The next battle was almost entirely a one-sided beating by Alakazam.
Although Chansey possessed incredible recovery abilities, it gradually became unable to keep up with Alakazam's relentless attacks.
Before long, Alakazam defeated Chansey.
Norman happily handed the Bide Badge to Sabrina. His duty was never to stop Trainers from obtaining the Bide Badge, but rather to test their strength.
Although Chansey was a purely support-oriented Pokémon, its healing abilities were far stronger than what it had displayed today. However, after watching several rounds of battle, Norman had already seen enough to judge Sabrina's strength.
Now, only one person had yet to obtain the Bide Badge.
Ash.
Ash silently stepped forward.
Norman smiled.
"Ash, long time no see. I wonder how much you've improved during this time."
Ash smiled back.
"I hope you'll give me some guidance, Uncle Norman."
After speaking, Ash threw out a Poké Ball.
Bulbasaur appeared on the battlefield.
Pokémon:Bulbasaur
Type: Grass/Poison
Category: Seed Pokémon
Ability: Overgrow
Hidden Ability: Chlorophyll
Strength: Peak Gym Level
Compared to Sam's and Sabrina's Pokémon, Bulbasaur's strength was clearly lacking.
Facing one of Norman's Elite-level Pokémon, Ash wasn't confident of victory. That was why he had been so worried during the journey.
To Ash, qualifying for the Masters Tournament was extremely important.
Sam patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't worry. Just do your best. You'll definitely have a chance."
Ash nodded firmly.
Norman then released his own Pokémon.
Pokémon:Slaking
Type: Normal
Category: Lazy Pokémon
Ability: Truant
Hidden Ability: None
Strength: Elite High Level
The moment Slaking appeared, Ash's expression grew serious.
Without hesitation, Bulbasaur launched the first attack.
The bulb on its back opened, and a massive seed shot toward Slaking.
However, unlike before, Slaking didn't try to tank the attack. It effortlessly dodged with surprising agility.
The next moment, Slaking charged forward.
Its fists came crashing down like a torrential storm as it launched a fierce close-range assault.
Bulbasaur was nowhere near as powerful as Sam's Venusaur. Whether in level or overall strength, there was a huge gap.
If Bulbasaur took a direct hit, the battle would be over immediately.
Fortunately, Bulbasaur reacted quickly.
Several vines shot from its body and wrapped around the ground. Using them as anchors, it pulled itself away and narrowly escaped the barrage.
Although it landed awkwardly and rolled several times, Bulbasaur wasn't seriously injured.
Immediately afterward, Bulbasaur counterattacked.
Countless razor-sharp leaves shot from its body and flew toward Slaking.
While Razor Leaf alone wasn't powerful enough to break Slaking's defenses, a barrage of them could still pose a threat.
Yet Slaking casually dodged left and right, avoiding every attack.
Ash knew these attacks weren't particularly effective.
But he had no choice.
If Slaking managed to get close again, Bulbasaur would lose instantly.
The only thing Ash could do was use continuous ranged attacks to slow Slaking's advance.
Misty couldn't help becoming anxious.
"Why is Ash using such ineffective attacks? Anyone can tell that if this continues, Bulbasaur is going to lose!"
Sam shook his head.
"If it were me, I'd probably do the same thing."
Sabrina walked over.
"If you were in this battle, what would you do?"
Sam smiled bitterly.
"If it were me, I'd just surrender."
He wasn't trying to hurt Ash's confidence.
The difference in strength was simply too great.
There was no type advantage, and the level gap was enormous.
Ash was already using the best strategy available to him.
Soon, Slaking closed the distance.
Sweat appeared on Ash's forehead.
He truly couldn't think of another way to hold on.
Suddenly, Slaking grabbed Bulbasaur and executed a powerful throw.
Bulbasaur was sent flying through the air before crashing heavily onto the battlefield.
Although the technique itself wasn't particularly powerful, the enormous level difference caused severe damage.
Bulbasaur slowly climbed back to its feet.
Ash looked at his partner.
"That's enough."
His voice was filled with frustration.
"Why don't you give up?"
Bulbasaur immediately cried out in refusal.
It had no intention of surrendering.
Ash felt a lump form in his throat.
Although Bulbasaur wasn't especially strong, the bond between them had always been deep.
Suddenly, Ash's confidence returned.
"Vine Whip!"
Several vines shot out from Bulbasaur's body and wrapped around Slaking.
Unfortunately, Bulbasaur's vines were far weaker than Sam's Venusaur's.
Slaking casually grabbed one of the vines, yanked hard, and pulled Bulbasaur toward him.
Then, with tremendous force, he slammed Bulbasaur into the ground.
Bulbasaur immediately lost the ability to battle.
The Seed Pokémon collapsed motionless on the battlefield.
Ash lowered his head.
"I lost…"
Norman seemed moved by what he had witnessed.
He walked over and looked at Ash.
"Use your Pikachu and battle me one more time."
"I believe you have the strength to earn this badge."
Ash slowly raised his head.
Hope returned to his eyes.
Then he threw another Poké Ball.
"Pikachu, I choose you!"
A flash of light appeared as Pikachu landed on the battlefield, ready for battle.
---------------Author---------------
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