Pokémon, they've all been turned into girls!

"Get close to it, then use the most powerful mallet."

Clearly, the Snow Peak Gym Leader was not going to let this golden opportunity slip by. With a sudden, loud command, a ferocious fluorescent green arm appeared against the backdrop of snow and ice, slamming down on the opponent who had been hit head-on by [Blizzard].

[Wooden mallet: Attacks by striking the opponent with its hard body, but also inflicts considerable damage on the attacker.]

But in that instant, synchronized with the trainer's command, came the graceful and agile figure of the rabbit Pokémon.

"Long-eared rabbit, dodge!"

The elongated afterimage shifted and moved, then dodged completely amidst the billowing ice dust.

The terrifying arm that slammed down created a waterfall of flying ice, demonstrating the power of the attack.

Surprised, Xiao Song immediately gave instructions in a loud voice.

"Blizzard King, continuous wooden hammer strikes!"

Unlike the rigid turn-based system in the game, in the real Pokémon world, the old-fashioned tactics such as "substitute, protect, poison," "shrink team," and "brute force + quick attack," which were once highly regarded, are unlikely to be effective.

The key to victory or defeat lies more in the Pokémon's own strength, the trainer's on-the-spot command ability, a certain tactical creativity, and finally, the inexplicable power of bonds.

As for Xiaosong, the gym leader, the combination tactics she used on the spot were quite good.

First, let Blizzard King use the guaranteed hit [Blizzard], forcing the opponent to suddenly have no choice but to take the hit head-on. Then, take advantage of the cover of the blizzard to approach and unleash a series of extremely powerful [Wooden Hammer] moves.

If a regular trainer or Pokémon were to be hit head-on by the Blizzard Ice Crystals and have their vision blurred, they would inevitably struggle to cope with the ensuing attacks.

As long as the first blow isn't dodged, the wave-like [wooden mallet] attacks won't stop there and will cause considerable damage.

But it's a pity——

For the long-eared rabbit, its opponent was clearly too slow.

While Blizzard King's mountain-like body grants him considerable strength, it also sacrifices agility. Even as its arms, glowing with fluorescent green light, lashed out with all its might, they were all completely evaded by Long-eared Rabbit.

"Long-eared Rabbit, Enhanced Fist."

At that moment, the long-eared rabbit that had been dodging instantly bent down and pushed off the ground.

The arm, wreathed in a storm of frost, brushed past her ear. Her eyes narrowed, and the gathered fist wind transformed into afterimages, blasting her staggering opponent away.

[Enhanced Punch: By repeatedly striking an opponent, one's fist gradually hardens, increasing the power of each hit.]

"Violent!!!"

To Xiaosong's surprise, the Blizzard King, whom she had always been able to withstand, was no match for her at all.

The disparity in strength between the two sides was simply too great. Except for using his last move with all his might under her command, the exhausted Blizzard King lost his ability to fight.

[Aurora Curtain: Reduces the damage of the opponent's physical attacks and special moves for a specific period of time. Can only be used when it snows]

Bathed in the colorful ice curtain, the beautiful girl with pigtails took a deep breath and her eyes narrowed.

Although her previous tactics were not particularly sophisticated, they were easily countered by Bai Ye without any effect, causing her to feel unprecedented pressure.

Since that's the case, if the power-type Abomasnow isn't effective, then let's send out a speed-type Pokémon to fight!

"Mavila, show Mr. White Night our might, use Brick Break!"

"Wow, that's fast!"

From the stands, Touko, who was watching the game, exclaimed in surprise.

Gliding across the icy arena, the Hook Claw Pokémon, revealing a ferocious face, cleaved through the ice mist in front of it, and in a flash, unleashed its sharp claws, imbued with Fighting-type energy, to strike its opponent.

[Brick Splitter: A powerful downward chop to attack the opponent. It can also destroy light walls and reflective walls.]

Bai Ye watched the long-eared rabbit struggling to cope with the onslaught of the [Brick Break] attack, and seemed to be deep in thought.

Just like the tactics of combination moves, how to utilize the existing terrain is also an essential lesson for trainers.

Weavile, the Ice-type Pokémon that was originally Xiaosong's ace Pokémon, undoubtedly thrived on the snowy terrain, and its greatly increased speed was enough to rival his Lopunny.

