Pokemon: Gym Leader

A raging storm of red-hot heat waves surged down, while Brandon hesitated.

"Registeel, use Zap Cannon!" Brandon finally commanded.

"Re~gi!"

Registeel brought its arms together, and a ball of electromagnetic energy quickly formed.

Zap Cannon, an Electric-type move! It's extremely powerful, and any opponent hit by it will be paralyzed!

However, the only drawback of Zap Cannon is its accuracy. Since the projectile's speed isn't particularly fast, opponents can often dodge it easily.

But when paired with Lock-On, Zap Cannon becomes a perfect strike.

However, Brandon didn't actually want to use Zap Cannon. Though he loves powerful moves, as a Champion-level trainer, he naturally adapts to the battle's flow.

Dragonite isn't weak to Electric-type attacks. Even if Zap Cannon hits, it won't deal much damage compared to the cost-effectiveness of Ice-type moves like Ice Spinner.

The Zap Cannon shot toward Dragonite, colliding with the incoming heat wave.

Golden electric light clashed with the red-hot flames, and the two attacks fiercely collided.

Boom!

Eventually, Zap Cannon exploded with a burst of electromagnetic energy, scattering strong winds in all directions. The Zap Cannon successfully blocked Dragonite's heat wave.

Although the heat wave failed, Dylan didn't mind in the slightest. In fact, his smile deepened.

Because the Lock-On symbol on Dragonite's forehead had disappeared.

"Dragonite, Extreme Speed!"

A flash of white light appeared behind Dragonite as it swiftly dove toward Registeel.

Extreme Speed, a Normal-type priority move! With this boost, Dragonite's speed was astonishing!

In almost the blink of an eye, Dragonite zipped past Registeel and appeared behind it.

Registeel couldn't keep up at all!

If Extreme Speed wasn't ineffective against Registeel, Dylan wouldn't have hesitated to let Dragonite strike. Registeel would've already been hit.

"Registeel, Ice Spinner!!" Brandon no longer hesitated.

Registeel crouched down and spun rapidly, ice swirling around it.

Ice Spinner, an Ice-type move!

This is a fairly powerful Ice-type move that can also damage the battlefield. However, there was no terrain in play this time; Brandon simply wanted Registeel to attack.

The icy winds swirled, scattering ice shards as Registeel spun toward Dragonite.

But Dragonite merely flapped its wings and effortlessly evaded the Ice Spinner by moving slightly backward.

Undeterred, Registeel continued spinning toward Dragonite, which tilted its head slightly, matching Registeel's speed in a playful game of "cat and mouse."

Dragonite even deliberately slowed down and lowered its altitude, dodging at the last second or quickly accelerating to "barely avoid" Registeel's attacks.

Registeel tirelessly pursued, but everyone watching understood what was happening.

"This…"

Anabel and Carsey couldn't bear to watch anymore. It was clear Dragonite was toying with Registeel, making it look like a clown.

Brandon remained silent, his face stern.

"Brandon, your Registeel is too slow, and…" After enjoying the "cat-and-mouse" game for a while, Dylan sighed.

"So weak~"

Dylan paused, his lips curling slightly.

"This kind of attack won't defeat my Dragonite~"

His gaze fell on the spinning Ice Spinner. Dylan's eyes narrowed. Such a simple Ice-type move couldn't even hit his Dragonite.

And even if it did, so what?

"Let me show you what real power looks like~!"

"Dragonite, Dragon Rush!"

Roar~!!

Dragonite soared into the sky, spreading its limbs wide, as if an earth-shaking dragon's roar echoed around it.

Pure Dragon-type energy gathered around Dragonite, transforming into a ferocious, clawed dragon in the blink of an eye.

Dragon Rush, a Dragon-type move!

Dragonite adjusted its posture and dove down, unleashing an overwhelming aura of killing intent as it charged toward the spinning Registeel.

"This Dragon Rush… is stronger than Dragapult's and Salamence's!" Anabel's eyes narrowed. The killing intent from this Dragon Rush was more terrifying than those two!

Even as a mere spectator, Anabel felt a deep sense of dread.

"Of course it is. Before my brother got Bagon and Dreepy, he had already fully trained Dragonite," Lillie said with a proud smile on her delicate face.

