Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

Chapter 103 Water Vein Gym: Steel and Waves

The next morning, at the entrance of the Pokémon Center in Baidai City. There weren't many pedestrians on the street yet. Zhang Jianying, carrying his packed bag, stood on the steps at the entrance and said goodbye to Daigo.

"Well then, I'll stop here."

Daigo smiled. Despite his crushing defeat last night, he seemed to be in good spirits and even took away a few small jugs of pure juice, calling it "research material."

Thank you for your hospitality.

Zhang Jianying also laughed and said, "Please keep the effects of each juice a secret."

"certainly."

Daigo blinked. "We still need to maintain the dignity of being champions." The two smiled at each other and shook hands.

"Looking forward to seeing your performance at the conference."

Daigo said seriously, "When the time comes, I will bring the whole team to fight you, a real battle."

"Then I'd better prepare myself well. I hope you won't crush me then." Zhang Jianying replied with a smile, then took out a Poké Ball from his waist.

"Salamander, it's time to go."

A flash of red light appeared, and a giant dragon with blood-red wings appeared on the street in the early morning, attracting the attention of several early risers.

Having experienced being a "dragon rider" before, Zhang Jianying skillfully climbed onto the back of the Salamence this time and settled down at the base of its wings near its neck.

"Don't let it happen like last time."

He patted the Salamence's neck and said, half-jokingly and half-seriously.

"Roar~"

Salamence glanced back at him, a hint of mockery flashing in its crimson eyes, but ultimately refrained from further mischief. After all, if the trainer fell, they would have to struggle to get back up themselves in the end.

It spread its wings and took off smoothly and powerfully.

This takeoff lacked the explosive surge of a sudden leap and the exhilarating acceleration that sent trainers into a panic. Salamence spread its wings and gracefully ascended, riding the rising morning air currents.

Zhang Jianying breathed a sigh of relief and released his waveguide power at the same time.

A faint blue aura appeared around him, forming a simple but effective windshield that kept out the raging air currents at high altitudes. While not as perfect as Gardevoir's psychic shield, it was sufficient for this kind of stable flight.

"Illustrated guide, navigating to Aqualine City."

He opened his Pokédex and set his destination.

A mechanical female voice announced: "The Pokémon navigation system has planned the optimal route for you. Estimated flight time: 3 hours and 20 minutes. Current altitude: 3,000 meters. Wind speed is suitable; it is recommended to maintain the current course."

Salamence roared in response, adjusted its direction, and flew towards the northeast coastline.

High above, the clouds spread out beneath our feet.

Sunlight pierced through thin clouds, casting its glow upon the deep blue and dark red scales of the Salamence, refracting a magnificent luster. Below, the landscape of the Sinnoh continent unfolded like a slowly unfurling scroll: forests, rivers, towns, fields—

Everything awakens in the morning light.

Sitting on the dragon's back, Zhang Jianying felt the wind whistling past his ears and gazed at the blue sea gradually appearing on the distant horizon, feeling a sense of openness in his heart.

This is the kind of experience a dragon knight should have.

The three-hour flight was smooth and uneventful. When the navigation system announced "approaching destination," Zhang Jianying could already see the port city standing beside the bay in the distance.

Water Vein City.

A city renowned for its shipping and mining industries, where steel and ocean waves converge. Towering cranes, bustling docks, the distant silhouette of mines, and the uniquely designed dojo building in the city center.

"Salamander, land on that open ground."

Zhang Jianying pointed to a public training ground near the dojo.

The Salamence understood, slightly retracted its Bloodwings, and began to slowly descend.

Without wasting too much time, Zhang Jianying went straight to the dojo where he had already booked a challenge time.

The interior of the Water Vein Dojo.

Unlike its rugged industrial exterior, the dojo's interior is decorated in a simple yet masculine style.

Dark gray metal walls, exposed pipework, and cold white industrial lighting. Battlefield floor—

It features specially made anti-slip steel plates and soft sand, with drainage channels along the edges.

In the center of the field, a middle-aged man with muscular build, wearing a work vest, was holding a mining shovel and waiting quietly.

He had a rugged, rock-hard face, short gray hair, and sharp eyes.

