After receiving the sign-in reward, Ash took a deep breath.
At last… this was it—the final Gym. Once he conquered the Eighth Kalos Gym, the next step would be the Kalos League itself.
The movements of Team Flare had also been completely pushed back because of Ash's sudden arrival in this timeline.
That cunning man, Lysandre, was probably biding his time, waiting until Ash left Kalos before making his move.
That guy had been in hiding for a long, long time—longer than Cyrus of Team Galactic back in Sinnoh.
And unlike Cyrus, Lysandre's patience was unmatched.
What a formidable man… if only his dream wasn't to destroy the world.
Ash shook his head and stepped forward, standing on the battlefield opposite Wulfric.
"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town in the Kanto Region! Today, right here, I will battle for my eighth Kalos Gym Badge. Wulfric, let's give it everything we've got!"
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu echoed, determined eyes locked on their opponent.
"Hahaha!" Wulfric laughed heartily. "So, you're telling me you've been walking through Snowbelle City without even wearing a winter coat? You're sturdy indeed. If you want me to go all out, first show me your true strength. Go, Bergmite!"
"Berg!"
The old Gym Leader tossed out his first Pokémon. It was clear he wanted to test Ash's abilities.
"Talonflame, I choose you!"
"Tlaaaar!"
Talonflame took flight, its wings blazing with fiery energy.
"The Gym Battle between the challenger Ash and the Snowbelle Gym Leader Wulfric is about to begin! Each side may use three Pokémon. The battle ends when all Pokémon on one side are unable to continue. Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon. Battle start!"
"Bergmite, use Ice Shard!"
"Berg!"
The little Bergmite spat out a barrage of shimmering ice chunks toward the airborne Talonflame.
"Charge right through it with Flame Charge!" Ash commanded.
This Bergmite was only around level 35. It might have been fine against an ordinary challenger, but Ash was far from ordinary.
Talonflame didn't even flinch—its fiery body burned through the icy shards, melting them on contact as it accelerated toward its opponent!
"Spin and dodge, then attack from behind with Rapid Spin!" Wulfric countered.
At the last second, Bergmite whirled around like a spinning top, slipping past Talonflame's charge and aiming to strike from the rear.
But Ash and Talonflame were in perfect sync.
"Not so fast—Quick Attack, now!"
"Tlarr!"
Talonflame burst forward with blinding speed, evading Bergmite's spin.
Wulfric's eyes widened in surprise. He had thought his bond with Bergmite was deep enough to read the battle better than his challenger. But clearly, this boy's instincts were extraordinary.
"Flame Charge, straight ahead!"
The fiery tackle struck true, sending Bergmite flying backward.
"Sorry, Wulfric, but since Talonflame has launched Bergmite into the air… this one's ours! Talonflame—Steel Wing plus Quick Attack, Brave Bird style!"
"Tlaaaar!"
Talonflame cloaked its wings in steel energy, its body already glowing with the afterimage of speed.
Wulfric didn't even have time to call for a counter. Bergmite, tumbling helplessly through the air, couldn't right itself.
The combined strike hit directly, and Bergmite was down before it even touched the icy floor again.
"One down," Ash said firmly, raising his arm. Talonflame landed neatly on it, clutching his forearm with its talons.
Wulfric's eyes twinkled with interest. "Impressive… You've already surpassed my expectations. Very well—let's see how you handle this. Go, Avalugg!"
The massive iceberg Pokémon emerged, its body like a moving mountain of ice. Its level was high—around 48.
"Avalugg!" it roared, frost spilling from its jaws.
"A big, tough opponent, huh?" Ash smiled. "Well, I've got someone who's been itching for a real fight. Hawlucha—let's go!"
"Cha!" Hawlucha landed in front, striking a dramatic pose, cloak-like wings spread wide.
Wulfric nodded approvingly. "Avalugg, Icy Wind! Aim for Hawlucha's feet!"
He wasn't underestimating Ash anymore. A Flying-type on ice terrain would be disadvantaged, even if it had Fighting-type moves to counter Avalugg. And Avalugg's avalanche attack was devastating—if it landed.
"Hawlucha, remember the training with everyone! Now's your time to shine!" Ash shouted.
"Cha!"
Hawlucha planted its clawed feet firmly, balancing with uncanny precision even on the frozen battlefield.
As the freezing wind howled, Hawlucha didn't retreat. Instead, it dashed straight into the storm!
At the last second, it spread its wings, leaping high into the air, gliding gracefully over the icy terrain.
"Avalugg's massive body can't turn quickly," Ash analyzed out loud. "At your attack speed, Hawlucha, there's no way it can dodge your Flying Press!"
"Cha!"
With a battle cry, Hawlucha soared down like a meteor, slamming onto Avalugg's broad back with explosive force!
Ash's grin widened. "Perfect! With you pinning Avalugg's back like that, its Avalanche attack is sealed away!"
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