What a terrifying person! Anabel was in awe.

She didn't know how Dylan managed to raise his Dragonite to be so powerful, but one thing was clear: Brandon was in big trouble.

On the battlefield.

"Registeel!" Brandon called out firmly. Since Dragonite was coming in close for a direct hit, there was no reason to fear.

Ice Spinner versus Dragon Rush! An Ice-type move against a Dragon-type move, with a clear advantage in my favor!

Besides, my Registeel is one of the legendary titans!

Registeel's spinning picked up speed, cold winds swirling around it, as it spun to meet the descending Dragon Rush.

Boom!

Dragon Rush collided with the spinning icy top, as ice and dragon energy clashed violently. The menacing dragon bared its fangs in silent fury.

The surging waves of energy from the clash spread out, sending shockwaves across the battlefield.

But Brandon quickly noticed something was wrong—Dragon Rush was slowly overpowering Ice Spinner, pushing Registeel down! His expression grew serious.

"Dragonite, finish it off!"

Roar~!!

The fierce dragon roared silently, and its draconic energy suddenly surged, pressing down hard.

Crack!

Ice Spinner's icy light shattered under the force of Dragon Rush, leaving Registeel exposed. The remaining energy slammed into Registeel, driving it into the ground.

Boom!

The ground shook like an earthquake, cracks forming all over the battlefield. The sheer weight behind Dragonite's Dragon Rush was staggering.

How is it this strong?!!

Brandon was shocked. Registeel might not be the best attacker, but it was still a legendary Pokémon.

Plus, Ice beats Dragon. Even if Registeel's power was slightly inferior, Ice Spinner should not have lost to Dragon Rush so quickly.

But it didn't matter. Dragon Rush was certainly impressive, but it's no use!

Registeel's defense is incredibly high, and Steel resists Dragon. Dragon Rush's effectiveness would be limited.

Registeel still had a chance!

"Dragonite, Earthquake!"

Dragonite flapped its small wings and rose slightly, looking down at the fallen Registeel, and then slammed back down.

Earthquake, a Ground-type move!

Boom!

The battlefield, which had just settled, trembled violently once again, with a solid shockwave of Earthquake pulsing out.

The Earthquake hit Registeel squarely, and it let out a pained cry.

Ground beats Steel! Earthquake's damage to Registeel wasn't low.

"One more Earthquake!"

Dylan glanced at Brandon's slightly tense face, his smile widening. It should be over soon.

Dragonite raised one foot.

Brandon's expression changed. He quickly retrieved Registeel's Poké Ball, intending to recall it.

He realized now that Registeel simply couldn't handle Dragonite in battle—or rather, an opponent like Dragonite, who was both fast and had a wide range of moves.

Especially now that Registeel had been completely outmatched. Even with its high defense, it wouldn't last much longer!

"Registeel, return…"

But at that moment…

"Fire Spin," Dylan said nonchalantly.

Brandon's expression changed dramatically.

Dragonite halted its Earthquake attack and opened its mouth, releasing scorching flames. The flames rippled in waves, engulfing both Registeel and itself.

The red light from Brandon's Pokéball, meant to recall Registeel, was blocked by the Fire Spin, unable to reach the Steel-type Pokémon.

Fire Spin, a Fire-type move, deals continuous damage and prevents the opponent from recalling their Pokémon.

"Dylan!"

Despite his usual calm demeanor, Brandon's composure shifted at the sudden turn of events.

Is this even a human? Could a person even do something like this? All I wanted to do was recall Registeel!

"After all, your Registeel is too dangerous, so I'd prefer to take it down in one go," Dylan smiled faintly as he addressed Brandon, whose face had darkened.

The flames of Fire Spin roared on, and the trapped Registeel was clearly suffering, burned by the intense heat.

"???"

Brandon stared at Dylan in shock, his eyes filled with disbelief.

'Your Registeel is too dangerous'? He wanted to ask Dylan what kind of mindset he had to say something so disingenuous.

Is my Registeel dangerous? Is it more dangerous than your Dragonite? Your Dragonite literally trapped my 'dangerous' Registeel to pummel it!

"Dragonite, Earthquake."

