Gary had originally thought that Skyla would factor in levels on top of type matchups. Even if she couldn't pinpoint exact levels, she should at least consider whether a Pokémon had reached its final evolution.
Graveler, Flaaffy, and Luxio hadn't fully evolved. Graveler could be given a pass since it needed a trade evolution, but the other two had no such excuse.
Forget it. I'll just see whether the system triggers a mission. If it doesn't, then so be it, Gary thought.
Skyla moved on to the second Fantasy Battle.
The second challenger sent out Servine, Sawk, and Leavanny — all three at a type disadvantage against Flying-types. Skyla promptly declared the challenger's defeat.
It didn't follow proper regulations, but the second challenger's Pokémon weren't high-leveled either, and their types were all countered, so a loss was fair enough.
And so it went. Skyla rattled through one Fantasy Battle after another, none lasting more than a minute. Including the time spent waiting in line, it took about half an hour before Gary's turn came up.
"All right, you're up, handsome!"
Skyla was already looking forward to clocking out. Seeing that her last challenger was good-looking put her in an even better mood.
"Come on, handsome, let your Pokémon out," Skyla prompted.
"Come out."
Go!!!
Gary released Excadrill, Bisharp, and Chandelure.
Skyla looked over the three Pokémon, closed her eyes, and began her Fantasy Battle.
Gary was curious to see what kind of judgment she'd come to.
Going strictly by type, only Bisharp had a clear advantage — against Swoobat. Excadrill and Chandelure didn't have any obvious edge against Skyla's Pokémon.
"I've finished my Fantasy Battle. In a match between us, you lose. Sorry — better luck next time," Skyla said.
Gary was speechless. She really did judge purely on type matchups.
"Sorry, but I don't accept your verdict," Gary said.
"Why not? My judgment is never wrong," Skyla said.
"Is that so? I don't buy it. Unless we actually fight, I won't accept your call," Gary said.
"Why do you have to be like this? We could've wrapped this up so quickly. Why insist on fighting? The result's going to be the same as my prediction anyway," Skyla said, rubbing her head.
"According to League regulations, a Gym Leader isn't allowed to refuse a challenge. What you're doing counts as dodging. If you won't accept my challenge, I'll report you to the Unova League and have your Gym shut down," Gary said.
"N-No, wait! Let's talk about this! I never said I wouldn't agree!" Skyla backed down immediately.
Fantasy Battles were exactly what they sounded like — a way of ducking real matches, completely at odds with League requirements. If a League inspector ever saw this, Skyla would definitely be punished.
The reason Skyla had created Fantasy Battles was that she felt Gym battles ate up too much of her time. Since she believed she could predict the outcome anyway, this format saved her a lot of effort.
That way she had more time for the things she actually enjoyed.
"Then let's battle," Gary said.
"Fine, fine. Come with me."
Skyla gave in. Up against a challenger who actually knew the rules, she had no choice but to accept.
She'd thought a handsome guy would go easy on her, but instead he threatened to report her. As expected, good-looking guys were never good news.
The two of them made their way to the Gym's battlefield.
The arena was the main feature of the Gym, and since this was a Flying-type facility, the ceiling could open up to give the airspace needed.
"Skyla? Why are you in here?"
An old man was already inside the Gym. He looked surprised to see Skyla walking in with Gary.
"Grandpa, he's a challenger. He's here for a Gym battle," Skyla said.
"Didn't you invent that nonsense Fantasy Battle of yours?" her grandfather asked, confused.
"I did, but this guy lost the Fantasy Battle and wouldn't accept it. He insisted on a real fight, and said he'd report me if I refused. I had no choice," Skyla said helplessly.
"I see. Still, Skyla, your Fantasy Battle really isn't a good idea. You should quit while you're ahead, before word spreads," her grandfather advised.
"Grandpa, the other challengers don't have a problem with it, so just drop it. If someone insists on a real battle, I'll take them on. It's fine," Skyla said, unconcerned.
Gary agreed that Skyla's method was ridiculous, but since she was willing to accept an actual fight, he kept his mouth shut about it.
Even if a few undeserving Trainers slipped through and got Badges, the other Gym Leaders shared the blame. The real issue was that the Unova Region's Gym Leaders didn't take their jobs seriously. Every one of them had a side career, and being a Gym Leader was more of a hobby.
Gary couldn't be bothered to worry about it. If the Unova Region wanted to run its Gyms like this, that was their business. It didn't affect him.
Skyla's grandfather shook his head and gave up trying to convince her. He went to find the referee to officiate the match while he stayed to watch.
The referee arrived — and was visibly surprised to learn there would be an actual battle.
Since Skyla had started Fantasy Battles, the referee hadn't officiated a single match in two months. If not for Skyla's grandfather, he would have already reported the situation to the Unova League.
With the referee in place, Gary and Skyla took their positions in the command areas at either end of the field.
"The Mistralton Gym battle will now begin! Each side may use three Pokémon. The battle ends when all Pokémon on one side are unable to continue. Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon."
[Ding! Mission issued:]
[1. Obtain the Mistralton Gym Jet Badge. Reward: Intermediate Rare Candy ×6, Aerial Ace Permanent Move Tutor, Premium Sharp Beak ×1!]
[2. Use Unova Region Pokémon to obtain the Jet Badge. Reward: Intermediate Rare Candy ×6, Flying-type Self-Select Permanent Move Tutor, Random Held Item ×1, Ability Expansion Stone ×1.]
Aerial Ace was a solid move in the games, but only in the games.
In reality, as long as the opponent was fast enough, it could be dodged entirely. And with only 60 power, it was useful early on but couldn't keep up later.
The moment the referee finished speaking, Skyla wasted no time releasing her Pokémon.
"Soar — Swoobat!"
Go!
[LV40 Swoobat♀ / Gym]
"Chandelure, you're up." Gary tossed a Poké Ball casually.
Go!
[LV50 Chandelure / Champion]
After training in Driftveil City for a while, Chandelure's level had risen to 50, putting its actual combat strength at the quasi-Elite level.