After leaving Professor Oak's lab, Akg made his way deep into the Evergreen Forest, heading toward a secluded lake hidden from common trails. The same lake where, some time ago, he had subdued a rampaging Gyarados.
Now that he had the right to officially own a Pokémon, he decided it was time to confront Gyarados properly—and test his own strength in the process.
Reaching the lake's edge, Akg gently took out a shimmering Pokéball and released its occupant. A massive form materialized with a flash of red light, and Gyarados roared to the sky, eyes narrowing the moment they landed on Akg. But when his gaze shifted to Rena standing beside him, Gyarados froze for a split second. A chill ran down its spine—a memory of pain, of power, of a beating it hadn't forgotten.
Yet, even with that fear lingering, Gyarados stared at Akg defiantly, dissatisfied, as if saying, You may have caught me, but you haven't earned me.
Seeing the unrest in the Pokémon's eyes, Akg stepped forward. "Gyarados," he called out firmly, "I know what happened back then wasn't your fault. You were enraged, confused. But I want you to become my partner now. So let's settle this fairly. If you win, I'll release you. But if I win… you become my Pokémon willingly."
Gyarados growled lowly, accepting the challenge. Rena, however, immediately stepped forward, glaring with determination.
But Gyarados immediately shook his head, refusing to battle her.
He remembered her. That terrifying aura. That overwhelming pressure. There was no honor, no victory in challenging her again.
Seeing this, Akg chuckled. "Relax, Gyarados. You won't be fighting Rena."
He stepped forward and cracked his knuckles.
"I'll fight you myself."
Rena looked shocked. "Master, let me fight! I'll give this oversized snake another beating!"
Akg smiled, gently patting her head. "It's fine, Rena. I need to test something. Let me handle this."
Gyarados scoffed. A human? Alone? Laughable.
But Akg said nothing more. He narrowed his eyes, took a fighting stance, and said, "I'll make the first move."
In an instant, he disappeared from Gyarados' vision.
BOOM!
Akg's fist collided squarely with Gyarados' cheek—and the massive sea serpent was launched across the lake like a missile. Trees shattered. Rocks exploded. The water split as Gyarados flew through it and crashed violently into the forest beyond, knocking down anything in its path.
There was silence.
Even the wind seemed to pause.
Gyarados, unconscious, barely registered what had hit it.
Akg blinked in shock at the result. "I… didn't even go all out."
He looked at his hand, still glowing faintly. "That wasn't even 50%…"
Rena, wide-eyed, ran up to him and jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Master… you're amazing!" she beamed, her heart full of pride.
Akg gently hugged her back, smiling softly. "Looks like I've been underestimating myself."
He looked toward the now-silent forest where Gyarados lay.
Champion level… maybe higher…?
Akg turned toward the sky, thinking of his goddess wife, Mera.
Somewhere in the divine realm, Mera smiled quietly to herself, whispering, "You're finally realizing your strength… my beloved."