Could he really be bluffing? Ethan Cross wondered silently.
However, in the next moment, Carl was already tossing out his second Poké Ball. "Go, Electivire!"
In a dazzling burst of electricity, the mighty Electivire appeared on the battlefield.
Oh my! When did Carl manage to capture an Electivire? Lillie and Serena exclaimed simultaneously.
Now the tables had completely turned, with the advantage firmly in Carl's grasp.
"I told you so," Evan Cross chuckled, unable to hide his grin.
"An Electivire?!" Ethan's face went pale. "That's impossible! How did you get that Pokémon?"
Carl calmly retorted, "And why shouldn't I have an Electivire?"
Electivire enthusiastically pumped its fists, cheering on its trainer.
"The point isn't whether you can capture it," Ethan clung to the railing, suddenly wearing a confident smile, "but rather, you shouldn't be using it in this match!"
"This is a gym challenge, not a personal battle."
"You've violated the rules, so you automatically lose!"
Ethan was smug, as if victory was within his grasp. Although Carl possessing a professional-level Electivire was surprising, its unauthorized use gave Ethan a greater opportunity for sensationalism. With some clever editing and provocative narration, it was sure to explode online.
But Carl's reaction caught him off guard.
"Pray tell, how have I violated the rules?" Carl remained calm and composed.
"Isn't it obvious?" Ethan sneered, "Electivire isn't a Fighting-type Pokémon."
"Fighting-type?" Carl was initially taken aback, then he couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, I see. It seems your information is quite lacking."
"What do you mean by that?" Ethan suddenly felt uneasy.
"My gym isn't specialized in Fighting-types. It's an all-type gym," Carl stated calmly.
"What?" Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Now that that's cleared up, shall we continue the match?" Carl didn't waste any more words and gave a direct order. "Electivire, Taunt!"
Electivire gestured provocatively towards Ethan's Snorlax.
Oh no! Ethan's face turned ashen. He knew that after being taunted, his Pokémon could only use attacking moves for the next three turns.
"Trying to force me into a head-on fight? Not so easy!" Ethan gritted his teeth and shouted, "Snorlax, use Hydro Pump!"
Snorlax immediately unleashed a powerful torrent of water.
Carl remained unflustered. "Set up Electric Terrain."
Electivire plunged its tail into the ground, releasing a surge of electricity. The entire field was flooded with electromagnetic waves, boosting the power of Electric-type moves.
Boom! The Hydro Pump hit Electivire squarely.
"Wild Charge," Carl commanded.
Electivire, charged with electricity, pushed through the water stream, rushing towards Snorlax.
"Damn it!" Ethan stomped his foot in frustration. He realized Carl was using the same tactic against him.
"Shadow Ball!" Snorlax halted its Hydro Pump, retreating while firing a Shadow Ball.
Electivire didn't flinch, enduring the explosion, and slammed Snorlax heavily into the wall.
As the electricity dissipated, Electivire was left panting heavily, while Snorlax lay motionless on the ground.
"Thunder Punch!" Carl commanded once more.
Ethan had no choice but to watch as Electivire delivered the final blow, ending the match.
The cry of victory was abruptly cut off, and the arena returned to silence.
In a corner of the audience, a woman in professional attire turned to her blonde companion. "What did you think of that battle?"
"Boring," her companion, Gardevoir, yawned lazily. "Though it was satisfying to watch, the level of performance was hardly inspiring."
The woman couldn't help but laugh. "Your bluntness never changes, does it?"
"Why should it?" Gardevoir lifted her chin. "Just being honest. If there were truly exciting battles, I'd naturally applaud."
The woman shook her head, lightly tapping Gardevoir's forehead. "Winning isn't everything. That trainer Ethan has a problematic way of treating his Pokémon. The gym leader Carl was teaching him an important lesson."
Gardevoir's ears burned slightly, yet she stubbornly replied, "But what if he had lost? That guy would have been even more insufferable."
In her heart, that arrogant trainer wasn't even worth mentioning. Although she agreed with the woman's view, she couldn't stand her praise for Carl.
"Don't focus too much on the outcome," the woman advised earnestly. "Enjoying the process is more important. Being too fixated on winning and losing can make you lose your way."
These were insights she had gained from years of exploring ruins. Often, the pursuit might not yield results, but the experiences along the way were the true treasures.