Donggua, the former leader of the Black Gold Gym, is now the leader of the Waterline Gym and also the father of Piaotai, the leader of the Black Gold Gym.

When Zhang Jianying entered the dojo, Donggua looked up and his gaze fell on him.

"Welcome, challenger."

His voice was deep and powerful, like an echo from the depths of a mine. "I've heard my son, Piao Tai, mention you. He said you're a 'very interesting trainer.'"

Donggua paused, then gently tapped the ground with the handle of his shovel.

"Therefore, I will give it my all this time."

Zhang Jianying nodded and walked to the challenger's position.

The referee stepped forward and announced the rules: "The Canyon Gym Challenge is a 3v3 singles battle. Challengers may freely switch Pokémon, but the Gym Leader is not allowed to. The match ends when all three Pokémon of one side are unable to battle."

"Then, let the competition begin!"

Donggua threw out the first Poké Ball: "First one, Bronze Bell!"

A flash of light appeared, and an unusually large bronze bell appeared in the room.

Its bell is estimated to be nearly two meters in diameter and over three meters tall, making it twice the size of an ordinary bronze bell. The deep blue-green metal surface gleams with a cold luster, and the ancient patterns on the bell seem to flow slowly.

Zhang Jianying's Data Perspective Expands:

Bronze Bell

[Attribute: Steel + Psychic]

【Characteristic: Levitation】

[Skills: Invisible Rock, Trick Room, Iron Wall, Pounce, Gyro Ball, Cannon, Precognitive —]

Zhang Jianying stared in astonishment at the size of the creature, which was significantly larger than its peers.

"Why is your bronze bell so big?"

Donggua grinned, revealing a set of white teeth: "It has been gifted since it was a child. It eats a lot and grows strong."

Zhang Jianying shook his head and threw out a Poké Ball as well: "Well then, Gengar, say hello!"

"Genga~!"

Gengar jumped out of its Poké Ball with a wicked grin and floated above the field.

But when it saw the giant bronze bell opposite it, which was two heads taller than itself, its smile froze for a moment.

"Genga?!"

Without much small talk, the match began as the referee waved his flag.

"Bronze Bell, [Invisible Rock]!" Donggua's command was concise and powerful.

The bronze bell trembled slightly, and a deep blue light shone through it.

Above the arena, countless sharp stone blades materialized out of thin air and then slowly disappeared into the air. However, they did not disappear; instead, they transformed into invisible traps, hovering in various corners of the challenger's half of the arena.

"Gengar, Shadow Ball! Interrupt it!"

As the Bronze Bell condensed the Stealth Rock, Gengar had already conjured a jet-black energy ball and blasted it towards the Bronze Bell!

The effect is outstanding!

The Shadow Orb slammed solidly into the bronze bell, producing a dull thud.

However—the bronze bell merely wobbled.

The light emanating from the bell did not even cease, and [Invisibility Rock] was successfully released.

Zhang Jianying: "???"

No, this is the reaction to a skill that counters it twice as much?

Seeing Gengar's puzzled expression, Donggua smiled and said, "I told you, it's incredibly resilient. This little bit of damage won't defeat it."

His eyes narrowed: "Bronze Bell, [Magic Space]!"

A purple superpower fluctuation emanated from the bronze bell, space began to distort, and a domain that reversed the rules of speed was about to form.

"Gengar, [Taunt]!"

Zhang Jianying's instructions were even faster.

Gengar instantly emerged from the shadows, floated directly to the bronze bell, and made an extremely exaggerated ghost face at the huge bell.

"Giggle giggle~"

Your broken bell! Rusty and rusty! It sounds awful! It's not even as good as the junk in the scrap yard!

[Provocation] Skill activated!

On the forehead of the bronze bell, a "#" character is visible to the naked eye.

What did that purple fat guy just say?

Is its clock not pretty? Lacking luster? Not as good as other clocks?!

The bronze bell, whose transformation skills were sealed by the [Provocation], instantly flew into a rage!

"Buzz!!"

It let out an angry buzz, and without waiting for the trainer's command, the bell spun and rammed into Gengar!

"Gengar, get out of the way!"

Gengar mischievously wiggled its butt at the bronze bell and beckoned with its finger: "Gengar! Come here~" Then it nimbly floated away.

