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Under the boost of Swords Dance, the two Scyther clashed once again this time with even more intensity.
But since they shared the same type and most of their moves were nearly identical, it became difficult to determine a clear advantage at first.
From the ground to midair and back again, the two Bug-types engaged in a relentless flurry of strikes. The repeated use of Fury Cutter filled Kai's ears with the metallic clanging of blades, and even his eyes struggled to follow their dizzying speed.
Perhaps realizing the stalemate was unfavorable, Bugsy grew noticeably anxious. He shouted commands for his Scyther to use Quick Attack in tandem with X-Scissor, trying to force an opening with raw speed and aggressive tactics.
But Kai wasn't going to leave himself exposed that easily. He countered with Double Team and Agility, slipping in well-timed counterattacks whenever there was an opening.
Bit by bit, Bugsy's Scyther began to fall behind.
Finally, Scarblade aka Scar the name Kai had given his Scyther seized the moment during a missed attack and struck true with a powerful Night Slash to a vital spot, sealing the win.
Thud…
Bugsy's Scyther dropped to the ground, unconscious. Scar was still standing, but just barely sweat glistened on his exoskeleton from the intense, high-speed battle. Victory had come at a cost.
The referee raised the flag. "Scyther is unable to battle. The challenger is victorious!"
Recalling his Pokémon, Bugsy walked over with a mix of defeat and admiration.
"I lost," he admitted. "Your Scyther is incredible. As a Bug-type Specialist, it's a strange feeling to be defeated by another Bug-type. Clearly, I still have much to learn."
Kai smiled faintly and gently stroked Scar's forehead as the mantis Pokémon approached him.
"Before I caught him, this Scyther was already the leader of its swarm. Even among its species, it's exceptionally powerful. But honestly, your Scyther was no pushover. If I'd slipped up even once, I'd be the one handing over the badge."
"Is that so…"
Bugsy looked intrigued, but also deeply curious about this mysterious 'island of Bug Pokémon' Kai had once mentioned.
Yeah... Next time I go on a training journey, I'll have to check that place out.
Maybe not next month next week!
After a bit more casual chatting, Bugsy took a badge from his pocket and handed it to Kai.
"This is the Hive Badge. Proof you beat me. Take good care of it."
Kai nodded in thanks. He and Erika his companion leaned in to look. The badge was red and black, shaped like a ladybug, and looked almost exactly like the ones he remembered from back on Earth.
Now that he had this badge, he needed only one more before he could qualify for the Silver Conference.
After a few more pleasantries, Kai and Erika said their goodbyes.
They didn't immediately leave Azalea Town. Instead, they found a cozy inn with a hot spring and took some time to soak and recover from the exhaustion of the past few days.
Their recent hike through Charizard Valley had been particularly grueling, and without proper rest, it could've easily worn them down.
The next morning, refreshed and full of energy, the two finally set off toward their final Gym destination.
---
Goldenrod City — The Beating Heart of Johto
Goldenrod was a sprawling metropolis, alive with color and energy.
Situated on the western coast of Johto, it served as the region's financial, political, and technological hub. Alongside Saffron City in Kanto, it was one of the few true international cities in this part of the Pokémon world.
Goldenrod. Saffron. Even their names suggested opulence and opportunity. It was no wonder people often compared them two cities that never seemed to sleep.
After a day and a half of travel from Azalea, Kai and Erika finally arrived.
Their destination? The Goldenrod Gym home of the Normal-type specialist, Whitney.
Defeating her would earn Kai his eighth and final badge.
As they walked through the bustling streets, Kai couldn't help but notice the towering skyscrapers, the endless flow of traffic, and the fashionable, fast-paced lifestyle of the locals.
For a moment, it felt like he was back on Earth maybe in Tokyo or New York.
No matter what world you're in, the grind never stops...
Erika giggled as she saw him glancing around in awe. "You've been to both Saffron and Goldenrod now. Which one feels more... extravagant to you?"
Trying to play it cool, Kai smirked.
Trying to test me, huh?
"Honestly? They're about the same. Once a city reaches this scale, the differences kind of blur. One's on the coast, the other isn't that's probably the biggest distinction."
Erika nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. Once the infrastructure and tech level hit a certain point, cities start to feel pretty similar."
They followed the main road until the massive Goldenrod Gym came into view.
It looked more like a modern sports stadium than a traditional Gym. Had it not been for the large Pokémon League emblem above the entrance, Kai might've mistaken it for a soccer arena.
Unfortunately, just as they arrived, a staff member informed them that Whitney had stepped out for a bit and wasn't currently at the Gym.
Kai couldn't help but sigh.
First, Bugsy had been away when they reached Azalea, and now Whitney? His luck was starting to feel cursed.
Is the universe trying to humble me or something?
Thankfully, the staff reassured them that Whitney was only out shopping and would definitely return by tomorrow.
That calmed him down a little.
As they walked back into the city center, Kai turned to Erika.
"It's only noon. Let's find a place to rest for now, and we'll come back later."
"No problem," Erika said, then flashed a playful smile. "But since we've got time and we don't visit Goldenrod every day how about a little sightseeing?"
Hearing that, Kai felt a pang of guilt.
She'd been by his side through thick and thin, trekking all over Johto without complaint. It was about time he gave her some attention.
"You're right. Where do you want to go?"
Erika thought for a moment. "I've always heard the Goldenrod Department Store is legendary. Let's start there!"
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