Additionally, with Weavile's unique "Oppressive" trait, it can reduce the opponent's stamina during battle.

In addition, the hail weather still lingers. Although the long-eared rabbit can easily dodge the opponent's attacks, it may still fail due to the double weakening of its stamina if it has no way to deal with it.

However, after only a slight dazzle from the light reflected off the ice, Bai Ye immediately gave the order.

"Long-eared Rabbit, after dodging continuously, slams its enhanced punch into the ground with maximum power."

"勃~"

Sliding backward to dodge, Weavile stared intently at its opponent—as the long-eared rabbit's fist, which whipped up gusts of wind, slammed down, the smooth ice surface instantly let out a mournful cry.

Spiderweb-like cracks spread across the entire ice field, then collapsed like brittle porcelain, with shattered ice fragments and chunks, carrying residual energy, soaring into the air.

"Rapid movement, a flash of light, approach it!"

Just as Xiaosong was completely baffled by this move, Baiye's instructions came one after another.

"Mavila, dodge and then counter with Ice Punch."

No, wait a minute!

As she watched the man-made ice crystal rainstorm, with afterimages cast on the falling ice shards and blocks, Xiao Song, who had just shouted, subconsciously sensed something was wrong, but it was too late.

The icy light reflecting back and forth shone in front of Weavile's pupils. Hearing its trainer's command and still blinded by the afterimage, it instantly unleashed its full power.

Missed?!

Upon discovering that [Frozen Fist] had completely torn her opponent to shreds, Mavira fell into a state of bewildered disorientation.

"Why...?!"

Touko's beautiful eyes also widened.

From her perspective, she could only vaguely see Mavira roll away from an imaginary attack, then swing a fist covered in frost crystals into the air, as if she were being manipulated.

Bai Ye looked at the scene before him, which was exactly as he had expected, with a calm expression.

Xiao Song's Mavila did not intentionally miss; rather, it fell into his trap.

Due to the influence of the terrain, although the combination of [Aurora Veil] and [Hail] can provide an excellent battle environment for the ice-type Weavile, it also causes great drawbacks.

Under the iridescent light of the [Aurora Curtain], the numerous suspended ice crystals refracted the light like countless miniature mirrors.

Without superpowers or other assistance, relying solely on the naked eye, unless one is standing on a high vantage point like Touko, it would be difficult for trainers and Pokémon present to determine the exact location and landing point of a rapidly moving figure.

Moreover, after being slammed into the ground by the [Enhanced Fist], the large and small ice fragments that shatter and splash up can also serve as a projection medium, completely confusing the opponent with the afterimages projected by the ice crystals.

Prefer ice surfaces? Then let's fight fire with fire.

Under everyone's gaze, under the cover of the falling ice crystals, the sudden [Lightning Flash] streaked through the air, leaving a brief white afterimage, and locked onto the Weavile, who had been momentarily stunned by the missed attack.

Even a brief moment of confusion can become a major weakness.

"Chirp chirp~"

[In a flash] The long-eared rabbit used the recoil from the impact to leap into the air.

The long-awaited attack pierced through the pervasive ice crystal light barrier and, together with the falling ice block, crashed down from mid-air!

[Flying Kick: Attacks the opponent with a high, airborne kick. If the kick misses, the user will take damage.]

Against a Dark/Ice-type Weavile, this [Flying Kick] move, which is four times super effective, is undoubtedly fatal.

"Weavile is unable to battle. The challenger, White Night, has won the battle between Gym Leader Xiaosong and challenger Baiye!"

At this moment, the colorful flags fell, already declaring victory.

Chapter 111 Heartbeat

"Wow, Ye, how did you do that?"

After the battle ended, light footsteps echoed from the steps of the stands.

Miss Touko leaped in front of Byakuya, her already bright, fluorescent blue eyes now even more striking.

Meanwhile, after recalling the Weavile that was stuck in the circle-eyed state, the twin-tailed girl H, who had just finished reviewing the battle, collapsed to the ground, seemingly exhausted.

She was completely led by the nose—

Whether it was her tactics being easily exposed, dodging the Snowman's wooden hammer attacks one after another and delivering a fatal blow, or having her accumulated [Aurora Veil] + [Hail] terrain being used against her by White Night, who used the reflection of the ice crystal snow curtain to defeat her own Weavile.