The woman and Gardevoir had been friends since childhood, but their personalities were completely different. The woman preferred guiding others through action, while Gardevoir was used to expressing her thoughts directly.
The woman hailed from a long and mysterious lineage in the Sinnoh region. Gardevoir, on the other hand, was from a wealthy family with extensive business ventures and a talent for psychic powers. Despite their similar backgrounds, their upbringing was entirely different.
Gardevoir had always lived a privileged life, receiving elite education, which nurtured her proud demeanor. The woman, however, frequently engaged in outdoor exploration and archaeology, making her more pragmatic and resilient.
"I understand. I'll try to enjoy the process more," Gardevoir said earnestly. But the woman knew she was only saying that because she was currently stronger. If Gardevoir ever surpassed her in skill, she would definitely turn the tables.
"Enough of this. Let's finish our work and get some rest," Gardevoir urged impatiently.
The woman sighed. "I knew I shouldn't have brought you along. Weren't you planning to train in Unova?"
"Are you upset with me?" Gardevoir suddenly turned serious, her emotions stirring.
The woman quickly explained, "I'm just worried it might delay your plans."
"Really?"
"Of course, really."
Gardevoir scrutinized the woman's expression, trying to find any cracks. After a moment, she smiled again. "So, you're just concerned about me, but I'm really fine."
"Going to Unova is to hone my skills,"
"But traveling with you is more important."
"When we were in Sinnoh, you were always busy with archaeology."
"Now that we're out here, you should spend more time with me, right?"
"Actually, I'm not rushing you back. I just want to finish our work quickly so we can explore more and make some wonderful memories here."
The woman was a bit puzzled.
Why did that sound so odd?
Maybe she was overthinking it.
"Gardevoir, could you take a look and see if that person is there?" The woman changed the subject.
Continuing this conversation would only make things awkward.
"You want my help?"
"My psychic abilities aren't for casual use."
"But for you, I'll make an exception."
Gardevoir closed her eyes.
The woman sighed helplessly.
"Huh?"
Gardevoir suddenly opened her eyes, surprise etched on her face.
"What is it?" The woman set aside her thoughts and asked.
Not much could surprise Gardevoir.
"That person is really strong," Gardevoir's voice carried a hint of excitement. The woman's eyes gleamed with interest, as if she had discovered a worthy opponent.
"How strong?" she inquired.
"About as strong as me. We'd have to battle to know for sure," Gardevoir replied.
"What? That's impossible!" The woman widened her eyes in disbelief.
In the lounge, Sabrina furrowed her brows.
"Sabrina, what's wrong?" Serena noticed her odd expression.
"It's nothing, just feeling disgusted by that person outside," Sabrina pointed out the window.
Serena followed her gaze and caught sight of Ethan's departing figure.
"Indeed, he's quite unpleasant," Serena agreed, nodding.
At this moment, Carl's voice echoed through the broadcast. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make."
Spectators and trainers paused, turning their attention to the command platform.
"I plan to temporarily close the gym," Carl said earnestly. "Thank you all for your unwavering support."
"My streak of ten victories has made me a bit complacent. Although today's match ended in victory, it exposed my weaknesses."
"I'm too young and lack experience. I almost lost to a sacrificial strategy earlier."
"I need time to improve myself and my Pokémon."
"The reopening date will be announced on the official website, but it will be no later than the beginning of next month."
With that, Carl bowed.
The venue was silent at first, then erupted into murmurs.
"Carl's taking a break?"
"I come to watch the battles every day."
"Don't be like that; we'll miss you."
"Let him rest. Handling so many challenges daily is taxing."
"Carl made a valid point."
"I'm increasingly impressed with him. Winning so many matches yet staying humble and diligent."
"Didn't you catch on? He's clearly fed up with Ethan."
"I heard Ethan's a blogger? I'm going to roast him when I get home."
"Too late. I'm already on it."
"Go Carl! I'll definitely be there when you reopen."
"We'll miss you."
"The pride of Fairview, we're behind you!"
The atmosphere was electric, with almost everyone backing Carl, and the few who were dissatisfied directed their ire at Ethan.
The woman watched Carl, admiringly. "He has all the qualities of a top-tier trainer."
Geniuses were not uncommon, but it was rare to find someone as humble and reflective as Carl, always striving for improvement.
