The Ember Lake Arena was just a casual post-dinner activity for John, and the Mystic Water was a nice little surprise.
Still, he knew that both leisurely activities and unexpected rewards could only come once a day. No need to get too greedy.
Beyond the loot and experience, John recognized that battles were the best way to understand his Pokemon's true potential. He couldn't rely solely on wild Pokemon for practice—he needed more structured combat to grasp their strengths and weaknesses.
During the fight with Frogadier, Chinchou, and Azumarill, John felt especially impressed by Frogadier's mastery of Cut.
The level difference between Chinchou, Azumarill, and Frogadier wasn't huge. Usually, taking down a Pokemon of the same level with a single Cut would be nearly impossible. Yet, Frogadier managed it effortlessly, still brimming with energy after the attack.
More than that, John noticed something remarkable. While using Secret Cut, Frogadier's speed had skyrocketed, almost as if the move had gained a priority boost.
It wasn't quite the speed of Quick Attack, which had a built-in priority of one, but the sheer power and impact of Secret Cut were impressive in their own right. John's mind raced with possibilities—if this was just one of the secret techniques, what could the others do?
He'd already developed had Flash that could one day become a secret move. But first, he had to conquer the Dewford Gym.
After parting ways with Grace and the others, John returned to his hotel to focus on leveling up Ralts. If he wanted to challenge Dewford Gym, Ralts—being a Psychic-type—was a must.
That night, John successfully leveled Ralts to 20, and the little Pokémon finally evolved into Kirlia.
[Kirlia (Psychic, Fairy)] (Shiny)
[Ability: Synchronization (When other Pokémon cause Burn, Poison, Toxic, or Paralysis, they inflict the same status condition on themselves.)]
[Individual Values: HP (31), Attack (31), Special Attack (31), Defense (31), Special Defense (31), Speed (31)]
[Moves: Disarming Voice, Growl, Double Team, Confusion, Draining Kiss, Teleport, Psybeam]
Kirlia was a far cry from the shy little Ralts she once was. Now, she stood proudly in a white ballet costume, with her toes pointed and hands on her waist like a graceful dancer. Her blue hair added an elegant touch.
"Kirlia~" she blushed and gave John a polite salute.
John chuckled. "Well, that shy personality hasn't changed at all." He rubbed her head affectionately.
With all his Pokémon now at level 20, John felt ready to take on the Dewford Gym once more.
He set his Gameboy down and went to bed, feeling satisfied. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, he decided it was time to head to the martial arts gym.
However, as soon as he entered the gym, John noticed something strange.
The apprentices of Dewford Gym, the same ones he had beaten last time, were challenging him once again.
John wasn't bothered. In fact, he was open to fighting anyone. The weaker opponents just meant more experience and a few extra Pokedollars in his pocket.
Still, this raised a question: could defeated NPCs challenge him again? Or was it just gym NPCs who hadn't beaten the Gym Leader that could fight him repeatedly?
For now, John decided to focus on the bigger picture—he needed to face Brawly again.
After making a name for himself, John quickly returned to the Pokémon Center for a quick treatment, then geared up with the necessary items for his Pokemon. This time, no paralysis remedies—he wouldn't need them.
He equipped Combusken with the "Black Belt" he'd gotten from Makuhita, while Frogadier and Kirlia were armed with Mystic Water and Quick Claw, respectively.
Just as he was about to enter the battle, the scene around him suddenly shifted. The luxurious hotel suite melted away, replaced by a clean, bright dojo. Two rows of disciples sat cross-legged in white training outfits, their eyes closed in concentration, creating a peaceful atmosphere where the faint chirping of birds could be heard outside.
The disciples were calm, but there stood Brawly, the Dewford Gym Leader, wearing blue shorts and black tights, his usual sunglasses perched on his face. He looked like a laid-back athlete who had just come back from a surfing session on the beach.
"Trainer! Welcome to your second challenge!" Brawly boomed, his energy radiating from every word. "I see that fire in your eyes, but are you ready to face my unstoppable Waves?!"
His hands were on his hips, exuding confidence like a champion. John wasn't intimidated. Losing wouldn't cost him anything, so there was no reason to fear.
With that in mind, John picked up a Pokeball, determined to take on the challenge.
The referee began to announce the battle's rules.
"Trainer John is now challenging Dewford Gym Leader Brawly. Both trainers will use three Pokemon, and there will be no chance for substitutions. The battle ends when one trainer has no Pokemon remaining."
"The Gym Leader will send out their Pokemon first!"
Brawly tossed a Pokeball into the air, which opened at its peak, releasing a Meditite into the dojo.
John's eyes narrowed. Wait a second. He distinctly remembered Meditite being level 23 the last time they fought. Now it was level 24?
Could Gym Leaders Pokemon level up over time? Or was it because of John's own Pokémon gaining experience?
For now, there was no time to worry about the details. John focused back on the battle at hand.
After a brief moment of consideration, John tossed his own Pokeball.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia emerged, brimming with determination.
Today's goal was clear: sweep the Dewford Gym