From beginning to end, her fighting rhythm was controlled, and she had no chance to fight back.

Thinking of this, Xiaosong slightly raised her pale face and couldn't help but shift her gaze to a spot not far away.

The black-haired youth who had decisively defeated her two main Pokémon was now stroking the long hair of the pretty girl with a high ponytail whose face was flushed, explaining his tactical ideas with a smile.

If we say that in the previous Sunny Forest, White Night wiped out the rampaging wild Pokémon by relying on the powerful Articuno, then...

This battle not only showcased the immense power of his Pokémon, but also demonstrated a breathtaking ability to command on the spot, a skill on par with his training level.

Even though she is among the top-tier Gym Leaders in the Sinnoh region, she still lags behind White Night in this aspect.

The exhalation force was truly suppressed completely—

Just as the girl with braided pigtails slumped to the ground in dejection, a hand was extended in front of her.

"Miss Xiaosong, your tactical command just now was very skillful. This was my first time participating in a dojo match, and I had a lot of fun!"

Although he had a pleasant chat with Touko, Byakuya did not forget the defeated gym leader standing beside him.

Although the energetic and spirited girl appears carefree and passionate on the outside, she always has her own unique pride deep down.

It's understandable that people feel disappointed that Pokémon battles, which used to be a source of pride, ended in such a tragic way.

"What...what kind of experience...I was still utterly and decisively defeated."

Sensing the concern in Bai Ye's words, Xiao Song felt a warmth rise in her heart. Although she turned her head away arrogantly, a light blush appeared on her cheeks, making her look as cute and charming as if she were slightly drunk.

Even though the black-haired youth in front of her had eyes as gentle as autumn water, Xiao Song unexpectedly felt a burning heat emanating from her delicate body.

She's as ruthless and cold as ice when fighting, but completely different in everyday interactions. It's truly...

After a while, as if she had thought of something, she took the outstretched hand in return and gently pressed her body against it as she stood up.

"No, but I feel that calling me that is a bit too formal. Just call me Xiaosong!"

Jiuqi Liu - Yi Chan Ba ​​Liao.

After the duel between Xiaosong and Baiye, the remaining time was spent on Touko's gym challenge.

The battle was slightly different from the previous one, with the rules changing to four against four. As the Gym Leader, Xiaosong did not release her main Pokémon, but instead deliberately chose some slightly weaker second and third team Pokémon.

Gym Leaders are not there for victory.

Instead, they should act as mentors, providing guidance to challengers during their battles.

Although the girl with the high ponytail in front of her was far less powerful than Bai Ye, after the thrilling four-on-four battle, Xiao Song still felt that she deserved to receive the badge.

After retrieving the unconscious Boar from its Poké Ball, Xiao Song handed it a badge engraved with a double iceberg design. "Congratulations, this is the token of victory over the Snowpeak Gym—the Glacier Badge. Please accept it!"

"Thank you so much, Miss Xiaosong!"

As she placed the badge into the tin box, a smile spread across Touko's fair face.

In this way, she has collected five!

Like the overjoyed Touko, Byakuya looked at the signed paper contract and nodded in satisfaction.

The current partnership with this gym leader involves his milk processing plant supplying Snowpeak City with no less than 50,000 bottles of 500ml Nichiwa Moo Moo Milk per month, at a price of 1000 League Coins per bottle.

Judging from the participating merchants, almost all Pokémon stores in Snowpeak City are involved. Xiaosong even plans to set up a separate counter in the Pokémon Center in Snowpeak City to sell Hiyori brand MooMoo Milk to passing trainers.

All I can say is that Xiaosong provided them with tremendous support; this trip was definitely worthwhile!

"Mmm~ As long as Aye is satisfied~"

The girl with pigtails smiled broadly as she signed her name on the contract.

Because they had become much more familiar with each other, Xiaosong also started using a more affectionate nickname for her.

[Mission Completed: Partnership Established with the Gym Leader of Snowpeak City]

[Quest Reward: Fairy Feather (Red)]

"Oh, right, Aya~"

Just as Bai Ye finished putting the contract away, the pretty girl with braided pigtails suddenly remembered something and asked a question.

"Are you free in three months? Could you come to Xuefeng City again?"

After thinking it over for a moment, Bai Ye gave an affirmative reply.

"Taking a few days out of your time is no problem, what's wrong with that?"