Gardevoir rolled her eyes. "He's quite average. Nineteen and only at professional level, with mediocre psychic abilities. He's far behind me."
The woman raised an eyebrow. "When did you start speaking nonsense?"
Noticing Gardevoir's closed eyes, she laughed softly. "Alright, you're clever, you're brilliant."
"But he might be more than just professional level," the woman suddenly turned serious.
"Could he be near Elite level?" Gardevoir's eyes snapped open in surprise.
The woman nodded. "You got it."
"What?!"
In the lounge, Serena and Lillie were shocked. "Is Carl really closing the gym?"
They had recently become obsessed with watching Carl's battles, which were both thrilling and educational.
"He gave so many reasons, but I think it was Ethan that pushed him over the edge," Lillie huffed.
"Exactly, he's awful," Serena agreed, her anger evident.
Evan watched them, feeling both amused at how everyone was in the dark and impressed by Carl's tactics.
Clearly wanting a break, yet he managed to make it sound so noble.
Carl, forever the legend.
At that moment, Sabrina's eyes flashed coldly, and she suddenly vanished.
"Huh?"
In the audience, Gardevoir suddenly stopped her argument with the woman and lowered her voice. "Sis, the time's come, let's move!"
Meanwhile, on a small path near Summit Gym, Ethan was seething with rage. He had just been thoroughly defeated by Carl in the gym battle, leaving him humiliated.
As a moderately popular video blogger, Ethan had built up a following through sensationalism and malicious editing. Recently facing a growth plateau, he decided to ride on Carl's popularity to boost his numbers.
He was envious of Carl's talent and couldn't stand how someone so young had inherited a gym. After meticulous planning, he chose today to challenge Summit Gym, hoping to leverage the occasion for attention.
However, reality dealt him a harsh blow. Electivire's overwhelming performance caught him completely off guard, rendering his meticulously crafted strategy useless. What infuriated him even more was Carl's post-match announcement to close the gym, citing Ethan's behavior as one of the reasons.
This was clearly targeted at me! Ethan fumed. The mocking laughter of the departing crowd still rang in his ears, stoking his anger.
If conventional methods aren't working, don't blame me for playing dirty. He pulled out his phone, contemplating how to edit the battle footage. "Just switch the footage around, and I can make myself look like the victim..."
Ethan schemed, thinking it safer to have someone else post the content. Even if it was traced back, he could still deny involvement. In his view, as long as he could grab attention, even negative publicity could be profitable. With money, he could acquire more resources, and as his strength grew, so would his status, making past scandals irrelevant.
The more he thought about it, the more unwilling he became, deciding to take a risky gamble. But just as this thought crossed his mind, he suddenly felt his feet leave the ground, his whole body floating uncontrollably toward the river.
What's going on? Panicked, he tried to look around, but found he couldn't even move his neck. Stranger still, none of the Pokémon in his Poké Balls were reacting. As an elite-level trainer, his Pokémon, despite any power differences, should have sensed their trainer was in danger.
This could only mean the person responsible was far beyond elite level. Ethan racked his brain, trying to recall when he might have offended someone of such caliber. Even with ten times the courage, he would never dare! Now, without even the chance to plead, he was utterly panicked.
"Go reflect at the bottom of the river like a toy," an icy voice echoed in his ear as he floated over the water. Immediately, he felt his body shrinking, gradually losing consciousness. Seconds later, he plummeted into the river.
Unexpectedly, after hitting the water, he didn't experience the anticipated suffocation. His vision grew darker, occasionally catching sight of a Magikarp swimming by. But the most torturous was the despair within—he could see, but all other senses were stripped away, unable even to cry for help.
"True repentance might offer salvation," the voice returned, but Ethan couldn't even muster a response.
"Aren't you worried Officer Jenny will come knocking?" a woman's clear voice suddenly spoke from a large tree by the riverbank.
The wind tousled Sabrina's purple hair as she gazed into the distance. "Even the Elite Four champion hasn't stepped in."
"I'm the champion of Sinnoh, not in charge of this region," the woman, Cynthia, joined her, sunlight casting a halo over her blonde hair.
She would usually prevent such actions, not out of duty, but to avoid tragedy. However, upon hearing Ethan's malicious plans, she changed her mind. Letting him drift as a doll seemed fitting retribution.
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