MTLNOVEL Chapter 122: Chapter 122: Gym Battle
By evening, the issues surrounding the police station had finally come to a conclusion.
Both the chief and deputy chief, Officer Jenny and Ryan, were relieved of their duties.
Ryan, in particular, was sentenced to death, while his younger brother Simon was arrested and incarcerated, likely for life.
Among the remaining officers, only those under Ryan's command had committed offenses and received various punishments, while the rest were found to be innocent.
This showed that the overall integrity of Celadon City's police force was quite commendable, though it had been tarnished by Ryan, the "rotten apple."
As recognition for his contributions, Ron was awarded 20,000 contribution points by the Pokémon League and a rare-quality Black Belt, akin to the Life Orb he had prepared for his Nidorino.
With Ryan's case resolved, Ron could now focus solely on his upcoming gym battle.
The next morning, the local newspaper reported on the police station incident but subtly edited some details to prevent the citizens of Celadon City from harboring resentment toward the police force.
After skimming through the report, Ron set it aside and turned his attention to more pressing matters.
Leaving the Pokémon Center, he headed straight for Celadon Gym.
Despite Erika's youthful appearance, she was actually older than Brock and worked as a university professor. She also managed a perfume shop, juggling multiple roles.
The exterior of Celadon Gym was unique, resembling a giant Vileplume.
Stepping inside, Ron immediately felt immersed in the natural ambiance of the gym.
This environment was perfect for Grass-type Pokémon, allowing them to unleash their full potential.
During his travels, Ron had not only gathered information online but also expanded his personal knowledge.
For instance, elite-level Pokémon fought by channeling free-floating elemental energy in the air—a phenomenon akin to Ron's unique ability to sense combat energy.
Some theorized that this free-floating energy was responsible for the existence of Pokémon and their incredible powers.
Thus, in an environment suited to their type, Pokémon could more easily absorb this elemental energy, enhancing the power of their moves.
This principle applied to gyms like Pewter Gym's rocky terrain and Cerulean Gym's aquatic battlefield.
"You must be Ron," Erika greeted him with curiosity. "What an interesting young man. Let's see what makes you so remarkable that even the Rangers are so protective of you."
As the Celadon Gym Leader, Erika was well-informed about the previous day's events and had taken an interest in Ron.
"Come forth, Victreebel!"
With a flash of light, Erika sent out her Level 35 Victreebel.
"Go, Persian!"
Ron countered with Persian, who was currently focusing on accumulating strength to break into the mid-elite level.
As such, whenever possible, Ron prioritized giving Persian opportunities to battle. This gym challenge was no exception.
"Persian, use Double Team and then Feint Attack!"
Ron's command signaled the start of the battle.
Several illusory copies of Persian appeared, rushing toward Victreebel.
"Victreebel, Leaf Tornado!"
Sharp leaves spun rapidly, creating a green whirlwind that shattered Persian's illusions one by one.
While Victreebel defended itself, Erika carefully observed each Persian, trying to identify the real one.
"Now, Persian! Shave—Claw Slash!"
Before Erika could pinpoint Persian's true form, Ron launched an offensive.
One of Persian's shadows disappeared, moving at such a high speed that Victreebel was hit before Erika could issue a counter-command.
The combination of Shave and Feint Attack left a deep gash on Victreebel.
"Persian, follow up with Shave—Spoon!"
Without giving Victreebel a chance to recover, Persian launched another swift attack.
"Victreebel, surround yourself with Sleep Powder and use Vine Whip!"
Erika's quick command aimed to protect Victreebel with Sleep Powder while countering Persian's advance.
However, Persian's speed was overwhelming. Striking Victreebel repeatedly, Persian unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks.
By the time Persian retreated, Victreebel had collapsed, unable to continue battling.
"Such speed... How did you train it to that level?" Erika muttered, astonished.
"If all rookies are this exceptional, I might need to reconsider my strategies."
Taking out her next Pokéball, Erika declared, "Your turn, Tangrowth!"
With another flash of light, Tangrowth appeared—a Pokémon that evolved from Tangela after learning Ancient Power.
"Tangrowth, use Ingrain and then surround yourself with Sleep Powder!"
Knowing Tangrowth couldn't match Persian's speed, Erika opted to enhance its stamina instead.
"Persian, charge in with Shave and disrupt Sleep Powder with Hypnosis!"
Ron countered swiftly, understanding that allowing a Grass-type Pokémon to establish its preferred battlefield could lead to an uphill struggle.
As Tangrowth began rooting itself, Persian rushed forward. Hypnosis enveloped Tangrowth before it could fully deploy Sleep Powder.
At the same level, Persian's Hypnosis took effect first.
"Persian, Dream Eater and Shave—Spoon!"
Using Dream Eater, Persian replenished its already minimal energy expenditure.
Following up with a series of swift attacks, Persian relentlessly battered Tangrowth, its recovery from Ingrain unable to keep up.
"Don't give up, Tangrowth! Use Seed Bomb around the area!" Erika called out in desperation.
"Persian, Shave Flash!"
The "Flash" attack dazzled the battlefield, allowing Persian to close in and land a decisive combination of Shave and its slicing moves.
Caught off guard by the blinding light, Tangrowth instinctively shut its eyes, exposing itself to Persian's onslaught.
With a final flash of movement, Tangrowth collapsed, defeated.
"Your skill is truly impressive," Erika admitted, recalling Tangrowth to its Pokéball. "I now understand why the Rangers hold you in such high regard."
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