Chapter 277: Post-Battle Rewards, Gary's Match Unfolds
"Victory! Lord Red has spectacularly won again, successfully advancing to the sixth round—the quarterfinals! I'm increasingly looking forward to the ultimate showdown between Lord Red and his next opponent!" the announcer proclaimed excitedly, pushing the audience's collective emotion to unprecedented heights.
After all, Red represented one of the tournament's most popular figures. The spectators naturally anticipated his upcoming matches with tremendous enthusiasm, as both Red and his future opponents possessed hidden strength reserves not yet fully revealed, making predictions about ultimate victory genuinely difficult for most observers.
Precisely because of this uncertainty, countless spectators eagerly anticipated witnessing how these future confrontations would unfold.
Observing Sundae's visibly despondent expression, Red offered constructive guidance: "Garchomp's genuine talent extends far beyond what you witnessed today. Continue practicing diligently in the future."
"Thank you. Perhaps I'm simply not suited to be a Pokémon trainer," Sundae said with obvious self-criticism.
"Perhaps. Though your real regret might involve arriving in an incorrect era," Red replied leisurely, his cryptic observation hinting at deeper implications.
"Beyond merely training Garchomp's raw strength, you should prioritize developing Garchomp's psychological resilience. This particular Garchomp exhibits significant temperament imbalance—it struggles profoundly with accepting defeat."
Based on Red's accumulated observations across multiple battles, Sundae's Garchomp appeared to have experienced substantial childhood trauma, preventing its natural talent from developing optimally. Red initially attributed full responsibility to Sundae's training approach, but observing her genuinely clueless expression revealed the situation's greater complexity. However, Red deliberately chose not to involve himself too deeply at this particular moment.
After offering his guidance, Red ceased paying attention to Sundae and her fallen Garchomp. Under Snorlax's visibly excited gaze, he slowly withdrew a small box containing premium Pokémon Poffins from his pocket.
"Snorlax!"
Snorlax immediately stuck out its tongue and licked eagerly around its mouth, its entire body radiating anticipation for the delicious treats in Red's hand.
"You'll receive a modest reward, though not excessive," Red teased, tossing three Poffins before Snorlax, which immediately opened its cavernous mouth and swallowed them whole.
"Snorlax~"
After savoring the delicious Poffins, Snorlax smiled with obvious satisfaction, then deliberately adopted a pathetic expression, gazing longingly at Red with hopeful eyes, seeking additional treats. Upon observing Red's unmoved expression, however, Snorlax pouted with slight disappointment.
Then, beneath Sundae's genuinely shocked gaze, the somewhat satisfied Snorlax suddenly ignited with passionate determination. The massive creature proceeded to execute dozens of consecutive push-ups across the ground with disciplined precision, completely shattering Sundae's previous understanding of typical Snorlax behavior.
"This Snorlax defies every conventional expectation," Sundae complained helplessly, now comprehending exactly why Red's specimen possessed such astonishing strength levels.
After diplomatically answering several questions from television station reporters, Red activated his Teleport ability and reappeared within the audience seats, rejoining Ash's group as spectators for the upcoming match.
"My match comes next," Gary announced after absorbing lessons from Red's spectacular victory. He adjusted his competitive mindset and stood to prepare for his fifth-round confrontation.
"Relax, Gary. You've always been your grandfather's source of pride. Don't pressure yourself excessively—you're still just a young person with considerable potential ahead," Professor Oak offered comforting reassurance.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. I've genuinely matured," Gary replied with casual confidence, touching the Poké Ball secured at his waist before departing the audience area.
"Gary, Gary, he's amazing! Gary, Gary, he's the best!"
Moments after Gary's departure, cheerleader girls' enthusiastic chanting echoed through the stadium corridors.
Hearing this familiar supportive cheer, Professor Oak couldn't help but awkwardly scratch his head with obvious embarrassment.
"Gary, you absolutely must perform excellently," Ash murmured quietly, offering silent blessings toward his rival, though Gary remained unaware of this genuine support.