Bronze Bell's rage level skyrocketed, and it began chasing Gengar all over the field.

Its heavy bell body caused the steel plate ground to tremble slightly with each strike, but its speed—was really not impressive.

Gengar, on the other hand, was like a cloud of purple smoke, darting and flashing across the field, occasionally turning back to make a face, which made the bronze bells hum in anger.

Donggua frowned.

Since we can't use transformation skills and can't catch up in speed, let's just go all out.

"Bronze Bell, calm down! Use [Foresight]."

With the trainer's reassurance, Bronze Bell barely suppressed his anger, and a flash of purple light appeared on his bell.

A subtle surge of superpower energy disappeared into the void.

Donggua was confident that Bronze Bell could withstand Gengar's attacks, but the ability to foresee the future, which countered Gengar, would become a Damocles' sword hanging over Gengar's head.

However, Zhang Jianying did not command Gengar to continue attacking.

Judging from the effect of the Shadow Ball just now, this bronze bell's specialized defensive capabilities are extremely troublesome.

"Gengar, come back."

A flash of red light, and Gengar was recalled.

Zhang Jianying threw out another Poké Ball: "Swordsman, it's up to you."

1

Amidst the light, the Greatsword Demon in its Emerald Green form silently appeared on the field.

The moment it appeared, the [Invisible Rock] that was suspended in the Challengers' half of the arena immediately activated!

Countless sharp stone blades emerged from the void and shot towards the Greatsword Demon!

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The stone blade scraped against the Greatsword Demon's hard shell armor, producing a piercing scraping sound.

But the Greatsword Demon didn't even flinch.

It simply stood quietly in place, waiting for the trainer's command, as if the attacks from those stone blades were nothing more than a gentle breeze.

Donggua's eyes narrowed.

This greatsword demon has a rather unique form and appears to have extremely high endurance.

"Greatsword Demon, [Gather Qi], then [Sword Dance]."

Zhang Jianying's instructions were concise.

A flash of red light appeared in the Greatsword Demon's eyes, and a dense aura of Dark attribute energy emanated from his body. That was the focused state brought about by [Gathering Energy]. At the same time, the unique Dark attribute energy covered the area, interfering with the Bronze Bell's superpowers.

The floating figure of the bronze bell began to sway slightly. The fluctuations of evil energy made it uncomfortable, and its own energy flow became somewhat sluggish.

At the same time, the Greatsword Demon began to spin, its foot blades drawing sharp arcs in the air.

Sword Dance!

Attack power greatly increased!

After completing the enhancement, the Greatsword Demon stood still again.

In its eyes, the seemingly impregnable bronze bell had now revealed its weakness, and the Greatsword Demon gripped its foot blade tightly.

It is confident that it can deliver a fatal blow.

Bronze Bell's psychic powers are giving a frantic warning! It's emitting a rapid buzzing sound at the trainer—Don't delay!

Donggua stared at the Greatsword Demon in the arena, its eyes sharp as knives, and took a deep breath. Although he had never seen this special form of Greatsword Demon before, judging from the dark energy it emitted, its attribute should be Water + Dark.

So Steel-type moves are ineffective, and Psychic powers are useless too.

Take a gamble!

"Bronze Bell, full power [attack]!"

The bronze bell glowed with a brownish-red light, emanating from its fighting attributes!

It stopped floating and crashed down on the Greatsword Demon like a meteor! At the same time, the [Precognition] beam that had previously disappeared into the void suddenly descended and slammed down on the Greatsword Demon's head!

The Greatsword Demon didn't even lift an eyelid.

It completely ignored the superpower attack from above, being a Dark attribute and immune to superpowers.

Its entire attention was focused on the approaching bronze bell.

Nearly.

closer.

Zhang Jianying's command came through: "Finish it off, Greatsword Demon. [Secret Sword - Thousand Waves]."

The Greatsword Demon moved. It swung its foot blade!

Dark, malevolent energy coiled around the sword, unleashing dozens, even hundreds, of slashes in an instant! These slashes, like surging waves, layered upon layer, transformed into a dense rain of swords that swept towards the oncoming bronze bell!

