Inside the Sootopolis Gym, the sound of water gurgled, and light filtered through the dome's water curtain, casting mottled and shifting shadows on the ground.
The air was moist and cool, carrying a unique scent of stone mixed with pure water.
Wallace's high-pitched voice echoed in the empty Gym, even creating a few reverberations that startled several Magikarp in the pond, causing them to leap out of the water and fall back with a "splash."
"Elite Four Level Trainer Ariel, you have come to challenge my newly-appointed Sootopolis Gym! Today, I, Wallace, shall battle you!"
He spoke these words with great passion, as if this were not a Gym challenge but an epic duel to decide the fate of the Hoenn region.
The surrounding apprentices were caught up in the atmosphere, each holding their breath with eyes full of admiration and expectation.
Before his voice had even faded, Wallace's fingers had already brushed across a row of dark-gold Ultra Balls, finally picking one of them with precision.
His movements carried a theatrical exaggeration; with a flick of his wrist, the Poké Ball drew a beautiful Destiny Knot in the air.
"Bang!"
A white light exploded, and a colossus like a small mountain crashed to the ground, causing the entire stone battlefield to tremble slightly.
It was a Blastoise.
But it was certainly no ordinary specimen.
Its shell was covered in fine scratches—medals of honor left behind by countless battles.
Two thick metal cannons protruded from the shell, their deep muzzles gleaming with a dangerous metallic luster, as if they could erupt with a devastating torrent at any moment.
A heavy aura, like the deep sea, surged forward; the invisible pressure made the surrounding apprentices subconsciously take half a step back.
What made Ariel's eyelids twitch most were its eyes; their cloudiness revealed a world-weary wisdom, indicating that this was definitely not a young Pokémon.
Level 75.
An Elite Four Level Pokémon.
Ariel froze completely.
Are you kidding me?
Using an Elite Four Level Pokémon in a Gym challenge? What's the difference between this and a proctor personally coming down to answer the questions during an exam?
Also, Elite Four Level Trainer? When did I get that title? How come I didn't know?
Ariel looked at Wallace, who had an expression of "I'm eliminating a public nuisance," and then at that Blastoise, which left two shallow water marks on the ground just by exhaling. He felt there was nothing left to discuss.
He spread his hands in the universal gesture for "surrender," his face written all over with "You're the boss, you're amazing, have fun by yourself."
"I'm not fighting. There's no way to win."
Ariel's voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear in the quiet Gym.
"Play by yourself. I'm leaving. I wish you and your Blastoise a long and happy life together."
After saying that, he actually turned around and started walking away with an air of "I just came to check things out, I didn't expect to meet a lunatic," strolling toward the Gym entrance.
His pace wasn't fast—it was even somewhat leisurely—each step seemingly treading on Wallace's taut nerves.
The spectating apprentices were all dumbfounded. This wasn't how the script was supposed to go, was it?
Should he have accepted the challenge with boiling blood? Why was he just leaving?
Wallace also got anxious.
His original intention was to give Ariel a show of strength and vent some frustration. At the same time, he wanted to use the powerful Pokémon left by Teacher Juan to have a good battle with this guy of mysterious strength and see where the gap between himself and the genius his teacher spoke of lay.
But he never expected that Ariel wouldn't play by the rules at all and would simply flip the table.
If he really let Ariel leave, wouldn't his first day as the newly-appointed Gym Leader become the laughingstock of the entire Hoenn region?
—"New Sootopolis Gym Leader's First Day: Challenger Scared Away Due to Excessively High Pokémon Level."
"Wait... Wait a minute!"
There was a trace of imperceptible haste in Wallace's voice.
Ariel's footsteps paused, but he didn't turn back immediately.
With his back to Wallace, the corners of his mouth curled up silently.
Still too green.
He slowly turned around, his face wearing a perfectly timed look of confusion.
"Hmm? Does Gym Leader Wallace have something else?"
Wallace was choked up by that "Gym Leader," and his cheeks felt a bit hot.
He coughed awkwardly twice and waved his hand to recall that powerful Blastoise. The oppressive feeling in the Gym instantly dissipated.
"Ahem, that... that was just a small joke to liven up the atmosphere."
He tried to save face, but his eyes were somewhat evasive.
"You know, a new official taking office always needs a bit of a sense of ritual."
"Oh, a joke."
Ariel drawled, wearing an expression of sudden realization.
"I thought the rules of the Sootopolis Gym had changed, and from now on, challengers must have Elite strength."
These words made Wallace feel even more embarrassed.
He said "Of course not," but his actions betrayed his true thoughts.
He didn't touch the Poké Ball containing the Blastoise again. Instead, from the six balls Juan had left behind, he inconspicuously pulled out two others.
He held these two Poké Balls in his palm, feeling the steady power coming from within.
Although their levels were far inferior to that Blastoise, they were also Superior Pokémon that Teacher Juan had spent much effort cultivating. At their level, they were definitely top-tier.
Using these two would ensure the intensity of the battle without breaking the rules of the Gym challenge.
This was his final bit of stubbornness.
"Next, I will officially respond to your challenge."
Wallace took a deep breath, his eyes becoming sharp again. The frivolous noble scion had disappeared, replaced by a focused combatant.
"Please." Ariel made a gesture of invitation, his expression also becoming serious.
One after the other, they walked onto the formal battlefield surrounded by water.
The polished stone slabs reflected their figures, as well as the circle of curious apprentices stretching their necks.
"The battle format is a Double Battle."
Wallace stood firmly in the position belonging to the Gym Leader, his voice steady and powerful.
"Each side will send out four Pokémon for a rotation battle. Any problems?"
"No problem." Ariel nodded, his gaze falling on the two Poké Balls in Wallace's hand.
He knew that the farce just now was only the appetizer.
The real tough battle was about to begin.
***************************
Enjoying the story? Don't forget to drop a review, leave a comment, and smash that like button! Every Power Stone helps push the story further—thanks for reading and supporting! 🚀