Dylan issued the command calmly. It would be nice to unlock the achievement of defeating a legendary Pokémon, after all.

Even though Registeel didn't pose much of a threat, it was still a legendary Pokémon.

Still, he had to be cautious of Brandon making a desperate move. Registeel was in a losing position, and it was hard to predict what Brandon might do next.

Dragonite raised its right foot, ready to slam it down.

"Registeel, Explosion!" Brandon shouted with urgency toward his trapped Registeel.

If you won't let me recall Registeel, then let's end this for everyone!

Registeel raised its head, and a blinding white light began to radiate from its body.

Normal-type move: Explosion! It causes a massive explosion, damaging everything around it, with the user losing its ability to battle afterward.

Clearly, Brandon had reached his limit.

"Protect."

Dylan raised an eyebrow, having anticipated this.

Dragonite flapped its wings and swiftly retreated, raising a green barrier of Protect.

Boom!

The deafening blast echoed throughout the Battle Pyramid King, and a powerful shockwave swept across the field. Even those in the audience, like Lillie, could feel the intense wind, forcing them to shield their faces.

The explosion's power was overwhelming, but…

As the green light from Protect began to fade, the barrier in front of Dragonite cracked but ultimately held up, successfully blocking the explosion.

Brandon was silent. It seemed as though every move he made had been predicted by Dylan. How was he supposed to defeat someone like this?

Especially now, as he glanced at the crater where Registeel lay unconscious while Dragonite stood unscathed, Brandon found himself at a loss for words.

"Registeel is unable to battle. Dragonite wins," Anabel declared the result of the battle.

"Yay! My brother beat Registeel!" Lillie exclaimed joyfully, clasping her hands over her chest in excitement.

Next to her, Ilene was also thrilled. After all, Registeel was a legendary Pokémon, and yet Dragonite had forced it to use Explosion in desperation. Even then, Protect blocked the attack.

She wondered what Brandon was thinking now.

"Hehe… as expected of Leader Dylan," Carsey chuckled awkwardly, feeling a bit uneasy. Brandon seemed to be in a tough spot, and Dylan was being relentless.

If you're this strong, couldn't you have given him a little leeway? Blocking Brandon from recalling Registeel like that, completely overpowering him, was a bit much. Now, as the person who arranged the battle, what am I supposed to do?

But just then, Brandon made a decision.

"I forfeit."

Brandon took a deep breath and raised his hand, addressing Anabel, who was acting as the referee.

"Huh?" Anabel was taken aback.

"Sir, there's no need to be so polite. I believe you can still fight," Dylan said sincerely, his tone earnest.

"No need to go easy on me. I can handle it."

Brandon's face twitched slightly. No, I'm really not being polite, and I certainly wasn't going easy on you.

If anything, you should have shown me some mercy, you jerk! You didn't even let me recall my Pokémon. Do you not feel the slightest bit guilty?

"Dylan, I've seen enough of your strength. I'm no match for you," Brandon shook his head, feeling that there was no point in continuing.

If Registeel ended up like this, Regirock probably wouldn't fare any better.

"But sir, I believe…" Dylan began, concerned that Brandon was giving up too soon. This was supposed to be a full battle, and only three rounds had been completed. Was he really going to bail?

I've only used three Pokémon. You should at least let me bring out my whole team!

"You rarely visit my Battle Pyramid King. I've stored some fine tea. Why don't you join me for a cup?" Brandon interrupted him, regaining his usual serious expression.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Dylan replied reluctantly, realizing Brandon had no intention of continuing the battle.

There was no helping it; the other party no longer wanted to fight.

Too bad. His Goodra hadn't even had a chance to make an appearance. Dylan had been saving Goodra as his trump card, planning to send it out last. After all, Goodra had been with him since he received it along with Toxapex. Besides Meowscarada, it was one of his veterans, but it still hadn't had the chance to shine in an official battle…

Led by Brandon's assistant, Dylan and the others made their way to the guest lounge. However, Brandon pulled Carsey aside.

Carsey, sweating nervously, looked at Brandon, who wore a serious expression with a hint of concealed frustration.

"Carsey, is there something you'd like to explain to me?"

Being questioned by the Battle Pyramid King—what should I do?