Flaaffy, struck by four simultaneous Flamethrowers, collapsed in a heap, barely conscious.
At the same time, one of Growlithe's clones was hit by Thunder Wave, paralyzed and fading away.
Jun Shafeng had a bold idea. "Growlithe, recall your clones and use Tailed Beast Ball!"
Growlithe absorbed its remaining clones, regaining some stamina. It opened its mouth, condensing a fist-sized, swirling Tailed Beast Ball.
Bai Yu didn't recognize the move but assumed it was like Hyper Beam. "Flaaffy, hit back with Thunder!"
Flaaffy struggled to its feet, summoning electric energy. Dark clouds gathered, and lightning crackled in the sky.
Both Pokémon unleashed their attacks. Flaaffy's Thunder crashed down on Growlithe, while Growlithe's Tailed Beast Ball rocketed toward Flaaffy like a missile.
Thunder struck Growlithe first, but with sheer willpower, it held on. The Tailed Beast Ball hit Flaaffy, triggering a massive explosion that sent Flaaffy flying a hundred meters.
Though Growlithe technically won, both Pokémon were gravely injured.
A system notification chimed in Jun Shafeng's mind: [Ding! Congratulations, Growlithe has gained enough experience to reach level 28.]
Jun Shafeng barely registered it. He quickly recalled Growlithe into its Poké Ball and, alongside Bai Yu, rushed to the Tianhong City Pokémon Center.
---
At the Pokémon Center, Jun Shafeng and Bai Yu waited anxiously in the emergency area. After what felt like an eternity, Nurse Joy emerged with two Poké Balls, her expression stern.
"What were you two thinking?" she scolded. "Your Pokémon were injured to the point of danger. If this happens again, I'll report you to Officer Jenny."
Jun Shafeng bowed his head. "We're sorry. We got carried away and didn't realize how powerful our moves were. It's our fault."
Nurse Joy softened at his sincerity and handed back their Poké Balls without further comment.
Jun Shafeng looked at Growlithe's Poké Ball, resolving to head to the Pokémon Battle Club tomorrow for an official challenge.
---
The next morning, Jun Shafeng arrived at the Donghuang Pokémon Battle Club with Growlithe. A receptionist greeted him warmly.
"You've already registered online, right?" she asked. "You're assigned to Arena 2."
She led him to Arena 2, where unmanned drones hovered, filming the matches. "You're lucky," she said. "Two days ago, we partnered with Tianhong TV to broadcast Arena 2 matches live. If you shine, you could become a local star! If you prefer privacy, I can move you to Arena 4."
Jun Shafeng shrugged. "It's fine. I doubt my battles will be that exciting."
The receptionist smiled. "There are 12 trainers in Arena 2 today, including you. The computer will randomly pair you with opponents."
Jun Shafeng nodded, glancing at the holographic screen above. Soon, all trainers arrived, and the computer assigned matches. Jun Shafeng's opponent was Wang Chao, and they were in the first group.
"Lucky or unlucky? Hard to say," Jun Shafeng muttered. After his recent battles, he felt less nervous.
He stepped onto the arena, and Wang Chao arrived shortly after. The referee signaled the start.
Both trainers threw their Poké Balls. Growlithe emerged for Jun Shafeng, while Wang Chao's Pokémon was a Machoke.
"Machoke, huh? Let's see how tough this is," Jun Shafeng thought.
His system scanned Machoke, displaying its stats.
[Machoke]
[Type: Fighting]
[Level: 31]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Guts]
[Moves: Bulk Up, Low Sweep, Rock Smash, Dynamic Punch, Iron Head, Knock Off, Protect]
Reading Machoke's info, Jun Shafeng quickly formed a battle plan.
Read 15+ chapters ahead at Patreon
Today is my eid please give me eidi at Patreon.
p@treon.com/Horizons685
---end of the chapter