The 3D-projected Tyranitar stood motionless, taking Rhydon's Earthquake head-on. The percentage HP bar above its head instantly dropped by nearly half.
In Kael's long-term training plan, Rhydon would specialize in four primary moves. Given its massive size and astonishing weight, Earthquake was the cornerstone. As a same-type move, it benefited from STAB and had broad coverage—effective against Electric, Fire, Poison, Rock, and Steel types.
Rhydon's running speed was lacking, making it easy prey for nimble Pokémon that excelled at hit-and-run tactics. But Earthquake's wide-area damage made it an excellent counter against agile opponents that weren't Flying-type.
Since Tyranitar was Rock-type, Earthquake dealt double damage. Rhydon, being Ground-type, also gained a same-type damage boost. On top of that, due to Earthquake's mechanics, the heavier the Pokémon using it, the greater the move's power.
Combining those three factors, the software calculated the final damage at 50%.
In other words, even the so-called "Desert Tyrant" Tyranitar could only withstand two Earthquakes from Kael's giant Rhydon.
Of course, that came with a condition: Tyranitar had to stand still and absorb the full damage of the move.
In reality, if these two colossal beasts clashed without Trainers directing them, countless variables would come into play. Tyranitar wasn't a pillar—it wouldn't foolishly remain rooted in place and endure the entire force of Earthquake.
Rhydon's right leg slammed down again. The ground convulsed violently once more—
Tyranitar's HP bar emptied instantly. With a muffled bang, its body shattered into fragments and vanished.
Kael's lips curved upward slightly. Like a child discovering a new toy, he felt genuine excitement.
This 3DST software was similar to the 3D online games of his previous life—but the internal data here was entirely real and precise, capable of simulating near-authentic combat outcomes.
He clicked "Generate" again.
The female Tyranitar reappeared in the valley. This time, Kael didn't leave her idle. He selected the Auto-Attack option.
Fortunately, during its year-long field research, the Mt. Silver institute had recorded extensive footage of this female Tyranitar hunting and battling rival males for territory.
With those video materials, Kael could more accurately simulate Tyranitar's combat patterns within 3DST.
Inside the 3D window, Tyranitar roared. Its thick tail lashed the ground, kicking up clouds of dust. Its hollow-marked legs lifted slowly—then slammed down hard.
But the earth did not quake violently.
It wasn't using Earthquake.
Boom! Boom!
The rocky ground around Rhydon fractured. Massive stone pillars—each as thick as a tree trunk—erupted from the earth. Four pillars, each five meters tall, rose around Rhydon—front, back, left, and right—pinning it firmly in place.
Rock Tomb.
Using rising stone pillars to restrict the opponent's movement.
With Rhydon immobilized, Tyranitar launched its next assault. Its heavy leg struck the ground again. Jagged shards of broken rock lifted into the air, hovering under Tyranitar's control. Like blades drawn from their sheaths, they rained down in a storm toward the trapped Rhydon.
"Roar—!"
Rhydon bellowed in fury, smashing the pillar before it with a crushing punch.
But a thick green arm was already upon it.
Tyranitar's raised hand glowed with white light as it chopped down across Rhydon's chest. Brick Break, a Fighting-type move, dealt considerable damage to Rhydon.
This time, Rhydon's HP bar dropped visibly.
The two behemoths clashed fiercely on the screen. Kael's eyes never left the display, his right hand constantly inputting data, running comparisons, refining projections.
Bang! Bang!
Both HP bars emptied simultaneously.
The projected bodies shattered into fragments at the same instant. The valley simulation dissolved, and the software returned to a black screen.
"Wea—"
Weavile landed lightly on the pavilion roof, flipped, and dropped beside Kael. After glancing at Lanturn, who was meditating with eyes closed nearby, she stepped forward and whispered something at her ear.
"There are Trainers here to challenge the Gym. They're waiting in the central courtyard," Lulu conveyed telepathically.
"Got it. I'll head over now."
Kael stretched and rose from the floor. He grabbed the black jacket draped over the railing, slipped it on, and strode out of the pavilion.
"Go protect him," Lulu's ethereal voice echoed in Weavile's mind.
"Weav"
Weavile nodded and leapt after Kael in a few swift bounds. Like a professional bodyguard, she maintained a precise half-meter distance behind him—not a step more, not a step less.
...
"Now beginning the official Gym challenge between Dark Gym Leader Kael and challenger Percy from Sunnytown. The wager is the Dark Badge. Each side may use one Pokémon. When one Pokémon loses the ability to battle, the match ends."
As the Dark Gym's sole temporary disciple, Ann naturally served as referee. Over the past few nights, she had memorized the competition rules thoroughly.
The specially designed Dark Gym Badges had arrived three days earlier. The first batch contained 36 badges. Once distributed, additional applications could be submitted to the League—but Gym Leaders were strictly forbidden from privately minting their own badges.
As the official Gym Leader, Kael was required by League rules to send out his Pokémon first. Furthermore, the challenger always had the right to make the first move.
"Hand me your Ponyta."
The two boys, faces still brimming with youthful innocence, were clearly rookies who had only just begun their journeys. Kael had no intention of using his main forces to overwhelm them. A Gym Leader's responsibility was to guide and nurture new Trainers—not to crush their confidence with overwhelming strength.
After all, not everyone was like Ash—one of those hot-blooded fools who only grew stronger the more setbacks he faced.