"Clang clang clang clang clang—!!" The explosions of metal clashing together echoed one after another!

The Bronze Bell's [Pounce] clashed head-on with [Secret Sword: Thousand Waves]!

The standoff lasted less than half a second.

The fighting light emanating from the bronze bell was torn apart by the rain of black swords!

"Buzz—!!"

It emitted a reluctant hum, its body covered with fine slashes, and then it spun cleanly in circles.

"The Bronze Bell is incapacitated! The Greatsword Demon wins!"

The referee waved the flag.

At the same time, the few broken shell pieces on the Greatsword Demon's blade silently sank into the ground, transforming into countless sharp [Scattering Diamonds] on the East Gourd's half of the field, forming a patch of ground spikes.

Donggua put the bronze bell away and remained silent for a moment.

He looked at the still silent but imposing SwordGreymon in the arena and slowly asked, "Is this Pokémon Dark-type?"

Zhang Jianying nodded: "That's right, a special evolutionary form. Its attributes are Water and Dark."

Donggua nodded knowingly.

"In that case—" he looked at the referee, "we'll not follow the traditional three-game format."

The referee was taken aback: "Master, this—"

Donggua waved his hand, interrupting him: "This doesn't violate the League's rules. A Gym Leader's job is to judge and train challengers, not to win."

He looked at Zhang Jianying, his eyes serious: "This is the final match, the decisive one. Beat my last one, and the mining badge is yours."

"So, young man, do you agree?"

Zhang Jianying grinned. "I couldn't be happier."

Donggua nodded and took out a heavy ball from his waist.

"very good."

He stroked a keystone embedded in the handle of his shovel, a rare glint of passion flashing in his eyes.

With the help of the boy from Pallet Town, he reconciled with his son and was free from all worries.

I also want to enjoy the fun of intense battles!

"Come on, old chap!" The heavy ball is thrown. "Your turn!"

A crimson light burst forth!

A colossal creature appeared in the arena!

Its steel body, several meters long, with a menacing head like a bulldozer's head, gleams with a cold metallic sheen under the lights.

Steelix!

The moment its heavy body landed, the entire dojo floor trembled!

The spikes formed by the scattered diamonds on the field were like polishing to it. The sharp spikes rubbed against the steel body of the giant steel snake, making a hissing sound, but not a single scratch was left on its body.

Donggua ripped off his work jacket, revealing his well-defined muscles.

He raised his shovel, and the Key Stone and the Mega Stone on Steelix simultaneously lit up with iridescent light!

"My old friend has Mega Evolved!!"

A rainbow-colored light enveloped the Steelix!

Its body expanded and deformed further in the light!

Six sets of sharp metal fragments grew from its neck, swirling and floating like a crown; its tail became thicker and covered with heavy steel armor; its original dark gray body surface turned into a deeper dark silver after evolution.

Super Steelix!

It used magnetic force to slowly float above the field, the metal fragments around its neck blocking the lights and casting a huge shadow on the field.

The pressure was as real as a physical force.

The Greatsword Demon remained standing silently in place.

It looked up at the enormous creature in the sky, its eyes showing no fear, but it gripped its foot blade tightly.

With the feedback from the waveguide, Zhang Jianying could clearly feel the boiling fighting spirit and unreserved trust beneath the calm exterior of the Great Sword Demon.

Like turbulent waves beneath a calm sea.

Zhang Jianying also smiled. Indeed, Pokémon battles are all about bringing smiles.

"Let's create a great wave, my friends!"

The Greatsword Demon nodded silently.

It raised its foot blade and pointed it towards the sky.

[Pray for rain!]

Thick, dark clouds gathered above the dome, and a torrential downpour began!

The surging water converged in the battlefield, forming a huge whirlpool that swept over Zhang Jianying's half of the field!

On the other side, Donggua burst into laughter!

"Old buddy! Don't let it get away with this!"

"Raise a sandstorm!!"

The giant Steelix roared to the sky!

Its massive body swirled in the air, whipping up sandstorms that blotted out the sky. The yellow sand and the torrential rain clashed, forming two distinct halves in the center of the field!

Furthermore, with the Sand Power ability, the power of Mega Steelix's Rock, Ground, and Steel-type moves is increased by 30%.

