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Back at the dorm lobby, Kai and Erika lounged comfortably on the sofas in the rest area, sipping fruit cocktails while watching Ash and Gary's match on the big screen.
In the Silver Conference, each battle began with a random battlefield selection. The arenas varied from grassland to rocky terrain, water, or ice, and Trainers had to quickly adapt their tactics.
The environment often tipped the balance of a fight, adding both unpredictability and excitement.
Earlier, when Kai faced Casey, they had drawn the grassy field. Yet neither of them had truly taken advantage of the terrain's features.
Now, on-screen, the announcer's booming voice introduced the next matchup:
"Ladies and gentlemen, here comes a battle fans have been waiting for! Both Trainers hail from the same hometown, Pallet Town, and both began their journeys at the very same time. Friends, rivals, and now opponents fated to clash: Ash Ketchum versus Gary Oak!"
Gasps and cheers filled the stands. To the crowd's surprise, Gary's long-vanished cheer squad had reappeared, a line of energetic young women waving pom-poms and chanting his name, easily grabbing the attention of nearly every male spectator in the stadium.
The announcer's voice rose with enthusiasm:
"Not only that Gary Oak is none other than the grandson of world-renowned Pokémon researcher, Professor Oak! As for Ash Ketchum, he's already proven his strength by reaching the Top 16 at the Indigo Plateau Conference! Their battle today in the Silver Conference is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of this year's Johto League tournament!"
The camera cut to Professor Oak in the audience. Sitting beside Delia Ketchum, he looked startled when the announcer mentioned him.
Though momentarily flustered, Oak quickly mustered a stiff smile and gave a polite wave, prompting the crowd to burst into applause before the focus returned to the battlefield.
"And now, let's see which arena will be chosen for this match!"
The massive screen displayed a spinning roulette wheel. As it slowed, the pointer clicked to a stop on the Rock Field.
In an instant, the stadium floor split apart and mechanical platforms rumbled upward, revealing a battlefield of jagged boulders and uneven ground.
The referee raised his flag. "Trainers, release your first Pokémon!"
By drawing, Gary had the first move. With a casual flick of his wrist, he sent out his Nidoqueen.
Ash paused only a moment before selecting his answer. "Go, Tauros!"
The crowd roared as the two powerhouse Pokémon faced each other. Both were built for raw strength this was going to be a clash of titans.
From the dorm lounge, Erika glanced at Kai. "Who do you think will win?"
Kai stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I'd bet on Ash."
Truthfully, without the reference to the anime, even he couldn't be sure who would come out on top. But knowing Ash's journey, his faith leaned toward the boy from Pallet.
Erika frowned, recalling her own history. Back when Ash and Gary had both challenged her Celadon Gym, Gary's skill and confidence had clearly surpassed Ash's. And now, after all his travels, Gary seemed calmer, more focused, and even greater a threat than before.
Yet there was something about Ash. Despite his clumsy mistakes, his inconsistent battle style, and his reckless energy, Erika had seen him pull off impossible victories again and again. She found herself wanting to believe in Kai's judgment.
Back on the screen, Nidoqueen made the first move, slamming a fist into the rocky floor. The ground split open, a fissure racing toward Tauros. Shattered boulders crashed down, pelting the charging bull.
Tauros powered through the rubble, horns lowered, and barreled straight into Nidoqueen. But Gary's Pokémon met the charge head-on, gripping both horns in her massive claws. With sheer brute force, she halted Tauros in place.
Then, at point-blank range, Nidoqueen unleashed a devastating Hyper Beam. The blast sent Tauros flying, smashing through boulders before collapsing in a heap.
"Tauros is unable to battle! Nidoqueen wins!" the referee declared, raising his flag.
The crowd erupted in shock. The announcer was briefly stunned into silence this was not the exciting back-and-forth they had promised. Tauros had been crushed in seconds.
Ash, however, didn't falter. With calm determination, he recalled Tauros and immediately sent out his second Pokémon.
"Heracross, I choose you!"
Gary's eyes narrowed. He withdrew Nidoqueen and released Magmar instead. The fiery Pokémon landed with a hiss of steam against the rocks, flames flickering across its shoulders.
A clear type advantage: Fire against Bug. Gary wasn't holding back at all.
The real battle was just beginning.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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