't recall her.
She said, "My father is Karley, and I do remember you vaguely from my childhood."
Kanron's eyes widened, then he slapped his forehead, laughing with a sudden realization. "No wonder you looked familiar! It's you, indeed. I remember when you were just around five or six years old; hard to believe you've grown up so quickly."
Kalia smiled, acknowledging that her childhood memories were hazy, yet Kanron's warm smile always remained faintly imprinted in her mind.
Kanron sighed and said, "Your father and I were actually considered good friends at one time. Unfortunately, I made a mistake back then, leading to your father severing ties with me. Reflecting on it now, it was truly my fault. With your father no longer here, I can't apologize to him directly."
"However, since I've encountered you, let me express my apologies here. As for what happened in the past, I won't delve into it; those memories are best left untouched."
Kalia was taken aback, unaware of this history between her father and Kanron. Though curious, she couldn't force Kanron to share more if he didn't wish to.
"You must have inherited your father's Pokemon, right? In theory, you should have taken over as Gym Leader," Kanron mentioned as they approached the open-air battlefield.
It seemed Kanron had limited knowledge of external affairs, not even aware that Kalia previously served as a Grass-type Gym Leader.
Kalia shook her head, "I prefer to forge my own path."
"The path you speak of is actually followed by many, but how few reach its end." Kanron shook his head, acknowledging that collecting gym badges to ultimately participate in the League Competition is an incredibly arduous journey. Countless Trainers give up along the way.
Only a handful could reach the end without resources or wealth, relying solely on determination and passion; it was merely wishful thinking.
"Send out your Pokemon," said Kanron.
He then tossed a Poké Ball, releasing a fiery red Rapidash onto the battlefield with blazing mane flames, looking exceptionally impressive.
"Go, Charmeleon!"
Facing a Fire-type Gym, using Sunny Day would not be ideal, as it could also benefit the opponent's Pokemon. Since Kalia wasn't certain about her opponent's team, she opted not to lead with Ninetales.
"No Grass-type?" Kanron was taken aback, expecting Kalia to inherit Karley's Pokemon, but instead, she sent out a Fire-type Charmeleon.
However, this made sense. As Kalia's goal wasn't to become a Gym Leader, she wouldn't primarily focus on training single-type Pokemon. Having a Fire-type in her arsenal was unsurprising.
The battle swiftly commenced.
Lian observed the opposing Rapidash, realizing that using Fire-type moves would be unwise—not only due to its resistance to Fire-type attacks, but also because Rapidash might possess the Flash Fire Ability, making Fire-type moves disadvantageous.
"Charmeleon, use Hidden Power (Rock)."
Fortunately, Kalia remembered this move, as Rock-type counters Fire-type, making Hidden Power (Rock) particularly suitable in this situation.
"Rapidash, use Take Down."
As soon as the battle commenced, Lian unleashed Hidden Power (Rock). Despite not using it for a while, his execution remained proficient.
Rapidash swiftly charged towards Lian, exerting full force with immense impact potential.
The brown glow of Hidden Power (Rock) struck Rapidash but failed to halt its advance; it merely staggered momentarily before continuing its charge.
Lian couldn't let Rapidash collide with him and promptly cast Flame Tornado. Now, he no longer needed to spin physically, releasing it effortlessly from a stationary position.
Kalia had witnessed this move yesterday, yet she still found it astonishing. The sight of Charmeleon effortlessly executing such an unprecedented attack was truly remarkable.
"That's..." Kanron looked on in shock, observing the Flame Tornado enveloping Charmeleon. As a Fire-type Gym Leader, he fully understood the significance of this move.