"Roar!"
The sound of a dragon's cry echoed as Charizard charged forward at full speed. Even Alakazam's Psychic could not stop it from getting closer.
The moment Charizard was about to reach Alakazam, Alakazam suddenly used Teleport to vanish.
"That's what I was waiting for!"
"Charizard, use Flamethrower!"
The instant Alakazam disappeared, Gu Yuan gave his command.
Flames burst out wildly, turning into a rain of fire that covered the entire battlefield.
When Alakazam reappeared, it was forced to use its Psychic power to block the incoming flames.
"Charizard, use Flame Charge, then Flamethrower!"
The third Flame Charge took effect, increasing Charizard's speed once again.
Its Flamethrower, already at Expert mastery, became even faster, forming a blazing pillar of fire aimed straight at Alakazam.
Alakazam did not use Teleport this time, instead countering the fire with Psychic.
But what awaited it was Charizard, diving down with Dragon Rush.
The increased speed made the attack even faster.
The roar of the dragon filled the air, and Charizard's eyes gleamed with fierce battle intent.
Forced into a corner, Alakazam used Teleport again to dodge.
Seeing that, Charizard immediately stopped its charge and unleashed another Flamethrower.
Flames scattered like rain, waiting for the instant Alakazam reappeared.
Watching the entire field, Gu Yuan was ready for an all-out assault.
After all, using Dragon Rush multiple times consumed too much of Charizard's stamina.
Alakazam appeared again, using its psychic power to block the flames.
Charizard used Flame Charge once more, rapidly closing the distance.
Flamethrower burst forth, spreading into a fiery net that surrounded Alakazam.
By now, Charizard's speed had reached an incredible level.
Even though Sabrina gave Alakazam orders through telepathy, Alakazam could no longer keep up with Charizard's move speed and was gradually being overwhelmed.
Charizard continued its charge, a streak of fire shooting forward, while Gu Yuan kept his eyes fixed on Alakazam.
If Alakazam used Teleport again, Charizard would unleash another Flamethrower.
If Alakazam didn't dodge, Gu Yuan would command Dragon Rush.
Of course, Sabrina had her own strategies too. She could have Alakazam fight head-on, which was exactly what Gu Yuan wanted to see.
Without using Teleport, Alakazam had no guarantee of victory against the much faster Charizard.
This situation came about partly because Sabrina had underestimated him at the start.
Only now did a hint of surprise appear in her eyes, but she still commanded Alakazam to face its opponent.
Once Alakazam stopped using Teleport, Gu Yuan fully let Charizard display its speed advantage.
After repeatedly using powerful moves, Charizard's stamina dropped below one-third, triggering its Blaze Ability.
Invisible flames wrapped around Charizard's body, but just as Gu Yuan prepared for a final strike, Sabrina suddenly recalled Alakazam into its Poké Ball.
Seeing Alakazam vanish, Charizard had nowhere to release its built-up energy, letting out an angry, frustrated roar.
"You did well. You've earned the slot that Shadow secured for you. Whether you succeed now depends on you."
Suddenly, Sabrina's voice echoed in Gu Yuan's mind.
As Gu Yuan reacted in shock, an invisible Psychic force enveloped him.
Charizard noticed and tried to attack Sabrina, but a terrifying psychic wave instantly knocked it unconscious.
Even the Pokémon inside their Poké Balls, like Sylveon and the others, sensed something wrong, but none could resist Sabrina's power.
At that moment, Sabrina displayed her full strength without restraint.
Gu Yuan, meanwhile, felt his vision blur.
***
When he came to, he was standing in a silver-white space. In front of him stretched an endless staircase reaching beyond sight.
In the depths of his mind, a voice whispered to him: if he reached the top, he could leave. Otherwise, he would die.
Instinctively, Gu Yuan believed the voice and began climbing.
At first, he moved with determination, feeling no fatigue.
But soon, the endless monotony bored him, and exhaustion set in. The staircase seemed just as long as when he started.
Frustration grew. His body ached. He wanted to stop.
He paused to catch his breath, then resumed climbing again, his eyes filled with resolve.
Scenes of his past flashed before him, his wasted former life, his wandering days after crossing into this world, the moment he gained power, the moment his system awakened.
Compared to his past, he now had a clear goal: to become the strongest in this world.
The system made that path clear, and the bonds he formed with Charizard and the others strengthened his resolve.
He would never give up now that he finally had this chance.
If he couldn't even climb a staircase, how could he ever become the strongest?
Gu Yuan forgot time and fatigue. All he had left was the determination to reach the top, just as he would one day reach the peak of strength.
Step by step, his pace grew firmer. The end of the staircase drew closer.
Finally, Gu Yuan stepped onto the top level.
Before he could look back, the staircase beneath him vanished, and the silver-white space began to collapse.
Standing still, Gu Yuan showed no fear. Instead, calm confidence filled his eyes, unshaken by anything.
In the next instant, he found himself back inside the Saffron Gym. Sabrina stood a few meters ahead, watching him with mild surprise.
"This is for you. Along with awakening your Psychic power, this is the reward Shadow prepared."
After saying that, Sabrina waved her hand. Gu Yuan and Charizard disappeared from the spot and reappeared outside the Gym.
Looking around, Gu Yuan didn't open the bag right away. He first recalled Charizard into its Poké Ball.
Then he went to the Pokémon Center to restore Charizard's condition before returning to the hotel. After letting Kadabra and the others stand guard, he opened the bag that Sabrina had given him.
Unusually, the bag was just an ordinary one.
When he opened it, a golden badge lay inside, with several books beneath it.