MTLNOVEL Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Nibi Gym Leader - Flint!
After observing the exterior of Nibi Gym for a moment, Robert straightened his clothes and walked towards the entrance. As he pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside, a staff member approached him.
"May I ask who you are?"
"Hello, I'm Robert, a Rookie Trainer from Pallet Town. I've come to challenge the Gym. Miss Joy from the Pokémon Center already scheduled my appointment." Robert explained confidently.
"Mr. Robert? Understood. Please hand over your Pokédex for registration. Once that's done, you may proceed with your challenge."
"Sure."
Robert retrieved his Pokédex from his pocket and handed it over. Since this was his first Gym challenge as a Rookie Trainer, he was entitled to one free attempt. After a quick verification, the staff member led him deeper into the Gym.
Following the staff through a long corridor, Robert finally arrived at the battle arena within Nibi Gym. At the far end of the rocky battlefield, a middle-aged man sat cross-legged atop a large boulder.
The man had a muscular build, dark skin, and sharp, squinting eyes. His resemblance to Brock was striking.
"That must be Brock's father, Flint. Since Brock has already left on his journey with Ash, it makes sense that Flint has taken over as the Gym Leader again." Robert mused, activating his system's scan function to analyze Flint's profile.
Flint
Age: 35
Special Abilities: None
Pokémon: Geodude, Rhydon, Onix
Strength Level: Gym Advanced
Introduction: The current Nibi Gym Leader and father of Brock. After Brock left to pursue his own journey, Flint resumed his duties as Gym Leader.
"Gym Advanced? That means his strongest Pokémon is at the advanced Gym level, but he probably won't use it in this battle. Gym Leaders usually adjust their difficulty based on the challenger's experience. For a Rookie like me, he'll likely use Pokémon at the ordinary to elite level." Robert thought.
"Gym Leader, this is Robert, the Rookie Trainer from Pallet Town who has scheduled a Gym challenge. I'll leave the rest to you." The staff member informed Flint.
"Oh? A challenger already? Let's see…"
Flint opened his eyes slowly, scanning Robert from head to toe. His outfit—a scarlet jacket, azure jeans, travel shoes adorned with Pokémon patterns, and a red cap with a Poké Ball symbol—reminded Flint of someone familiar.
"Ash? No, that's not right… Ash already left with Brock. I even saw them off. But this kid's clothes do resemble Ash's a little…"
Flint dismissed the thought, realizing Robert was a different person altogether.
"Gym Leader Flint, may we begin the challenge?" Robert asked, breaking the silence.
"Oh, of course. But before we start, do you happen to know Ash from Pallet Town?" Flint asked curiously.
"Ash? You could say I know him, but at the same time, I don't."
"...What?"
"Simply put, I know of Ash, but he may not know me. Get what I mean, Gym Leader Flint?" Robert said with a smirk.
"I see." Flint nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.
"Well then, let's not waste any more time with small talk. As the Nibi Gym Leader, I will be your opponent. I hope you have the determination to defeat me, just like a true Rock-type Trainer!"
"Now, let me explain the challenge rules for Nibi Gym."
"This will be a 2v2 battle. Each Trainer can use two Pokémon. Once the battle begins, I, as the Gym Leader, cannot switch Pokémon. However, as the challenger, you are free to switch yours at any time. The battle continues until all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle. Do you understand, young man?"
"Understood!"
"Alright, then let's begin!"
Flint took out a Poké Ball and tossed it onto the battlefield. "Go, Geodude!"
A red flash of light erupted as the Poké Ball opened, revealing a rugged, rock-like Pokémon with muscular arms.
Geodude
Category: Rock Pokémon
Type: Rock/Ground
Height: 0.4m
Weight: 20.00kg
Gender: Male
Ability: Rock Head (Prevents recoil damage from moves that normally cause self-damage)
Moves: Tackle, Defense Curl, Mud Sport, Rock Throw
Strength Level: Ordinary Intermediate
"A Geodude, huh? As expected from a Rock-type Gym." Robert analyzed, gripping one of his own Poké Balls.
"Then my choice is... Go, Charmeleon!"
As Robert released his Pokémon, a burst of flames erupted from the Poké Ball, revealing Charmeleon, who let out a fierce growl.
"Charmeleon!"
The battle was about to begin!