The dream of becoming a Pokémon master

Follow Erika to an enclosed arena, turn on the lights to reveal the battleground inside.

It's a very ordinary, standard arena. Most of the gyms that Kyosuke challenges are like this. The Celadon Gym is just surrounded by some plants.

However, considering the interior of the gym he had seen before, Kyosuke suspected that Erika had used all her other funds to decorate the environment and buy perfume-making machines, rather than focusing on Pokémon training.

Based on Kyosuke's observations and speculations, Erika is likely a trainer with some talent, but not exceptionally strong—just above average. Furthermore, due to her preference for Grass-type, her initial specialization might be more effective due to her familiarity with that type, making her training more efficient, but also making her vulnerable to being countered. Unfortunately, Grass-type might not be the most suitable type for Erika; she's only continuing to train with Grass-types out of sheer passion.

Perhaps Erika had already guessed that she and the Grass type were destined to be apart, but that did not change her mind.

She is the person that Kyosuke once said he was unwilling to give up because of love.

The development of perfume was probably driven by the need to maintain the gym. In a big city like Celadon City, only by developing luxury items like perfume could one make a living.

If someone held a disdainful attitude towards perfume, it would naturally hurt her feelings. Kyosuke guessed that Ash was such a person, and that's probably how he offended the gym.

While she was pondering, Erika had already stood on the opposite side of the field and shouted to Kyosuke, "The limit is three Pokémon per player. The battle ends when all Pokémon on one side are rendered powerless. Let's begin!"

"They don't even have enough money to hire referees?" Kyosuke muttered to himself.

Erika had no idea what Kyosuke was thinking. "First, let's go, Tangoose!" she threw out the first Poké Ball.

The Pokémon that appeared was completely wrapped in vines, each one trembling incessantly, obscuring its true form except for a black shadow and two eyes visible in the center, and wearing a pair of cute red shoes.

It was originally a child who drowned after getting tangled in water plants while playing by the water, and was transformed into this being by his resentment. Kyosuke remembered this urban legend.

However, although Kyosuke seems to have many choices, there is actually only one!

"Huang'er, it's up to you!"

Kyosuke hasn't forgotten that the purpose of the gym challenge is to give Spearow experience!

As soon as the little peacock appeared, its adorable appearance attracted a large group of female spectators on the sidelines.

The common Spearow, with its grayish appearance and short wings, isn't very popular. Even its evolution into Finch seems too fierce, and it's never been as well-regarded as Pidgeotto or Pidgeotto. However, Dawn is seen as a shining star, and its color combination is extremely beautiful, naturally making it popular with females.

It's possible that after Kyosuke becomes famous, Retsuja will experience a surge in popularity.

However, the focus is now shifting to gym battles.

"Phoenix, aim at the target and peck!" As is customary, the challenger usually attacks first, and Kyosuke gave the command in the usual manner.

Just as Huang'er was about to attack, Erika gave the order: "Vine Monster, use Binding!"

However, she ultimately overestimated the speed of the Vine Monster. When Huang'er launched a powerful attack, the Vine Monster did not bind her tightly with its vines in time, but instead gave her an opening to fly back into the sky.

"Huang'er, let's try one more time!" Kyosuke could tell that the opponent's level was not high, and two attacks should be enough to take them down.

"Vine Monster, use Paralysis Powder!" Erika responded immediately, always maintaining a calm and elegant demeanor.

The vine monster decisively used paralyzing powder, covering the entire surrounding area. Huang'er was forced to stop in mid-air and dared not come down.

"Create a wind and carry the vine monster away!"

Huang'er used her Wind Rising skill, and a gust of wind blew towards the Vine Monster, not only dispersing the paralysis powder but also rendering the Vine Monster unable to fight.

"Come back, Tangela." Erika recalled the fallen Tangela, took out another Poké Ball, and said to Kyosuke with a smile, "You're really strong, but I'll show you what I'm made of too. Enter the fray, Bellsprout!"

This is a Pokémon that looks almost exactly like a plant, but it possesses considerable strength. It has both Grass and Poison types, and is also more capable of self-defense than typical Grass-type Pokémon.

However, it's of no use to Huang'er, who has the fire and flying attributes.

"Dazed Flower, Flying Leaf Blade!"

Scattered leaves fluttered up and drifted towards the phoenix in the sky, indicating that they were not very strong.

"Swallow Return! Dodge and then attack directly!"

Phoenix began to fly in the air, but was still scratched by a few leaves. The damage was minimal. Passing through the leaves, she used Swallow Return to attack the body of the Silly Flower, knocking it away and rendering it unable to fight.

After retracting the Silence Flower, Erika realized that there was a huge gap in level between her and the opponent, but she still did not give up and summoned her final trump card, the Overlord Flower.

"Kyosuke, you're strong, but don't underestimate my passion for Grass-type Pokémon! Let's show him our power, Vileplume! Use Razor Leaf, then Stun Powder!"

The Queen of the Night responded and immediately unleashed her Flying Leaf Blade!

Unlike the previous Silent Flower, the Queen of the Night Flower's flying leaves were like scythes, spinning and cutting with great speed and power. Even though Huang'er tried her best to dodge, she was hit several times and suffered great damage even with the four-fold reduction.

When attacked and falling, it almost fell into the range of the paralyzing powder, but fortunately it managed to avoid it by rising higher.

As expected, the Gym Leader shouldn't be underestimated; the ace is quite threatening. Is this a combination move specifically designed to counter Flying-types? I almost fell for it. But this Vileplume is so different from the others; is all the love being given to it? Kyosuke secretly observed and analyzed.

However, if you can't close the gap with Flying-type moves, you'll have to use Fire-type moves to win!

"Phoenix, use Flamethrower!" After analyzing the situation, Kyosuke gave the order without hesitation.

Huang'er responded, found the right spot, and unleashed her Flame Leap.

The flames pierced through the paralyzing powder, forming a path of fire that struck the giant lily inside!

"What?" Erika exclaimed in surprise. The fact that the Sparrow could breathe fire was completely shattering her understanding!

However, the battle is not over yet!

"Phoenix, charge straight into the path created by the flames and use your peck on the Tyrant Flower!"

Huang'er accelerated her descent, rushing forward before the paralyzing powder could refill the part that had just been burned through by the flames. She accurately hit the Overlord Flower, then was surrounded by the paralyzing powder and fell to the ground.

however!

"The Queen of Flowers has lost its fighting ability; I have lost." Erika retracted the Queen of Flowers and walked towards Kyosuke.

Instead of taking Huang'er back, Kyosuke walked directly into the area of ​​paralysis powder and placed her on his left shoulder.

To Erika's astonishment, Kyosuke walked up to her without any apparent unease.

"This is your badge." After a brief moment of distraction, Erika finally remembered what she was supposed to do and handed the badge to Kyosuke.

Kyosuke took it.

This is a cool badge with eight colors surrounding it; it's quite good-looking.

After the gym battle ended, Kyosuke took his leave.

"You will definitely meet it! It's definitely waiting for you!"

Erika's voice came from behind.

Kyosuke didn't stop; he raised his right hand and waved it.