Like Mei Rong, Cai Dou doesn't believe in holding back. If a Pokémon tests you and finds you strong, the next Pokémon will definitely match your strength.
Even if it means sending out the main force and the ace at the end, it's all worth it.
The Slowking sent out by the Superpower User as first move had just used [Power Gemstone] to defeat Mei Rong's first Frosmoth, when it was knocked out by her second Pokémon, the Galarian Darmanitan, using [Ice Pillar Fall].
Clearly it resisted the Ice Attribute techniques, showing the terrifying physical attack output of the Galarian Darmanitan.
Facing such a Pokémon, the Superpower User had no choice but to send out a Hypno to exchange punches with it, making them fight back and forth for several seconds.
The eventual loser, without a doubt, was the Galarian Darmanitan.
After all, Hypno used [Absorption Fist], attacking while absorbing in a continuous cycle, while Galarian Darmanitan's trait is [One Ape One Intention], which limits it to one move from start to finish without switching.
Although Galarian Darmanitan has high output, its defense is frail, and it couldn't withstand a few punches from Hypno before being knocked out.
This performance excited Mei Rong, known as the "Frozen Expert," even more. Instead of taking a usual approach, she directly sent out Lapras as the final choice and performed Gigantamax.
At the climax of the BGM, Gigantamax Lapras unleashed its exclusive gigantic technique [Gigantamax Aurora Melody].
Massive ice blocks fell from the sky, forming an aurora-shaped curtain in front of the newly Gigantamaxed Lapras, forcefully blocking Hypno's Gigantic Fist Fight summoned from above.
This exclusive gigantic technique creates an aurora curtain effect that reduces physical attack and special attack damage.
With the aurora curtain and the naturally high endurance of Gigantamax Lapras, it became difficult to deal with. Hypno's three consecutive Gigantic Fist Fights couldn't take down Lapras, and it was left almost incapacitated itself.
Seeing the unfavorable situation, the Superpower User quickly withdrew the de-Gigantamaxed Hypno and sent up the Galarian Slowbro, not doing anything else but rushing to Lapras and shoving a purple "Snail Gun" into its mouth, using the exclusive skill [Arm Shell Weapon] to continuously spray poison into Lapras's mouth.
Although it was quickly frozen into a ball by Lapras using Frozen Beam and lost its ability to fight, it successfully gifted Lapras the poisoned status.
When Hypno returned to the field, it was finally able to inflict effective "severe injury" on Lapras and used its last bit of strength to successfully take it down.
In an instant, both sides were left with only one Pokémon each, bringing the challenge to its climax and finale.
[You place your hopes on Starmie, who has traveled with you for three years, rescuing you in countless perilous situations, a partner you trust wholeheartedly]
The Superpower User sent out Starmie, while Mei Rong chose—
Eiscue.
A small penguin-like Pokémon with a giant block of ice on its head, waddling as if it might fall over any moment. In fact, this is the exclusive trait known as [Frozen Head], which allows Eiscue to block one attack.
When the weather turns to hail, the shattered frozen head will be restored.
Despite the opportunity to challenge again, the Superpower User already felt Mei Rong's strength and wouldn't want to repeat challenges and delay his rhythm if he could help it.
Hoping for success, the Starmie, with Hypno as the "three dynasties old minister," did not disappoint him. Even though repeatedly injured by Eiscue, it could quickly recover with [Self-Rebirth] and counterattack.
Baimu watched the screen showing Eiscue tangled with Starmie and thought, indeed, in the Pokémon animation world, a strong Trainer's Pokémon, even with attribute disadvantages—
Ah.
It's down.
The large ice block-headed Eiscue fell over with a thud under Starmie's attack.
[You defeated Circhester Gym Leader Mei Rong and obtained the Circhester Badge]
With the seventh badge in hand, the Superpower User is left with just one badge away from qualifying for the Champion Cup—the most critical and toughest Fistgate Badge.
As previously stated, even if Raihan never won against Mei Rong, it does not mean the Superpower User will have a better experience facing Raihan than when facing Mei Rong in Gym challenges.
The Superpower User, unaccustomed to retracing paths, took the train back to Fistgate City.
[You returned to Fistgate City and immediately challenged the Fistgate Gym. As the first challenger to reach the eighth Gym, Gym Leader Raihan warmly welcomed you]
Welcomed.
Raihan grabbed the Superpower User for a selfie and joined him in participating in a TV show.
[You learned from Raihan that it was requested by President Luozi, accepting it all reluctantly]
Undoubtedly, among all Gym Leaders, Raihan, who is enthusiastic about fashion trends and social platforms, sells tickets best, even surpassing Ma Gu, who is equally popular among young girls.
Nowadays, Baimu can see Raihan frequently appearing in hotspot news on his blog, with various tickets and merchandise selling wildly.
However, the online evaluation of this "Dragon Storm" named individual is mixed, with many admirers and detractors alike, especially after he lost to Dan Emperor, his selfies on his blogs are often met with cold comments.