In the first two rounds, Lucario had consecutively unleashed two Power-Up Punches, meaning its strength had clearly increased by two levels.
How could such a clear advantage be casually ignored?
But the problem was that previously, Roxanne's Golem had used Earthquake, preventing Lucario from closing in and approaching the opponent.
At first, Golem stepped forward slowly but surely, pressing Lucario. The distance between the two Pokémon was not large, so it employed a "hit-and-run" tactic—maintaining a safe distance while delivering strong blows.
While advancing, Golem also used Protect to block Lucario's Aura Sphere. The intention was clear: to block Lucario's long-range attacks and force the opponent to get close before striking.
Clearly, Golem knew it couldn't just stand still waiting for Lucario's endless energy balls, so it had to actively close in and counter with physical moves.
When Golem's energy shield blocked the wave of Aura Sphere, even before it could react, Lucario's fist had already flown.
The explosion happened right on Golem's body, sending shards of rock flying everywhere.
Although the damage was significant, Golem was not like Roxanne's Probopass — which could take four times the damage from certain attacks due to its ability.
Moreover, Golem still held the level advantage. It was impossible for it to be defeated by a single hit.
Roxanne quietly regretted in her heart.
If Lucario had only used Aura Sphere, it would have been best to let Golem continue with Earthquake exchanges.
Such a balanced fight would cause Lucario to suffer heavy losses since its physical defense was rather weak.
But now, it was too late. Lucario was close, and Golem could no longer use ranged skills.
Now was the time for real close-combat attacks.
"Golem, use Fire Punch!" Roxanne quickly commanded.
A blazing heat burst from Golem's fist as it threw a punch at Lucario.
Alex's expression tightened, his eyes more serious than ever. He had patiently waited a long time, and now was the moment to decide the battle's outcome.
In his mind, he shouted: "Rocky, go!"
Though Fire Punch was super effective against Lucario's Steel type, Golem did not receive any additional damage bonus for the move.
So the punch's power was somewhat limited compared to a normal physical attack.
Lucario decided to abandon defensive tactics, raised its fist, and prepared to exchange direct blows with Golem.
Boom!
Both fists collided simultaneously.
Both Pokémon stepped back a pace.
The combined effect of Focus Blast and Lucario's two-level Power-Up Punch upgrades made its damage output superior.
"Don't stop, Rocky, keep going!" Alex urged without hesitation.
Lucario raised its fist again, aiming straight at Golem.
"Golem, attack!" Roxanne was not to be outdone, urging her Pokémon to retaliate.
Both trainers shouted commands, demonstrating their determination and high focus.
Blow after blow, a pure clash of strength with no defense or trickery.
Guided directly by Master Alex, Lucario clearly demonstrated superior skill over Golem.
Moreover, its superior speed allowed it to dodge and maneuver flexibly across the battlefield.
Each powered-up strike dealt massive damage to Golem.
In contrast, Golem relied on its higher level and superior defense to endure, persisting in its resistance.
Smack!
A fiery punch from Golem landed on Lucario's chest.
Lucario stepped back a few paces, gritting its teeth but standing firm.
Boom!
Lucario's punch struck Golem's back hard.
Rock fragments scattered, and Golem was pushed back several steps.
It lost balance, staggered, and fell to the arena floor.
Though it struggled to get up, Golem was too weak and couldn't keep fighting.
Finally, it collapsed to the ground.
Lucario had used its speed, skill, and powered-up attacks to defeat the opponent.
As Golem fell, Alex quickly rushed to support, catching the trembling Lucario after the fight.
He pulled out a berry from his bag and fed it to Lucario — a fruit that reduced fire damage.
"Lucario~" After the battle, Lucario was a bit weak but its eyes were full of joy and excitement from victory.
"Rocky, thank you for your effort." Alex clearly understood Lucario's feelings at this moment.
He was happy to have defeated a strong opponent but also felt sympathy for Lucario's injuries.
Although he always treated all Pokémon fairly and even spent more time with Kirlia, Lucario was still his first companion.
Their bond was anything but simple.
"Time to rest now." Alex pressed the Poké Ball and recalled Lucario.
"In round three, challenger Alex has won!" The referee announced the result amid the tense silence of the arena.
Immediately after, dozens of trainers in the stands rose to their feet, applauding nonstop and praising the excellent battle.
Inside the gym, applause echoed everywhere.
All three rounds were intense, and Alex's brilliant tactics along with Lucario's persistent fighting spirit left a deep impression.
"Yeah! Alex won!" May excitedly jumped up and waved her hands in celebration.
"It's been a long time since we've seen such a thrilling battle with a strong opponent!"
"Even though we lost, this match was truly exciting!"
Roxanne looked at Golem with mixed emotions: regret over defeat, frustration with the outcome, and above all, exhilaration after such a fierce battle.
She pressed the Poké Ball to recall Golem.
Then, reaching into her pocket, she took out the badge representing Rustboro Gym and stepped forward to hand it to Alex.
"Congratulations, Alex, here is the Rustboro Gym Badge!"
The final battle was over.