The forest had thinned as Philip and his team approached the outskirts of Pewter City. The cool wind sweeping through the trees brought the scent of stone and earth—Pewter's signature. The city was known for its rocky terrain, ancient museum, and the towering mountain range just beyond its borders.
Philip walked at a steady pace, Froakie on his shoulder, Riolu at his side, and Charmander alert with each step. The battle in Viridian was behind them, but it lingered in memory. The enemy trainer had been skilled—and organized. But Philip had learned something far more important.
His Pokémon weren't just tools. They were companions. And with trust came strength.
Still, as they walked, something tugged at Philip's senses again.
[System Alert: Aura Pulse Detected – Range: 500 meters]
[Classification: Trainer Aura – Aggression: Medium]
[Advisory: Remain Cautious]
"Another trainer," Philip muttered under his breath. "And they're not exactly calm."
He turned the bend in the road—and that's when he saw them.
The Lone Challenger
A boy stood in the middle of the trail, about a year older than Philip, arms folded and smirking. His dark-blue jacket fluttered in the breeze, and a black Poké Ball spun lazily between his fingers. Behind him stood a large Graveler, fists pounding into the dirt with anticipation.
"You're the Clark kid, right?" the trainer called out.
Philip didn't break stride. "Who's asking?"
"Name's Rick. I train Rock-types. Heard you were heading toward Pewter." He tossed the Poké Ball into the air and caught it again. "I figured I'd see what the big deal was."
Philip stopped ten feet away and glanced at Graveler, then back at Rick. "You picked the wrong test subject."
Rick laughed. "We'll see. One-on-one. No retreat. What do you say?"
Philip's eyes narrowed. A challenge, out of nowhere. But he sensed no malice—just arrogance and confidence.
"Fine," he said. "But don't blame me when you lose."
Rick smirked and snapped his fingers. "Graveler, you're up!"
Philip looked toward his team. "Charmander. Your turn."
The flame-tailed lizard stepped forward, eyes gleaming with determination.
Battle: Charmander vs Graveler
"Graveler, start with Rollout!"
The boulder Pokémon curled into a sphere and charged, picking up speed fast.
"Charmander, dodge and hit the legs with Ember Spiral!"
Charmander rolled aside just as Graveler passed, then spun—launching a fiery circle outward. Flames licked across Graveler's side, causing it to stumble slightly and stop its roll.
"Use Smokescreen!"
Charmander exhaled a cloud of dark smoke, obscuring the battlefield.
"Graveler, use Magnitude!"
The ground trembled violently. Philip winced as dust exploded upward and rocks cracked underfoot. Charmander stumbled out of the smoke, hurt but still standing.
Philip narrowed his eyes. "Get closer. Use Metal Claw on the arm joints!"
Charmander dashed in, claws glowing silver. He slashed hard at Graveler's right elbow—where the limb joined the body—forcing a roar of pain from the Rock-type.
"Now, Ember Spiral—again!"
At point-blank range, the flames surrounded Graveler completely, striking from all sides.
"Graveler, shake him off with Rock Blast!"
Graveler hurled chunks of stone into the air, but Charmander leapt backward just in time.
Both Pokémon panted now. Dirt clung to Charmander's scales. Graveler had scorch marks along its rocky frame.
Rick's expression hardened. "Let's end this. Stone Edge!"
Large jagged rocks erupted from the ground, homing in on Charmander like spears.
Philip's voice was calm. "Jump, then Dragon Rush."
Charmander's body glowed bright blue with draconic energy. He shot into the air—just high enough to clear the Stone Edge—then came crashing down with all his might.
The impact echoed like thunder.
When the dust cleared, Graveler lay unconscious beneath Charmander's feet, fainted from the blow.
[Battle Result: Victory – Charmander's Experience Increased]
[Charmander Affinity: +10 | Battle Efficiency: 92%]
[Condition: Mild Injuries – Recommend Rest or Potion]
Rick stared at the result in disbelief.
"No way," he muttered, recalling Graveler. "I thought I had you."
Philip shrugged. "You did well. But next time, don't underestimate a Fire-type."
Rick laughed, walking forward and offering his hand. "Fair enough. That was awesome. I can see why people talk about you."
Philip shook his hand. "Good match."
Rick nodded and headed off toward the city. "Gym leader won't be a pushover, though. You'd better bring your A-game."
Approaching Pewter City
By late afternoon, the gates of Pewter finally came into view. Carved from grey stone and surrounded by layered rock gardens, the city had an ancient feel—like it had always stood here, unmoving.
Philip stopped at the entrance, his Pokémon close behind him.
"Tomorrow," he said, eyes focused on the horizon. "We challenge the Pewter Gym."
[System Update: Pewter City Reached – Gym Challenge Available]
[Local Gym Leader: Brock – Specialty: Rock-Type]
[Recommended Strategy: Speed, Elemental Advantage, High-Affinity Battle Plan]
[Trainer Rank Progress: Bronze Tier – 12%]
[Team Synergy: Rising]