Indigo League - Main Stadium - Fifth Round
Half an hour later
"Extraordinary! Contestant Gary's Nidoking has consecutively defeated his opponent's both Onix and Persian with devastating efficiency!"
"Though unfortunately losing to the exceptionally durable Machamp, Nidoking's fierce offensive momentum inflicted significant cumulative damage. Victory appears increasingly likely for contestant Gary!" the announcer explained with obvious enthusiasm.
"Absolutely as expected from my grandson—still performing at such exceptional levels!" Professor Oak declared proudly from the audience seats, his gaze briefly meeting Red's approving expression toward Gary. His smile radiated unbridled satisfaction.
After all, from Professor Oak's perspective, receiving Red's acknowledgment demonstrated that Gary possessed genuine elite talent.
"You performed admirably, Nidoking," Gary said, withdrawing his Poké Ball to recall his fainted companion. He gently kissed the sphere as a gesture of acknowledgment for their teamwork.
Then, beneath his opponent's increasingly wary observation, Gary deliberately withdrew another Poké Ball. As the white light dissipated, Arcanine's magnificent figure materialized across the battlefield.
The majestic Fire-type, upon appearing, released a powerful roar directed at Machamp. Though Arcanine's ability was Flash Fire rather than something more aggressive, its overwhelming aura created immense psychological pressure on the opposing Machamp. The gap between the competitors became immediately apparent through their respective battle spirits.
The bell rang sharply.
"Arcanine, use Extreme Speed!" Gary commanded decisively, denying his opponent any opportunity to react.
Arcanine materialized before Machamp instantaneously, its movement so rapid that only afterimages remained visible in its wake. Before Machamp could even process what had transpired, Arcanine collided violently with the Fighting-type, sending it flying helplessly.
Machamp couldn't even comprehend what had occurred, completely uncertain why it had been launched backward so unexpectedly.
"Arcanine, press your advantage! Use Inferno Overdrive!" Gary commanded decisively.
Following Gary's instruction, Arcanine opened its mouth wide and released scorching flames with tremendous intensity. The overwhelming heat quickly engulfed Machamp, transforming it into a blazing vortex that trapped the helpless creature inside.
"Damn it! Machamp, quickly use Ice Punch!" the opponent shouted desperately, commanding his Pokémon to deploy Ice-type countermeasures to reduce the inferno's temperature.
However, the moment Machamp swung its frost-covered right fist, the intense heat of the flame vortex struck directly. The inferno's extreme temperature actually severely burned Machamp's right fist, substantially compromising its combat effectiveness.
Left without viable alternatives, Machamp forcibly shattered through the flame vortex's containment, though burn marks covered its body—clear testimony to Arcanine's Inferno Overdrive's devastating power.
"It appears you're not a particularly qualified trainer," Gary mocked, visibly unimpressed by his opponent's fundamentally flawed tactical decision.
After brief additional exchanges, the severely weakened Machamp couldn't even track Arcanine's agile movements, struck again by Arcanine's rapid Fire Wheel assault.
"Damn it! Why can't I land anything on Arcanine?!" the opponent ground out between gritted teeth, clearly not anticipating such phenomenal speed, privately regretting his earlier foolish strategic choice.
"Unfortunately, your Machamp simply cannot match Arcanine's superior velocity," Gary stated calmly, touching the necklace adorning his neck. "It seems the goddess of victory has destined me to face Red in the quarterfinals."
Just as Machamp prepared one final desperate resistance attempt, Gary, behind Arcanine, suddenly issued the conclusive command.
"Arcanine, use Flare Blitz!"
Following Gary's direction, Arcanine opened its mouth and released absolutely astonishing flames. The scorching fire transformed into a brilliant cascading blaze of energy, rapidly approaching the exhausted Machamp.
The severely depleted Machamp couldn't withstand Arcanine's Flare Blitz onslaught, forced to directly absorb the devastating heat damage. Finally, radiating residual warmth throughout its defeated body, Machamp collapsed completely with eyes rolled backward—unable to continue battling. Even the ground beneath seemed to radiate lingering heat.