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Chapter 109 - Chapter 109 – The Fourth Badge

Yozora understood.

If Graveler succeeded with Bide, the doubled counterattack damage would definitely leave the opponent gravely injured.

In truth—

Moves like Bide were best suited for Pokémon such as Snorlax or Wobbuffet. With their immense stamina, they could withstand repeated attacks and unleash devastating payback strikes.

After all, Bide reflected more damage the more the user had taken.

Thus, the move demanded a large reservoir of stamina.

But Graveler—while its defense was solid—did not have the deep reserves of health that Snorlax or Wobbuffet possessed. At best, it could only reflect one or two blows, and the damage would be limited. Graveler's defense was simply too high; a few moves rarely inflicted enough pain to make its counter truly lethal.

On the other hand, enduring too many attacks carried the risk of collapse.

And now, facing Bellossom's Solar Beam—even though it was only a single move—this ultimate attack could rival the power of several lesser techniques combined.

Graveler might not survive it.

But with no other options left, Yozora had no choice but to try.

"Boom!!" The Solar Beam finished charging. The small Bellossom bowed its head, and the two red blossoms above it absorbed sunlight, fusing the gathered energy into a blinding orb far larger than Bellossom's own body.

In the next instant, it fired like a colossal laser cannon, slamming into Graveler with a thunderous explosion. Smoke and dust billowed skyward.

For a long moment, the battlefield was shrouded.

When the haze finally cleared—

Graveler still stood, body battered and trembling, teeth gritted as a crimson glow enveloped its form.

It was storing power for the counterattack.

But before the buildup was complete, it let out a groan and crashed heavily to the ground.

The sheer weight of its fall gouged a massive crater into the grassy field.

"Graveler is unable to battle! Bellossom wins!" the referee's voice echoed.

"Well then, Yozora, do you still wish to continue this match?" Erika asked with an elegant smile.

"Of course," Yozora nodded.

"Oh?" Erika blinked in mild surprise.

She had expected him to concede after seeing Bellossom's strength.

Could it be… he still has a Pokémon stronger than Graveler?

Her thoughts drifted back to Yozora's earlier self-introduction.

From Pallet Town?

Ah, then he must be one of Professor Oak's protégés. That would mean his starter was one of Kanto's three—Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle.

Given how well he had raised Machop and Graveler, surely his starter would be even stronger.

Could it be a Charmander? Or perhaps it has already evolved into Charmeleon? Erika's heart leapt with anticipation. If Yozora sent out a Charmander or Charmeleon, the battle's outcome would become far less certain.

After all, Fire-type moves completely overwhelmed Bellossom, while Bellossom's Grass-type techniques were nearly useless against them.

Even if its level was lower, a Charmander or Charmeleon would still stand a great chance of victory.

But after all her speculation, Yozora's final choice was… an Aegislash.

"Hm? Aegislash?"

Erika was stunned. "That's a Pokémon from the Kalos region, isn't it? Yozora, have you traveled to Kalos?"

As expected of an experienced Gym Leader, she immediately identified Aegislash's origin at a glance—something most trainers could never do.

"I've never been to Kalos. I caught it in Kanto," Yozora replied with a smile.

"In Kanto? Then you're truly fortunate!"

Erika's eyes lit with admiration. "It's said that Aegislash seeks out its own trainers. Unless it finds one worthy, it refuses to stay captured, no matter how many times someone tries. Moreover, legends say that every trainer chosen by Aegislash possesses the qualities of a king."

"Wow, big brother Yozora is amazing—he has the aura of a king!"

"Lord Yozora!" Voices of Erika's female disciples rang out from the sidelines, brimming with excitement. Their eyes gleamed with admiration, and more than a little affection.

Yozora only chuckled lightly. He didn't take it to heart. Even if one had the potential of a king, failing to rise to kingship would render it meaningless.

To be so young yet remain this composed… To be praised as having the qualities of a king and still stay as steady as a mountain… Perhaps this young man truly does have the makings of a monarch, Erika thought, gazing at him with newfound respect.

