The individual value reaches 3V, and Venusaur's strength has just reached the primary level of the Gym. It seems that it was only recently promoted to this level. In that case…
Red looked at Pikachu on the battlefield. Although Pikachu had already participated in two battles, it had barely expended any physical energy and was still capable of fighting. However, Red didn't plan to let Pikachu battle Venusaur. Instead, he decided to switch Pikachu for Pidgeot. After all, Pidgeot was on the verge of evolving, and Venusaur, being a newly promoted Gym-level Pokémon, was the perfect opponent for it.
"Pikachu, come back. Let another teammate take over. With your current strength, it will take some effort to defeat Venusaur."
Yes, you heard that right.
Pikachu's strength had increased to the elite level after defeating the Tangela and Vileplume. Although Venusaur was a tier above Pikachu and had double resistance to Electric-type moves, Pikachu could still wear it down slowly. However, Red preferred fast-paced battles rather than endurance fights unless absolutely necessary.
Besides, Pikachu wasn't the only Pokémon he had. This was the perfect opportunity for Pidgeot to gain experience before evolving.
"Pika~" Pikachu nodded, trusting Red's judgment. It turned around, ran toward Red, and settled beside him to watch its companion take over the battle.
"Go, Pidgeot!"
With a flash of red light, a massive Pidgeot appeared in the air above the battlefield, its wings spreading wide as it let out a powerful cry.
"What…?" Aijali couldn't help but show a look of surprise.
Although she already knew Red was an exceptional trainer based on Pikachu's performance, she was still shocked upon seeing Pidgeot.
Not only was Pidgeot unusually large, but the aura it exuded was nearly on par with her Venusaur.
This meant that before Venusaur had evolved from Ivysaur, Pidgeot's strength might have been even greater. Even though Venusaur had a type advantage over Flying-type Pokémon, their actual battle strengths were evenly matched. Even if Venusaur managed to land an attack, it wouldn't necessarily knock Pidgeot out instantly.
Realizing this, Aijali knew her chances of winning were slim. If her Venusaur defeated Pidgeot, it would still take significant damage, making the rest of the battle difficult to win.
"Wahua~" Venusaur let out a battle cry upon sensing Pidgeot's strength. Its round eyes narrowed into sharp, determined ones as it prepared for battle.
"Bi!" Pidgeot flapped its wings, responding to Venusaur's challenge as if to say, "I accept your challenge."
"It looks like both Pokémon are eager to fight. Miss Aijali, let's begin!" Red called out.
"Yes!" Aijali nodded before raising her hand. "Venusaur, use Vine Whip!"
"Pidgeot, dodge with Quick Attack!"
Pidgeot swiftly moved to avoid the incoming vines and waited for the right moment to strike.
"Now, Pidgeot, use Whirlwind!"
"Venusaur, Protect, then counter with Vine Whip!"
Venusaur, unable to dodge the attack due to its size, used Protect just in time. A green barrier surrounded it, blocking Pidgeot's Whirlwind completely.
Once the storm subsided, Venusaur quickly extended its vines again, attempting to strike Pidgeot.
"Pidgeot, dodge and use Wing Attack!"
Using its incredible speed, Pidgeot maneuvered past the vines, wings glowing white as it slashed toward Venusaur.
"Venusaur, Protect!"
Again, Venusaur raised its shield just in time, nullifying the attack. Pidgeot flapped its wings and retreated into the air.
Red wasn't surprised. He knew Protect was a move that could block any attack instantly if used correctly. Judging from Venusaur's precise timing, it had mastered the technique well.
However, Protect had a flaw—it couldn't be used repeatedly without risk of failure.
"Pidgeot, use Aerial Ace!"
With incredible speed, Pidgeot closed in on Venusaur from behind.
"Venusaur, dodge—!" Aijali shouted, but it was too late.
Pidgeot's glowing wings struck Venusaur squarely on the back.
Boom!
Venusaur groaned in pain, clearly feeling the impact. Aerial Ace had a base power of 60, and although Venusaur had high defense and stamina, taking a direct hit was not ideal.
"Venusaur, use Leech Seed!"
"Pidgeot, counter with Gust!"
As Venusaur launched seeds toward Pidgeot, the bird Pokémon flapped its wings fiercely, generating strong winds that blew the seeds away before they could reach their target.
"Venusaur, use Razor Leaf!"
"Pidgeot, dodge and use Quick Attack!"
Sharp leaves sliced through the air toward Pidgeot, but the agile Pokémon swiftly dodged and sped toward Venusaur with a Quick Attack.
"Venusaur, use Protect again!"
Once again, the green barrier appeared, blocking Pidgeot's attack. However, Red smirked—this was exactly what he wanted.
"Pidgeot, use Aerial Ace again!"
Since Protect had been used consecutively, its chance of failing had increased. As expected, Venusaur tried to activate Protect, but this time, it didn't work.
Pidgeot's attack landed cleanly, sending Venusaur skidding backward.
"Venusaur, hold on! Use Solar Beam!"
"Pidgeot, don't let it charge up! Use Wing Attack!"
Before Venusaur could gather enough sunlight to unleash its strongest Grass-type move, Pidgeot struck again with a powerful Wing Attack, disrupting its concentration.
Venusaur staggered, struggling to remain standing.
Aijali gritted her teeth. "Venusaur, use Sleep Powder!"
Venusaur released a cloud of spores into the air, aiming to put Pidgeot to sleep.
"Pidgeot, blow it away with Gust!"
With one mighty flap of its wings, Pidgeot created a gust strong enough to disperse the powder before it could take effect.
Red saw his chance. "Now, finish it with Aerial Ace!"
Pidgeot swooped down at lightning speed, striking Venusaur once more with its powerful wings. The impact sent Venusaur crashing to the ground, unconscious.
The battlefield fell silent.
"Venusaur is unable to battle! Pidgeot wins!" the referee declared, raising the flag toward Red's side.
Aijali sighed, recalling Venusaur into its Poké Ball. "You truly are the strongest Rookie trainer I've ever seen. I acknowledge your strength. Regardless of the next battle's outcome, I will award you the Rainbow Gym Badge."
Red smirked. "I appreciate the recognition, but I'd rather win it with my own strength."
Aijali nodded, then pulled out another Poké Ball. "Alright, since you've proven yourself, I'll send out a member of my second-tier team. Be careful."
She tossed the Poké Ball into the air. A red light flashed, and a new challenger appeared on the battlefield.
To be continued...