Read up to 30 advanced chapters exclusively on my Patreon at - patreon.com/LoverrBoy
---------------------------------
Liam and Max's relationship could be considered quite good. Back when they were still in Pallet Town, Liam, Delia, and Max had been very close friends.
Liam knew Max's personality very well—typical sharp tongue but soft heart. His face always looked cold, as if pushing people away, which had made Liam quite angry with him in the beginning.
But Liam also understood that Max's behavior was actually his way of showing concern for others. He just didn't want to trouble anyone with his own issues, preferring to solve everything by himself.
This kind of personality reminded Liam of his younger self, creating a sense of resonance, a shared feeling.
So, when Liam saw the scars on both Max and his Charizard that came from who-knows-where, his anger flared instantly. These wounds were clearly life-threatening, and yet Max hadn't said a word to his family. That made Liam furious—not only at Max's stubborn nature but even more so at whoever had inflicted such injuries!
"Both sides ready! This round, Charizard versus Larvitar! Battle—begin!"
Although Liam was still simmering with anger, Mr. Howard, the referee, didn't notice and continued to fulfill his duties.
"Hmph, we'll settle this later! Larvitar, use Screech!"
Hearing Howard's call, Liam forced himself to refocus—it was still a battle, and not the time to be distracted. He quickly issued his command.
"Larviitaaar!"
Larvitar responded with a nod, turned toward Max and Charizard, and opened its little mouth wide. The piercing, soul-shattering Screech was about to burst forth again!
"Stop it, Charizard! Use Flamethrower!"
"Rooaaar!!"
But Max, having already suffered from Screech once, was clearly prepared this time. Just as Larvitar drew in a deep breath, Charizard, acting instantly on Max's command, opened its jaws wide and unleashed a torrent of flames, engulfing Larvitar in an instant.
"So fast!"
The speed of this Charizard's Flamethrower startled Liam. Up until now, he had battled several Charizards, including some outstanding ones, but none of them had ever unleashed their moves with such swiftness. As expected of one of Professor Oak's ace Pokémon!
"Lar… vi…"
When the flames subsided, Larvitar stumbled out, its body blackened. The little one still hadn't processed what had just happened, only coughing out puffs of black smoke.
Seeing that Larvitar wasn't gravely hurt, Liam breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Larvitar's typing gave it natural resistance to Fire-type attacks—otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable.
"Tsk—its resistance is too high, huh? Hmph, no matter! We have other moves! Charizard, charge in and use Dragon Claw!"
Max realized Fire-type attacks wouldn't do much damage against Larvitar. He immediately switched strategies, opting for Dragon Claw.
"Roar!!"
Charizard answered at once. Its foreclaws gleamed with a blue-violet light as sharp draconic talons formed. Beating its wings, it shot forward, hugging close to the ground in a dust-laden rush straight for Larvitar!
"Run, Larvitar! Get into the burrow!"
"Lar!!"
Facing Charizard's direct assault, Liam chose to have Larvitar retreat. He knew Larvitar wasn't yet strong enough to match this Charizard head-on. While Liam wasn't fully aware of Charizard's true power, as one of Professor Oak's main Pokémon, it definitely wouldn't be weak.
Following the command, Larvitar shook itself, scattering the scorch marks from its body, and sprinted toward a hole in the ground not far away.
But Charizard was already in hot pursuit. Its glowing claws slashed again and again, each strike slicing through the air with terrifying force. Larvitar managed to dodge nimbly, inching closer and closer to safety.
"Charizard! Don't let it escape! Use Fire Spin!"
Max saw Larvitar about to vanish underground and quickly issued his counter.
"Roar!!"
Charizard, still flying low, snapped its jaws open. A spinning fireball erupted from its mouth, striking the ground right behind Larvitar. In an instant, it exploded outward, transforming into a swirling vortex of fire that completely trapped Larvitar inside!
"Lar!!"
"Larvitar! Break through with Sandstorm!"
"Larvitar!!"
Swallowed by flames, Larvitar obeyed Liam's urgent command. A violent Sandstorm quickly whirled around its small body, tearing apart the fiery vortex into sparks that were devoured by the raging sands. Freed from its confinement, the storm spread outward, sweeping across the battlefield!
"Roar!"
Charizard halted abruptly, glaring coldly at the expanding Sandstorm. Its instincts warned it that barging straight in would be unwise.
"Don't falter, Charizard! Use Blast Burn! Go all out!"
Max frowned. He knew the Sandstorm had to be stopped quickly, or it would spell disaster. Charizard's resistance to Rock-type moves was too low, and… its body couldn't endure a prolonged fight. The only choice was a swift, decisive strike!
"Roooaaar!!"
The moment it heard the command, Charizard's eyes flared with fire. Raising its right arm high, explosive flames coiled around it. With a thunderous roar, Charizard slammed its burning fist down into the ground!
BOOOOM!!
A deafening explosion erupted! Flames engulfed the battlefield, the already-battered ground shattering into jagged fissures with Charizard at the center. The raging inferno completely annihilated the Sandstorm.
"Larvitar!!"
Caught in the aftermath, Larvitar's small body was blasted skyward by the underground shockwave before crashing heavily back to the ground.
"Haah… haah… ROAR!!"
Charizard stood tall, panting heavily but triumphant. Turning to face Larvitar, who was still struggling to get up, it let out an earth-shaking roar.
"Larvitar! Tch… Just what did Professor Oak put this Charizard through in its youth? Even moves like Blast Burn, and his Dragonite knowing Draco Meteor too… Unbelievable. That's enough, Larvitar. Come back and rest."
Liam's face showed nothing but worry. He really didn't want Larvitar to suffer more injuries. He raised its PokeBall, a beam of red light shooting out to recall it. But—
"Larvitar!!"
Larvitar leapt aside, dodging the beam.
It looked back at Liam with stubborn eyes, crying out repeatedly, clearly unwilling to give up.
"Roar!"
Charizard frowned at Larvitar's cries, taking a heavy step forward and growling low.
"Lar!!"
Larvitar snapped its head toward Charizard, its fierce gaze burning with defiance as it cried out loudly in response.
Zzzzt!!
Suddenly, a sound like crackling electricity filled the air. Everyone's eyes turned toward Larvitar—its entire body was glowing brilliantly. Shock and excitement spread across every face in the arena.