Inside the Gym, the light from high-hanging lamps reflected off the polished stone floor, creating shimmering patches like a calm lake. Footsteps echoed throughout the vast space as the referee stepped into the center of the arena, a silver whistle hanging from his chest. He raised his hand high and announced clearly:
"The next challenger is May."
The crowd murmured softly. After many consecutive days of challenges, most of the staff and regular spectators at the Gym had recognized this young girl — a familiar face who appeared repeatedly on the battlefield with a determined, unyielding gaze.
Unlike most new trainers who had to go through warm-up battles with trainee trainers to prove their strength, May was allowed to step directly onto the main stage. That was a privilege she had earned through relentless effort.
Stepping into the spotlight, May stood tall, her hair gently swaying in the breeze from the ceiling fan. From the stands, a few cheers rang out, causing the corners of her mouth to curve into a confident smile.
"May, you seem very confident this time," Roxanne — the Gym Leader, dressed in a neat red and gray battle outfit today — smiled meaningfully. Her calm voice was paired with eyes that flashed with appraisal, as if scrutinizing a worthy opponent.
"Yes, the secret about your Nosepass has been revealed!" May replied without hesitation, her voice full of enthusiasm. That confidence came from Alex's meticulous guidance before the match.
"Oh?" Roxanne raised an eyebrow, her brown eyes showing a flicker of surprise.
"Well then, it looks like I have to get serious," her tone deepened — both an acknowledgment and a warning.
May clenched her fists, her heart pounding fast but not trembling. I can do this! she thought firmly, then glanced toward the stands where Alex was seated.
Roxanne, perceptive as ever, followed May's gaze and noticed the young man with slightly tousled black hair. Alex, sensing Roxanne's look, gave a warm smile and politely nodded in greeting.
"He's quite handsome," Roxanne chuckled softly — a passing remark like a breeze, but it made May blush slightly.
The whistle blew sharply; the referee declared loudly, "Challenger May, battle Gym Leader Roxanne of Rustboro Gym, begin!"
The flag in his hand waved down, and the atmosphere in the Gym immediately tensed.
"Go, Aron!" May threw up her Poké Ball, white light flashing and condensing into the form of a small but powerful Aron. Its silvery steel armor reflected the lights, and its deep red eyes gleamed with determination.
"Still Aron, huh?" Roxanne slowly raised her own Poké Ball. "You've lost many times already. Aren't you going to change your Pokémon?" Her tone was calm but clearly held a trace of doubt.
A white light radiated, and Nosepass appeared — a giant rock-like Pokémon with a characteristic bright red nose, standing firmly on the floor like an ancient boulder.
"Hmph, don't underestimate me, this time I will win!" May immediately retorted, her voice tinged with challenge. Without wasting time, she ordered, "Aron, use Harden!"
Aron reacted at once, its body enveloped in a thin white glow. Its steel armor seemed sharpened and tougher. This was a skill to temporarily boost defense — and May believed this was the necessary first step.
"Oh?" Roxanne nodded slightly. "You've changed your strategy, no longer attacking aggressively from the start?" She smiled wryly. "But if you don't attack, then it's my turn."
"Nosepass, use Rock Throw!"
Nosepass lowered its short arm, picked up a rock from the arena floor, and threw it forcefully at Aron. The sound of air tearing rang out, followed by a sharp clang as rock struck steel, sending small sparks flying. Aron stepped back slightly but its eyes did not waver.
"Of course," May thought, "just as Alex said, Nosepass doesn't have many offensive moves, its speed and power are limited."
"Nosepass, use Thunder Wave!" Roxanne quickly changed tactics.
Nosepass immediately emitted a bright yellow electric wave, with sparks dancing in the air, charging straight at Aron. If it hit, it could paralyze the opponent, greatly reducing its speed and making it easier to miss attacks.
May stayed calm — because before the match, Alex had prepared her for every situation. "Aron, use Dig!"
Instantly, Aron burrowed into the stone floor, scattering chunks of rock around. Within moments, it disappeared from sight, leaving a deep hole.
Alex's advice echoed in May's mind: Nosepass's defense is very strong, but its speed is insignificant… Roxanne will definitely use Thunder Wave to control it. At that time, just use Dig to avoid it.
Roxanne tilted her head slightly, her eyes turning serious. "Digging a hole…? You know how to use strategy."
But as Gym Leader, she wasn't easily surprised for long. "Nosepass, use Protect!"
A bright white barrier immediately enveloped Nosepass as Aron lunged from underground. The attack caused no damage, but the heavy impact still knocked Nosepass back several meters.
May smiled, her heart racing. That was a feint… The finishing move would be Metal Claw.
"Aron, use Metal Claw!"
Aron growled softly, its claws shimmering with sharp silver light. It charged forward, pounding the stone floor, then slashed repeatedly. The sound of metal scraping stone rang harshly, making some spectators shudder.
Three deep scratches marked Nosepass's body — clear proof of the overwhelming power of this strike.