Roy didn't underestimate Callan. If not for bad luck in encountering Cade, Callan's performance in the entrance examination would have carried him to the semi-finals.
A week had passed since then, and Callan's Bulbasaur must have improved significantly. However, Squirtle's progress was even more remarkable.
Of the 500,000 points Roy had spent during this period, nearly 400,000 went to Squirtle. The Water-type barely trained physical fitness; instead, all his time and resources focused on energy development and move execution. Even while resting at night, Squirtle would clutch the Never-Melt Ice and Mystic Water, unconsciously absorbing their energy while sleeping.
This wasn't just financial investment—it was life investment. No wonder the normally cheerful Pokémon had been driven to his breaking point.
At one o'clock, Roy arrived punctually at Capital University's battle room. The specifications matched those at the Pokémon Center, designed for novice trainers.
The spectator area held quite a crowd—roughly a hundred people. Nearly everyone had heard Roy would use his second Pokémon against Callan. As Roy entered, enthusiastic cheers erupted from the audience.
"Chief Roy, you've got this!"
"Chief Roy, can I record this for social media?"
"Where's Turtle? I want to see Turtle! Its emoji is so perfect!"
"Look at this support banner! I made it specially for Squirtle!"
When it came to showing adoration, the female fans were far more vocal than their male counterparts. Most of the enthusiastic voices belonged to young women who weren't shy about joking with Roy. Many spectators—clearly followers of Roy's social media accounts—held signs featuring Squirtle emoticons.
Roy responded with a gentle smile. These fans were valuable tools for generating consistent popularity—or rather, they were his loyal supporters who deserved kindness and appreciation.
Just as Roy nodded permission to a female content creator who wanted to film the battle, a deep male voice suddenly boomed through the room:
"Momma loves you!"
The audience fell silent.
Roy's mouth twitched as he tried to identify which "male mother" was harassing him, but the crowd was too dense to pinpoint the culprit.
In a corner, four friends huddled together, three staring incredulously at the proud "male mother" Axel, who had shouted the embarrassing line. Axel's face remained unperturbed after the outburst—the stares of his three companions didn't faze him in the slightest.
He patted Callan on the shoulder and declared solemnly, "I've already given you the psychological advantage! The rest is up to you!"
Chloe, who had lost her chance at a recommended student position, immediately chimed in: "Grass beats Water, and you have more training experience. If you still lose, you might as well quit being a Trainer and go home to raise Spoink!"
Jordan added: "You can do it!"
Carrying the hopes of their alliance, Callan stepped onto the battlefield.
At the referee's signal, both trainers threw their Poké Balls simultaneously. As Squirtle and Bulbasaur materialized on the field, the audience erupted with excitement. A battle between starters was a timeless classic!
Soon, keen-eyed observers noticed differences in the two Pokémon's demeanors. Bulbasaur radiated fighting spirit and confidence, eager to avenge his previous defeats by Riolu through victory over Squirtle. Meanwhile, Squirtle appeared somewhat unassuming, lacking the appearance of a powerful combatant and seeming slightly anxious.
Seeing this, Callan's confidence grew, and he initiated the battle:
"Magical Leaf!"
Bulbasaur unleashed a newly learned move—several glowing leaves infused with psychic energy shot forward sharply! This move functioned like an upgraded Razor Leaf, with the added ability to track targets and guarantee hits.
Roy issued his command almost simultaneously:
"Icy Wind!"
In this first exchange, Squirtle appeared nervous, his reaction slightly delayed before executing the move. Callan noticed this opening and thought he could inflict significant damage, but was shocked when Squirtle's Icy Wind manifested faster despite the delayed reaction.
The howling frigid wind enveloped the battlefield. The Magical Leaves instantly froze into ice sculptures, fell to the ground, and shattered into powder.
A master's skill reveals itself at first move!
Squirtle's execution speed and move power immediately signaled to Callan that he faced a formidable opponent. Moreover, this Squirtle seemed proficient with Ice-type moves, which dealt super-effective damage to Grass-types like Bulbasaur.
Callan's determination hardened—this wasn't just about honor anymore. If he couldn't even defeat Roy's second Pokémon, Bulbasaur would likely lose all confidence. Gritting his teeth, Callan decided to reveal his trump card:
"Grassy Terrain!"
A vibrant green light emanated from Bulbasaur, quickly blanketing the entire arena. The spectators murmured appreciatively:
"Finally, his signature move!"
"Classic Gym tactics!"
In standard Grassy Terrain, all grounded Pokémon gradually recover health, regardless of allegiance, while all Grass-type moves receive a power boost. At first glance, this seemed questionable strategy—why use a move that heals opponents and boosts only Grass-types?
You could only effectively exploit this against Flying or Levitating Pokémon—or so conventional wisdom suggested.
However, a Grass-type Pokémon Master had revolutionized this move a decade ago. Through intensive study of Grass-type energy, he successfully modified Grassy Terrain to create his signature technique. This unique version retained the name "Grassy Terrain," but with one crucial difference: only Grass-type Pokémon would recover vitality within its field!
That innovator was now City's Grass-type Gym Leader, Master Jace.
Reportedly, all Master Jace's Pokémon knew "Modified Grassy Terrain," and their proficiency was so advanced that outsiders couldn't easily disrupt the field's properties. Battling him meant facing endless verdant energy and earth's vitality.
When comparing resources and connections, a Gym's signature techniques formed its greatest asset. Many aspiring Trainers spent fortunes cultivating relationships and enrolling their children in Gym apprenticeships, all to learn the unique secrets of Gym Leaders.
"I've been teaching Bulbasaur this technique since I acquired him," Callan explained, raising his eyebrows proudly. "Unfortunately, it's extremely difficult to master. We weren't ready during the entrance examination. Bulbasaur only managed to perfect it yesterday."