That Aegislash selected trainers of royal caliber was only a legend—one Erika never believed. Her earlier words had been little more than a jest. But after witnessing Yozora's composure, she began to wonder if the legend held some truth.

"So then, Aegislash… Let me test your strength myself!"

With a graceful wave, Erika commanded, "Bellossom, use Magical Leaf!"

Bellossom twirled gracefully, conjuring a flurry of shimmering leaves. They shot forward like razor-sharp blades, homing in on Aegislash.

Unlike Razor Leaf, which was physical, Magical Leaf was a special attack—Bellossom's specialty. Not only was its power greater, it also never missed its target.

"Use Iron Defense," Yozora ordered calmly.

At once, Aegislash's body glowed with a steel-like sheen.

"Bang, bang, bang…" The leaves struck one after another, but Aegislash stood unshaken, completely unscathed.

Such impenetrable defense… Truly worthy of being called the Shield of Kings, Erika marveled inwardly.

"Advance, Aegislash!" Yozora commanded.

With a metallic clang, Aegislash drew its blade and soared toward Bellossom.

"So fast!" Erika's eyes widened in surprise.

She knew Aegislash possessed two stances: Blade Forme for devastating offense and Shield Forme for impenetrable defense. A true monarch among Pokémon, it had no weaknesses.

Except one—its speed.

Forged entirely of steel and massive in size, Aegislash was usually slow and cumbersome.

But Yozora's Aegislash moved with startling swiftness.

Of course, Erika couldn't know it possessed the Light Metal Ability, reducing its weight and granting it surprising agility.

"Bellossom, quick! Use Double Team!" Erika snapped.

In a blur, Bellossom split into five identical copies, filling the field. From appearance alone, it was impossible to tell real from fake.

Yozora's Aura allowed him to sense the truth, but he and Aegislash had not yet achieved full synchronization of mind. His insight couldn't directly reach the Pokémon.

Still, there was another way.

"Use Sacred Sword! Strike them all!"

With a swift slash, Aegislash unleashed a massive wave of azure sword energy, sweeping across the field and cutting through every copy of Bellossom at once.

Real or fake, it made no difference—obliterate them all.

Of course, Bellossom's level limited the number of clones. If it had been Yozora's Beedrill, it could have summoned dozens, overwhelming most attacks.

"What incredible sword energy!" Erika gasped. "Bellossom, quick—Substitute!"

"Boom—!!"

The Sacred Sword struck, detonating the ground with a tremendous explosion.

When the dust cleared, Bellossom was sprawled on the earth, battered and panting.

At the last instant, it had created a Substitute to absorb the brunt of the blow, but the strain left it heavily wounded regardless.

And Substitute itself consumed a vast amount of stamina.

Such power… That Sacred Sword alone far exceeds the Commander-tier threshold, Erika thought, her breath catching. To think, such a mighty Aegislash had chosen Yozora, a newcomer—it was nothing short of astounding.

"Now, Shadow Sneak!" Yozora called.

Aegislash's shadow stretched unnaturally across the battlefield, darting forward with blinding speed. In a flash, it struck Bellossom squarely.

The weakened Pokémon stood no chance.

"Thud…" Bellossom collapsed, eyes rolling back as it fainted.

"Bellossom is unable to battle! Aegislash wins!"

"The match is over—the victor is Yozora!" the referee declared.

"Bellossom, you did wonderfully. Rest now," Erika whispered gently, cradling her partner before returning it to its Poké Ball.

Then she approached Yozora with a graceful smile, holding out a gleaming badge.

"Congratulations, Yozora. This Rainbow Badge is proof that you have conquered the Celadon Gym."

"Clap, clap, clap…" Thunderous applause filled the hall. Erika's disciples cheered wholeheartedly, their admiration for Yozora rising ever higher.

For a rookie to defeat Erika's Bellossom—a Pokémon she normally used against Silver-tier Trainers—was nothing short of extraordinary.

"Thank you, Miss Erika." Yozora accepted the Rainbow Badge with a slight smile. With this, he now possessed four badges.

(End of Chapter)

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