Devon Corporation's private battle arena was constructed entirely from high-strength alloy and special fiberglass. Above the dome, a simulated system of blue sky, white clouds, and sunlight made it feel as though one were hardly indoors at all.
The arena was large enough to accommodate the most intense Pokémon battles; even Flying-type Pokémon could soar here without any restraint.
Ariel, Steven, and Roxanne stood in the center of the field, the solid composite rock floor beneath their feet feeling no different from the actual wilderness.
"How are the three of us going to battle?"
Roxanne adjusted her glasses, her eyes filled with anticipation for the fight.
As the Gym Leader of Rustboro City, battling was an instinct ingrained in her very bones.
Just as Steven was about to propose an idea, a slightly magnetic voice with a unique sense of rhythm drifted lazily from the shadows of the arena entrance.
"How could a gathering this wonderful be complete without me?"
As the words fell, a figure stepped slowly out of the shadows.
The newcomer wore a spotless pure white shawl over a well-tailored blue formal suit. His green hair shimmered with a soft luster under the simulated sunlight.
His pace was neither fast nor slow; every step seemed precisely calculated, as elegant as a nobleman performing on stage.
Ariel's pupils constricted slightly.
This face, this iconic outfit, this way of making an entrance... "Let me introduce you,"
Steven said with a gentle smile on his face, turning to introduce him.
"This is a close friend I recently met during my travels at sea, Wallace of Sootopolis City. He is a Coordinator who pursues the ultimate aesthetic, and of course, a powerful Trainer as well."
Wallace walked up to them, his gaze sweeping over Ariel and Roxanne before settling on Ariel. The corners of his mouth curled up into a confident smile.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Wallace. Steven told me there was a very interesting Trainer here; it seems that's you."
A massive wave of shock had already surged within Ariel's heart.
Wallace!
The future hoenn champion, Water-type master, and the most magnificent Contest Coordinator!
He looked at the people beside him again.
Steven, the future hoenn champion, Steel-type and Rock-type master.
Roxanne, the Gym Leader of Rustboro City, a future Rock-type expert.
Good heavens!
This lineup was practically a top-tier future Hoenn all-star gathering! As a transmigrator from outside, he had actually stumbled into such a legendary circle.
Ariel felt his breathing quicken slightly.
Battling against these future top-tier regional big shots brought immense pressure.
However, following that was an even stronger fighting spirit.
Being able to trade blows with people of this caliber, even if they hadn't reached their future peaks yet, was enough to make his blood boil!
"Now that everyone's here, it's even more interesting."
Ariel suppressed the turmoil in his heart, his face returning to a calm expression.
"How about we have a 1v1 rotation match? Miss Roxanne and I will go first, then Steven and Mr. Wallace will have a match, and the winners will face off."
This proposal received unanimous agreement from everyone.
Wallace elegantly retreated to the spectator area, leaning leisurely against the railing and watching the field with great interest.
Steven also stepped aside, his gaze focused.
Only Ariel and Roxanne remained on the battle arena.
"Then, I'll go first!"
Roxanne took out a Poké Ball and threw it forward with a crisp motion.
"Go, Golem!"
A flash of red light, and a massive Pokémon landed with a boom!
"Thud!"
The entire arena shook. It was a giant sphere composed of countless hard rocks, its four thick arms brimming with power, and its red eyes filled with a combative glint.
Golem, the final evolution of the Rock and Ground-types, known for its staggering physical defense and power.
Seeing the ace Roxanne sent out, thoughts raced through Ariel's mind.
Speaking of type advantages, he had two Pokémon in his team that could perfectly suppress Golem.
Seeing the ace Roxanne sent out, thoughts raced through Ariel's mind.
Speaking of type advantages, he had two Pokémon in his team that could perfectly suppress Golem.
Krokorok's Ground-type could deal decent damage to Golem.
Sneasel's speed and Ice-type moves could also easily tear through Golem's defense.
But... that would be too boring.
Against an opponent like Roxanne, crushing her with pure type advantages would invisibly strip the match of its meaning.
The corners of Ariel's mouth curled up as he pulled out a Poké Ball.
"I choose you, Malamar!"
A flash of light, and a strangely shaped Pokémon floated in mid-air.
It had a body similar to a squid but was upside down. The tentacles on its head hung down like a beard, and its eyes shimmered with an unsettling light, filled with a mysterious and eerie aura.
Seeing Malamar, Roxanne's expression visibly faltered for a moment.
"The evolved form of Inkay? It seems you've improved quite a lot during this time."
Steven analyzed calmly:
"Psychic-type is normally effective against Rock-type, and the same goes for Dark-type. Ariel gave up his type advantage; does he want to have a battle of skill?"
In the spectator stands, Wallace's eyes lit up, but his brows furrowed slightly.
"Oh? Such a rare Pokémon. Its upside-down posture is full of beauty that subverts convention, except..."
"What's wrong?"
Steven scratched his head, somewhat confused.
"I'm a Water-type Trainer; I inevitably deal with the sea."
"The reputation of Pokémon like Malamar is a bit..."
Wallace hesitated to finish his sentence.
Having said this much, Steven understood Wallace's meaning.
It was nothing more than the idea that those who use such Pokémon are mostly people from evil organizations and the like.
Steven clapped Wallace on the shoulder heartily.
"I understand what you mean, but a Pokémon doesn't represent a person's character."
"I can guarantee that Ariel is an excellent Trainer with a strong sense of justice. You can rest assured on that point!"
...
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