The giant Steelix grinned, revealing a wild smile to the tiny creature below.

"One strike will decide the outcome!"

Donggua's roar pierced the sandstorm: "Steel Serpent, [100,000 Horsepower]!!"

The giant Steelix roared, its body coiled with sand coils, and swooped down from the sky like a meteor!

At the same time, Zhang Jianying issued the command: "Full power—[Water Wave Blade]!"

The Greatsword Demon raised his foot blade.

In the torrential rain, countless streams converged on the foot blade like rivers flowing into the sea. The already incredibly sharp blade, entwined by the water, transformed into a massive, azure sword several meters long!

The Greatsword Demon stood up, unleashing the [Sharpness] ability to its fullest potential!

It slowly swung its greatsword, slashing at the giant steel snake that was swooping down from the sky!

"boom-!!"

Steel and waves collide with a deafening roar!

Sandstorm erosion vortex!

Water flow wets the sand and dust!

The energies of the two Pokémon clashed fiercely in the center of the field, unleashing a deafening roar!

The giant Steelix roared and pressed down with all its might!

Braving the sandstorm, Donggua shouted at the top of his lungs, "Charge! Steelix!!"

Zhang Jianying also cast aside all distractions and stepped into the rain-seeking area. Rain soaked his clothes, but his eyes shone like stars.

"Come on, buddy, let's cut it down!!"

The usually silent Greatsword Demon suddenly roared!

It rotates its foot blades to attract more water to converge!

The massively enlarged sword suddenly tore through the sandstorm and slammed into the body of the giant steel snake!

"roar-

—

The giant steel snake roared in pain, but it ignored the greatsword slashing at its body. Enduring the excruciating pain, it laughed wildly, swung its massive steel tail, and smashed it down hard towards the greatsword demon that was swinging its sword down with all its might!

"Bang!"

The figures of the two Pokémon disappeared from the spot at the same time.

The Greatsword Demon was whipped away by the giant creature's tail and sent hurtling off the field like a cannonball.

Zhang Jianying's pupils contracted, and he quickly released the waveguide.

A blue halo instantly condensed behind the Greatsword Demon, forming a soft buffer to prevent secondary damage.

The giant steel snake was also slashed by the water-flowing greatsword and sent flying backward, crashing heavily onto the specially made soft sand buffer zone on the sidelines.

The sandstorm and the torrential rain both subsided at the same time.

The scene was silent as the smoke and dust slowly dissipated.

The Mega Steelix had reverted from Mega Evolution to its normal form. It barely managed to lift its head, revealing a deep crack on its skull. Then, unable to hold on any longer, it crashed to the ground, its eyes spinning in circles.

Steelix has lost its ability to fight.

On the other side, the Greatsword Demon was in equally dire straits.

The once majestic and imposing shell armor was now covered in cracks, but it still managed to prop itself up with its foot blades and stand shakily.

When he saw Zhang Jianying rushing to his side, Da Jian Gui slightly curled the corners of his mouth.

It raised its foot blade and gently touched the trainer's outstretched hand.

— We will live up to our mission.

"Great job, Greatsword Demon."

Zhang Jianying helped the exhausted Great Sword Demon to his feet and said softly, "We won."

"Steel Serpent is unable to battle! Greatsword Demon wins! Therefore, the victor is challenger Zhang Jianying!!"

The referee's verdict was announced.

Donggua recalled the giant steel snake and strode towards Zhang Jianying, who was supporting the great sword demon. He clapped his hands, his eyes full of admiration.

"young people--"

He solemnly handed a badge shaped like a mining pickaxe to Zhang Jianying.

"You deserve it."

Zhang Jianying took the badge and placed it on the Greatsword Demon's foot blade.

Then, he reached out his hand to Donggua.

"A wonderful match, Mr. Donggua. Thank you for your guidance."

Donggua returned the handshake and laughed heartily. "You're excellent too," he paused, then added proudly.

But my son will be even stronger than you in the future.

1

Zhang Jianying's smile froze for a moment, and he silently thought to himself: What, having a son makes you so great?

At that moment, he suddenly felt a strange longing for the adorable bamboo orchid—