Red mobilized the last of his Viridian Power, channeling all of it into Larvitar's body.
Larvitar could clearly feel it—
Its stamina is recovering, the pain from its injuries gradually fading.
Its eyes lit up with renewed fighting spirit.
"Go, Pikachu! Show them our bond!"
"Quick Attack!"
Under Ash's command, Pikachu turned into a streak of yellow lightning—
Reaching Larvitar in the blink of an eye.
Watching Ash's fiery determination and Pikachu's surging power—
Everyone present couldn't help but think:
Could Ash actually win this?
Even Gary finally understood why his master said he wasn't as good as Ash.
This seemingly clueless childhood rival—
Together with his Pikachu—
Held terrifying potential.
At this moment, everyone's attention was drawn to Ash.
Standing on the opposite side, Red casually rolled his neck.
"Honestly… these people just shout things like bonds, passion, friendship—and charge straight in."
"Makes it seem like I'm the villain."
He took a deep breath, drawing out the last trace of Viridian Power, and commanded:
"Larvitar—grab Pikachu! Don't let it escape!"
BOOM!
Pikachu slammed into Larvitar, kicking up a cloud of dust.
As the dust settled—
A long trail of skid marks appeared on the ground.
The impact had been powerful.
Larvitar had been pushed back over ten steps before barely stopping.
But—
With Pikachu right in front of it—
Larvitar didn't hesitate.
Its small arms tightened—
Locking Pikachu firmly in its embrace.
"Not good!" Ash's expression changed.
"Break free, Pikachu!"
Pikachu struggled violently—
Claws, bites, headbutts, Thunderbolt—
It used everything it had.
But it couldn't break free at all.
Larvitar's grip tightened further.
With the strength granted by two Dragon Dances—
Pikachu cried out in pain.
Moments later—
Larvitar released its hold.
Pikachu collapsed onto the ground, eyes swirling.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! The winner is Gym Leader Red !"
A crushing embrace—
Victory secured .
After completing this feat, Larvitar plopped down onto the ground, panting heavily.
Without Red 's Viridian Power—
It never would've survived Pikachu's attack.
"Nicely done. I've got a big surprise for you tonight."
Larvitar nodded, still a bit dazed.
Only Red knew—
He still had two Evolution Potions unused—
And the Soul Sand from the compensation.
Originally, he had worried Larvitar wouldn't be able to handle such enhancements.
But today's battle proved—
It was ready.
After settling Larvitar, Red stood up and looked at Ash.
"I lost…"
Ash held Pikachu in his arms.
Larvitar hadn't held back too much—
Pikachu quickly regained consciousness.
Even after such a crushing defeat, Pikachu still tried to comfort Ash.
"It's my fault, Pikachu… you don't have to comfort me. I know."
Holding Pikachu, Ash looked at Red .
"I lost…"
Just as Misty stepped forward to comfort him—
Brock gently stopped her and shook his head.
"But next time!"
"Next time, I'll win!"
Even in defeat—
Ash's determination burned brightly.
Seeing this, Gary fell into deep thought.
Red , for the first time, nodded in satisfaction.
Now this… is more like the Ash I know.
Ash nodded at Red , then jumped off the battlefield, preparing to head to the Pokémon Center.
But at that moment—
Red tossed something toward him.
Ash instinctively caught it.
Looking at the badge—colored brown, Red , blue, and white—his eyes widened.
"This… is this…?"
"This is the Weather Badge," Red said with a smile.
"It represents passing the Gym challenge."
"But… I clearly lost…"
"Victory isn't the only criterion."
"I saw your perseverance."
"You deserve it."
Hearing this—
Xiaowen and Qiao Yixue both looked at Red in surprise.
Gary, meanwhile, stared at Ash with envy.
Because he knew—
This was the first badge his master had ever awarded.
"Why aren't you thanking the Gym Leader?" Misty urged.
As they began celebrating—
Ash looked at the badge in his hand.
Then at the two badges on his chest.
The Boulder Badge and Cascade Badge—
Though somewhat questionable—
Were still earned through battle.
But this one…
Was given.
Suddenly—
Ash threw it back.
"Thank you, Gym Leader Red !"
"But I want to earn my badges with my own strength!"
Red raised an eyebrow.
"You'd better think carefully. If you refuse this badge now, it won't be easy to get it next time."
"I've thought it through!"
With that—
Ash dashed out of the Gym, heading for the Pokémon Center.
Watching him leave, Red suddenly slapped his forehead.
"Ah—damn it! I forgot to ask if he wanted to be my disciple…"
Then he shrugged.
"Well, he'll be back to challenge again anyway. I'll ask next time."
Stretching lazily, Red was in a great mood.
At that moment, Gary walked over.
"Thank you for your guidance, Master. I finally understand the gap between me and Ash. I'll train even harder!"
[Ding~ Gary's exclusive quest progress +10%]
[Only 10% remaining to next reward]
Red stroked his chin.
"…Did I even guide him?"
Watching Gary leave, he waved it off.
"Whatever. As long as my disciples train hard, that's enough."
"As for me… I've got bigger things to think about."
Just as he was about to continue training—
He suddenly paused.
"…Feels like I forgot something?"
At that moment—
Qiao Yixue, who had been sitting in the stands for quite a while, slowly stood up and looked at him.
"Gym Leader Red …"
"You wouldn't want your Gym to fail the inspection, would you?"
Red 's expression instantly stiffened.
Oh no… I completely forgot about the inspection!
Seeing his reaction, Qiao Yixue—who had been cold all along—finally smiled.
"Relax. You passed."
"I don't have the habit of helping others complete their schemes."
[Ding~ Congratulations, host! Gym inspection completed!]
[Hidden reward obtained: Random Mega Stone]
◇ You can read 60+ chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/ElaraVance1
✨ Bonus Chapter Goals ✨
10 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter
100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter