NOVEL WEB Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Charizard’s First Battle
Chapter 80: Charizard's First Battle
The coastal city of Qing Water City was as picturesque as its reputation suggested. Known as the permanent host of Guangdong's provincial league, the city was a haven for trainers and battles alike.
At the heart of the city was the national-level water-type Gym, presided over by none other than Aqua Grace—a true Water Master and a national-level Gym Leader.
Aqua Grace was more than just a Gym Leader; she was also tasked with overseeing the SS-ranked Ocean Temple, a mythical secret realm of Huaxia Nation's coast. While the existence of the Ocean Temple remained unconfirmed, Aqua Grace's prowess was undeniable. A certified champion-level trainer, her battles were legendary.
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Today, a challenger had stepped forward to face her.
As a national-level Gym Leader, Aqua Grace's challenges were divided into two categories.
1. Full-Power Battles
These were intense, no-holds-barred matches where champion-level trainers could face her in preparation for the National Pokémon Championship, an event that sought the nation's finest trainers to represent Huaxia Nation on the global stage. These opportunities were rare and only held annually.
2. Youth League Battles
These were for trainers under 24 years old, vying for a spot in the prestigious National Youth Tournament, Huaxia Nation's premier competition for young talent.
To qualify for the Youth Tournament, trainers had two options:
Obtain recognition from three national Gym Leaders.
Collect eight provincial Gym Badges.
Both paths were grueling, rivaling the difficulty of securing a top-ten spot in the provincial league.
Naturally, Aqua Grace didn't hold back when it came to assessing Youth League aspirants.
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Current Match: Aqua Grace vs. Challenger Tang Shan
Aqua Grace's Pokémon:
[Pokémon: Kingler]
Ability: Shell Armor
Gender: Female
Potential: Master
Level: 43
Skills: Superpower, Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Focus Energy, Guillotine, Razor Shell, Water Pulse, Swords Dance, Aerial Ace
Tang Shan's Pokémon:
[Pokémon: Venusaur]
Ability: Overgrow
Gender: Male
Potential: Master
Level: 40
Skills: Vine Whip, Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Razor Leaf, Sweet Scent, Substitute
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The battle unfolded on the golden sands of the beach, with a virtual barrier enclosing the arena to protect the crowd. Spectators filled the stands, their cheers blending with the sound of the waves.
"Sweet Scent!"
Tang Shan's Venusaur unleashed a fragrant mist to impair Kingler's mobility. Aqua Grace responded with remarkable composure.
"Focus Energy! Tank it!"
Kingler inhaled deeply, standing firm as the Sweet Scent washed over it.
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"Venusaur, Toxic Powder followed by Vine Whip! Finish with Solar Beam!"
Tang Shan wasted no time, commanding a devastating combo. Clouds of toxic powder billowed from Venusaur's flower, followed by two thick vines snaking toward Kingler.
"Swords Dance to disperse the powder! Then endure the Solar Beam!"
The spectators gasped at Aqua Grace's decision. Why tank Solar Beam, a move known for its raw power, instead of dodging?
Even Tang Shan hesitated. The Solar Beam was meant to be a finisher, but it required charging time. The Toxic Powder was supposed to weaken Kingler first.
"Strange... Why wouldn't she dodge the Solar Beam?" murmured a girl sitting near Hikaru, frowning in confusion.
"She's going for Revenge," Hikaru explained, his tone calm yet insightful.
"The Venusaur's energy is unstable—it must've just broken into the Master tier. Grass has a natural advantage over Water, so Kingler's already at a disadvantage. If Kingler rushes in, it risks being entangled by Leech Seed or Poison Powder.
"This way, Aqua Grace can tank the Solar Beam and then retaliate with a powered-up move like Revenge, amplified further by Swords Dance. Venusaur won't stand a chance."
"Wow, that sounds... really advanced," the girl muttered, her brows furrowing even deeper.
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On the battlefield, Aqua Grace proved Hikaru's prediction correct.
"Revenge!"
The dust cleared to reveal Venusaur unconscious, its eyes swirling in defeat. Kingler stood victorious, though visibly exhausted.
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"Wow! You called it!" The girl turned to congratulate Hikaru, only to find his seat empty.
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Meanwhile, Dira had become distracted, her attention drawn toward the city. A familiar energy pulsed faintly in the distance—a presence similar to hers, yet different.
Without a word, she began making her way off the beach.
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As for Hikaru, inspired by the thrilling match, he couldn't resist stepping forward.
"Excuse me, I'd like to challenge Aqua Grace next!"
"Hmm?" Aqua Grace turned toward the young trainer, a smile gracing her lips.
She was known for being approachable and kind-hearted, often mentoring up-and-coming trainers.
"Such a young challenger! Are you sure you're ready?"
"I am. Charizard, let's go!"
"Roar!"
Emerging in a blaze of glory, Charizard's imposing figure drew gasps from the crowd.
Standing nearly three meters tall, it dwarfed the average Charizard, whose height barely reached two meters. Its sleek, shimmering skin and sharp claws gleamed under the sunlight, while its tail flame burned with a faint golden hue mixed with white.
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"Isn't that the provincial league champion, Hikaru?" someone in the crowd murmured.
"I saw his matches! Back then, his Charizard was still a Charmeleon—and it could already fly!"
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Aqua Grace's interest was piqued.
"Well then, young man, let's see what you've got!"
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To Be Continued...
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